On March 29th, the "1958-2008 China Light Truck Fifty Years and High-end Scientific Development Summit" was held in Nanjing. Organized by the China Automobile Industry Advisory Committee, the China Automobile Industry Association, and the China Automobile Engineering Society, the event brought together representatives from major light truck manufacturers such as Yuejin, Futian, Dongfeng, and Jianghuai. This gathering marked another milestone for the Chinese auto industry, celebrating 50 years since the birth of the bus industry. The conference theme—“New beginnings, new goals, new leap forwards, and new developmentsâ€â€”highlighted the determination of China’s light truck sector to strengthen its domestic presence while boldly exploring global markets.
Over the past five decades, China's light truck industry has grown significantly, evolving from a nascent concept to a powerful force in the automotive world. On March 10, 1958, the first light cargo truck produced by the Nanjing Automobile Manufacturing Plant rolled off the assembly line, filling a critical gap in the country’s vehicle production landscape. This milestone not only marked the beginning of China’s light truck manufacturing but also laid the foundation for future growth.
Zhang Xingye, Honorary Chairman of the China Association of Automotive Engineers, recalled how the Nanjing factory initially trial-produced three NJ-130 trucks and managed to produce 248 units that year. This early success set the stage for the development of the entire industry. Over time, many provinces followed suit, producing their own versions of the NJ-130 and expanding the light truck market across the nation.
From 1958 to 1978, the industry relied on self-reliance and gradual development. During this period, two major models emerged: the Nanjing NJ-130 in the south and the Beijing 130 in the north. These models became cornerstones of China’s light truck industry. By the 1980s, the introduction of Japanese Isuzu technology helped modernize production, and by the late 1990s, the industry began to expand rapidly, driven by market demand and technological progress.
After joining the WTO, China’s light truck industry experienced a true leap forward through independent and integrated innovation. Companies like Beiqi Futian, Dongfeng, Jianghuai, Jiangling, Yuejin-Iveco, Great Wall, FAW, and others emerged as key players, creating a robust and competitive industry.
In today’s market, China’s light trucks continue to deliver significant economic value. One of the key advantages of the industry is its strong domestic brand presence, with over 95% of the market dominated by local brands. As Zhou Liang, General Manager of Nanjing Iveco, noted, China’s light truck companies have accumulated decades of expertise in cost control, product design, and pricing strategies, allowing them to offer high-quality, low-cost products globally. With growing export scale, these vehicles are now challenging traditional international market structures.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain, including energy efficiency, environmental concerns, rising costs, and global competition. To stay competitive, China’s light truck industry must integrate international resources—capital, technology, talent, and supply chains—to enhance brand recognition and global competitiveness. Zhou emphasized the need to change the perception that “low cost = low quality†and instead promote the idea of “reliable Chinese manufacturing.â€
Nanjing Iveco, through the introduction of Iveco technology, has expanded its product range and improved performance in areas such as dynamics, matching, load capacity, environmental impact, and safety. The company has launched new product lines, including the Leap Forward and Oka series, which represent a significant leap in quality and innovation.
Looking back at the journey of the Yuejin brand, it is clear that the combination of local and international expertise has played a crucial role in the success of Chinese light truck manufacturers. From the first NJ-130 in 1958 to the modern Oka model introduced in 2008, the industry has taken three major steps forward. By the end of 2007, Yuejin had captured more than 1.5 million units in the domestic market, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.
This evolution reflects not just technological progress, but also a deep commitment to quality, innovation, and global competitiveness. As China’s light truck industry continues to grow, it is setting a new standard for what "Chinese manufacturing" can achieve.
Semi-automatic French Fries Production Line
Semi-Automatic French Fries Production Line,Small Scale Frozen French Fries Line,Frozen Fries Making Machine,French Fries Production Line Semi Automatic
Zhucheng Lijie Food Machinery Co., Ltd. , https://www.lijiegroup.com