African business drives truck maker into developed countries

Aliko Dangote, founder and president of the group, is the richest man in Africa, according to the most recent annual ranking of the world's richest in Forbes magazine.Since partnering with Dangote group, Sinotruk has delivered more than 6,000 vehicles to the client.

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Last July, the two companies signed a contract for the delivery of 1,700 heavy trucks and 1,700 semi-trailers, which are expected to be used to expand Dangote's extensive nationwide distribution network.

Sinotruk is expecting its performance in Africa to provide momentum for expansion into other developed markets like Europe and the US.

To achieve this aim, the company has built technical partnerships with major international brands including Steyr in Austria and Mann in Germany.

In 2009, Europe's leading heavy commercial vehicle maker MAN SE, owner of the Mann brand, bought a 25 percent share in Sinotruk Hong Kong and signed an agreement to transfer some advanced technologies to the Chinese truck maker.

By teaming up with MAN, Sinotruk has improved its own research and development capabilities, which helped the company penetrate key global markets.

The jointly developed product, the Sitrak series of heavy-duty truck, was launched last March and has become one of the company's best sellers.

"The new model is expected to rival foreign high-end brands in the domestic market and help Sinotruk extend its sales network to developed countries," said Zhang Xiaodong, general manager of the company's sales department.

The company's exports are expected to account for 20 percent of its total revenue in a few years, making it a top player in the sector worldwide, Zhang projected.