Shaanxi Heavy Duty Truck: Transformation
In the city of Xi'an, when people hear the name "BYD," they often shake their heads in disapproval. However, mention "Shaanxi Zhongqi" and you'll get an immediate nod: "Yes, that's our company." Like Xi'an's long and rich history, Shaanxi Zhongqi has been a veteran in China's automotive industry, seen by locals as a reliable and enduring force.
Liu Dapeng, Secretary-General of the Xi'an Automobile Engineering Society, points out that while the automotive industry in Shaanxi is relatively weak, most major auto-related companies are concentrated in Xi'an. Among them, Shaanxi Heavy Duty Truck stands out. In 2007, the company produced and sold 160,000 vehicles, with 41% of that being from Shaanxi Heavy Duty Truck, making it a true pillar of the local automotive sector.
According to the development plan set by Shaanxi Heavy Duty Truck, by 2012, the company aimed to develop various types of commercial vehicles, including heavy, medium, light, and micro-sized models. The target was to produce 120,000 heavy trucks, 380,000 heavy truck axles, 5,000 large and medium-sized buses, 100,000 medium and small trucks, and 100,000 light passenger vans, with sales revenue reaching 50 billion yuan and profits exceeding 2 billion yuan.
With the strategy for the large-scale development of the western region, Xi'an has experienced strong industrial restructuring. Thanks to this environment, Shaanxi Heavy Duty Truck has undergone multiple transformations, leading to its rebirth and continued growth.
Last year, Shaanxi Heavy Duty Truck made a significant contribution to Xi'an. In 2007, the company achieved a total output value of 18.2 billion yuan, representing a 92.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the past three years, the company maintained an average annual growth rate of over 50%, far exceeding the industry's 20% average. It consistently ranked among the top domestic heavy truck sellers, holding a 34% market share in the over-15-ton segment. After entering the list of China's Top 500 companies for several consecutive years, the company now aims for global recognition.
In the northern suburbs of Xi'an, a modern heavy-duty automobile factory covering about 3,500 mu has risen. Since 2005, it has become the second vehicle factory of Shaanxi Auto and serves as the overall management center of the company.
However, 40 years ago, Shaanxi Auto looked very different. In the 1960s, during a time of international isolation, China urgently needed heavy military off-road vehicles. In 1968, at the foot of Wuzhangyuan in the northern foothills of the Qinling Mountains, the first generation of Shaanxi Auto workers began their journey. Zhang Xingye, an old Shaanxi automaker, recalls that the company was established to meet national defense needs, focusing on producing a 5-ton class off-road vehicle to support the military.
In the early days, the company faced serious shortages of talent and technology, but it remained determined. In 1972, after three rounds of trial production, the first military SUV, Yan’an 250 (SX250), was successfully developed, marking the beginning of Shaanxi Auto's journey in the heavy truck industry.
The company started developing civilian heavy trucks in the early 1980s, using military vehicle technology platforms. In 1984, under the central government’s restructuring of the automobile industry, Shaanxi Auto became part of the reorganization plan, joining the China Heavy-Duty Truck Group. This marked the start of a new phase for the company.
Despite these changes, collaboration within the group was inefficient. Shaanxi Auto struggled with internal planned economy constraints, leading to losses and financial difficulties. By 1990, the company was at a critical point, with only 700 units produced annually and heavy debt.
However, by 1993, the heavy truck market improved, and Shaanxi Auto began to recover. In just three years, it produced 5,901 heavy trucks, more than the total of the previous 14 years. Its industrial output value increased fourfold, and worker incomes doubled.
Despite this success, the broader China Heavy-Duty Truck Group faced severe losses, and Shaanxi Auto's profits were affected. In 1999, the State Council conducted a special investigation, revealing massive losses. As a result, the group was disbanded in 2000, and Shaanxi Auto was placed under provincial management.
After regaining independence, the Shaanxi Provincial Government provided support, helping the company overcome challenges. In 2002, Shaanxi Auto formed a joint venture with Hunan Torch, solving capital issues and bringing in advanced business practices. In 2005, Weichai Power acquired the Hunan Torch stake, becoming the parent company of Shaanxi Auto and boosting its market presence.
By 2006, Shaanxi Auto's growth rate reached 105%, with sales surpassing 33,000 units. Today, Shaanxi Heavy Duty Truck leads the market, with sales exceeding 60,000 units in 2007 and a total output value of 18.2 billion yuan.
Looking ahead, Shaanxi Auto continues to focus on technological innovation and strategic partnerships. While collaborating with foreign firms like Germany's MAN, the company emphasizes absorbing and mastering technology to build its own competitive edge. With ongoing efforts, Shaanxi Auto is positioning itself not just as a local leader, but as a rising global player in the automotive industry.
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