Automated trucks - China National Heavy Duty Truck AMT transmission mass production

The mass production of the "SMARTSHIFT-AMT" transmission marks a significant milestone in Sinotruk's ambition to take a leading role in China's heavy truck industry. On December 12, 2008, at the CNHTC Transmission Production Line in Zhangqiu, Jinan, Wang Baozhong, head of the technical department, oversaw the careful removal of a newly packaged SMARTSHIFT-AMT transmission from a forklift. This moment was critical as it signaled the final steps toward full-scale production just one week later. Wang and his team had been preparing for this moment for months. By December 19, the AMT line—capable of producing 30,000 units annually—was ready to roll out its first batch of fully assembled transmissions. To ensure reliability, Wang conducted a thorough inspection of the entire production process. “We are in the most intense phase before mass production,” he said. “Every step is crucial. The line has been adjusted according to AMT requirements, and now our focus is on maintaining cleanliness and protection.” A week later, during an annual business meeting attended by over 1,600 global distributors, President Cai Dong announced that the automatic transmission would become a key driver for China’s heavy truck market. With the market still largely untapped, SMARTSHIFT-AMT represented a strategic opportunity. After the meeting, a dealer immediately placed an order for 50 HOWO-A7 tractors equipped with the new transmission. Despite the global financial crisis impacting the Chinese heavy truck market in late 2008, Sinotruk continued to grow. It launched the EGR engine to reduce losses and acquired a historic gear factory in Shanxi. These moves helped Sinotruk achieve a major industry milestone: the industrialization of domestic automatic transmissions and vehicle assembly. Sinotruk was not the first to explore AMT technology. However, while European markets had embraced AMT, the Chinese market lagged, with domestic companies struggling to move beyond R&D. Most relied on foreign suppliers like ZF. But Sinotruk aimed to change that. President Cai Dong recognized the potential early. In 2005, his team observed that 20–30% of European road tractors used AMT, a trend that was growing. Unlike traditional automatic transmissions (AT), which rely on hydraulic systems, AMT uses a computerized TCU to control shifts, making it more fuel-efficient—up to 10% better than AT in similar models. The system also eliminates human error by simulating expert driving techniques, offering better efficiency than manual transmissions. Cai saw an opportunity: if Sinotruk could introduce mature AMT technology early, it would gain a competitive edge both domestically and internationally. However, developing AMT was no easy task. Initially, Sinotruk lacked its own transmission production, complicating R&D efforts. But in 2006, after separating from Weichai, the company began building its own transmission base. This enabled independent AMT development, supported by advancements in electronic control systems. By 2008, all preparations were complete. The AMT project officially launched, starting with a 16-speed transmission. At the same time, the European market had already adopted AMT widely, with over 50% of tractors using it. To stay ahead, Sinotruk pursued a joint development strategy with WABCO, a German supplier known for working with Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. WABCO provided the TCU platform, while Sinotruk engineers calibrated it for China’s diverse road conditions. “This isn’t just a technology transfer,” said Liu Wei. “It’s about combining local conditions with advanced tech to create products with full intellectual property rights.” The challenge lay in calibration. AMT software needed to account for every possible road condition, requiring extensive testing. Over 50 test vehicles were used, accumulating over 600,000 kilometers of real-world data. Vehicle matching was also complex, as few manufacturers would risk testing their products on a large scale. Despite these hurdles, the team succeeded. By late 2008, SMARTSHIFT-AMT reduced fuel consumption by 5–10% compared to manual transmissions. Users in Beijing and Inner Mongolia praised its performance, saying they’d choose AMT when buying a new truck. Now, Sinotruk is expanding its AMT offerings, including 12-speed versions for different models. At a test event in Jinan, dealers and media tested HOWO-A7 trucks equipped with AMT, noting their smooth performance and European-like feel. The A7 model, developed with Italian design input, aims to elevate Sinotruk’s brand image. While not expected to dominate the market in 2009, its AMT feature serves as a test of consumer demand. In the cab, drivers can choose between E (economy), P (power), and C (crawling) modes, adjusting to different conditions. The system also includes a manual mode for those who prefer it. With a price tag of around 309,800 yuan, the A7 offers a cost-effective alternative to imported trucks, which often cost millions. Despite cautious optimism, Sinotruk remains focused on long-term growth. Looking ahead, Cai Dong believes that while domestic companies may not yet match international standards, the AMT market will eventually expand. As more players enter, it could drive innovation across the heavy truck industry. For Sinotruk, the goal is clear: break the dominance of foreign suppliers, capture domestic market share, and expand globally with cost-effective solutions. The success of SMARTSHIFT-AMT is a step toward that vision.

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