Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer Sinotruk has started producing trucks in Steyr, Austria. The basis is a contract manufacturing agreement with Steyr Automotive, the company announced on 3 March.
The first vehicle was completed the very same day. In future, Steyr is set to produce both diesel-powered and fully electric trucks in various configurations. According to Steyr Automotive, the vehicles are intended for the EMEA region—i.e. Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Production initially in SKD build
At the start, the vehicles will be assembled in SKD build (Semi Knocked Down). In this process, pre-assembled modules are delivered and put together on site. As production volumes increase, a switch to CKD production (Completely Knocked Down) is planned. In that case, additional production steps in Austria would be added, including cab production and painting.
Steyr Automotive also announced that its workforce will be expanded step by step as production volumes and value creation increase.
Steyr further expands contract manufacturing
For Steyr Automotive, the project represents an expansion of its business in industrial contract manufacturing. The company provides international customers with production capacity, infrastructure and manufacturing processes. Commercial vehicles and components for several clients are already being produced at the Steyr site.
Customers include, among others, Palfinger, SuperPanther and MAN, for which Steyr Automotive produces components for trucks. The Austrian industrial company currently employs around 1,100 people.
Chinese manufacturers push into the European truck market
Sinotruk’s production start is part of a broader trend: several Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturers are currently trying to expand their presence in Europe.
Back at IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, numerous manufacturers from China showcased battery-electric and hydrogen-powered truck models for the European market.
IAA Transportation 2024 (Photo: trans.iNFO)
New entrants are also pushing into the region. For example, in early 2026, the “Global E700” electric truck from Chinese manufacturer Windrose received EU type approval. This means the vehicle is officially approved for use on European roads. According to the manufacturer, the e-truck is expected to achieve a range of up to 610 kilometres.
At the same time, Windrose is also planning an assembly site at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, where electric trucks are to be finally assembled for the European market.
Sinotruk with a history of European technology
Sinotruk is part of the China National Heavy Duty Truck Group and is one of China’s major manufacturers of heavy commercial vehicles. The company has been working with European technology for decades. According to the company, as early as 1983, technology from the Steyr 91 series was transferred to China, later serving as the basis for its own models.
With assembly in Austria, Sinotruk is now taking another step to expand its presence in international commercial vehicle markets and the wider logistics sector.
