According to Steyr Automotive, China National Heavy Duty Truck Group (CNHTC) has signed a contract manufacturing agreement with Steyr Automotive and has already started truck production in Steyr, Austria. The first vehicle was assembled on March 3rd. Steyr Automotive stated, “Initially, assembly will be done using the SKD (Semi-Knocked Down) method. As production increases, we plan to transition to the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) production model, at which time cab manufacturing and painting will also be carried out at the Steyr plant.” Steyr Automotive also stated that as production volume and local value-added processes increase, the company will gradually expand its workforce.
In other words, some pre-assembled truck kits currently imported from China are being assembled at the Austrian plant (SKD model). However, the future goal is to shift to the CKD assembly model, where trucks are shipped to Austria as completely disassembled parts, and then the entire vehicle is assembled locally. This strategy will also create more jobs for Steyr, as cab production and painting will also be localized.
The powertrain configuration has not yet been disclosed.
It’s worth noting that China National Heavy Duty Truck Group (CNHTC) has commissioned Steyr Automotive to assemble both diesel and electric trucks. However, neither party has specified the exact powertrain ratio. Steyr Automotive’s statement only vaguely indicates that the cooperation includes providing “state-of-the-art” manufacturing processes, infrastructure, and production capacity at the Steyr plant. At least it’s certain that the vehicles produced by Steyr will primarily target customers in the EMEA region—the European, Middle Eastern, and African markets.
According to German media reports, Steyr Automotive expects to produce 600 to 800 vehicles this year. However, this figure has not been officially confirmed, and the technical details of the vehicles have not been released. In China, CNHTC primarily sells new energy trucks under its Howo brand. One electric tractor unit shown on its website measures 5.99 × 2.17 × 3.10 meters and is equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries from CATL or Fudi. However, this model is mainly targeted at the Chinese market.
MAN Technology May Be a Foundation
Meanwhile, industry media reported that the first Sinotruk truck completed this week at Steyr is a 4×2 diesel tractor unit with a redesigned cab based on the MAN TG2 model. The truck bears the “Sitrak” branding on the front. The media speculated that the TG2 may provide the complete technological foundation for this Sinotruk truck—at least for the diesel version.
This is not surprising: MAN has a close relationship with Sinotruk and holds shares in the company. MAN is also reportedly providing technology for “some Sinotruk models.” Furthermore, Steyr Automotive also has ties to MAN: Steyr operates the former MAN plant in Steyr and continues to supply some parts to MAN.
New Contract to Boost Austrian Plant
This new contract will bring more production to the Austrian plant. Just a few months ago, Steyr Automotive secured a fixed order to produce the eTopas 600 electric truck from the Chinese startup SuperPanther. The company stated, “Producing vehicles for China National Heavy Duty Truck Group (CNHTC) will further expand our customer base in the contract manufacturing business.”
Previously, Steyr Automotive also planned to assemble the Volta Zero electric truck. However, due to the bankruptcy of its customer, Volta Trucks, the project ultimately failed to enter the formal production stage and remained only in the preparation phase.
CNHTC’s Position in the Chinese Market
China National Heavy Duty Truck Group (CNHTC) is headquartered in Jinan, Shandong Province. The group has a broad product line covering heavy-duty, medium-duty, and light-duty trucks, buses, and various special-purpose vehicles. CNHTC is considered one of China’s largest heavy-duty truck manufacturers. In 2024, the company sold approximately 245,000 vehicles, accounting for about 27% of the domestic market share. Simultaneously, the company also sold 6,166 trucks using alternative powertrain systems, including pure electric and fuel cell models.
In recent years, CNHTC has also gained attention for its cooperation with Toyota in developing fuel cell commercial vehicles for the Chinese market and has secured a large order for 1,100 hydrogen fuel cell trucks. In September 2022, three companies signed the order with China National Heavy Duty Truck Group (CNHTC) and Weichai Power, with delivery expected within two to three years. The three customers are Qingdao Shengtonghua Automobile Sales and Service Co., Ltd., Zibo Zhanhong Automobile, and logistics company Tongxin Logistics Technology Co., Ltd. Weichai Power established a strategic partnership with fuel cell manufacturer Ballard Power Systems in 2018, becoming Ballard’s largest single shareholder. This supplier is also part of CNHTC’s important partner network.
