As China's automotive industry transitions from its growth phase to a mature stage, an increasing number of Chinese vehicles are making their way overseas. At the age of 55, Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle, in partnership with Junfeng Import and Export Company, is committed to "going abroad" as an essential task, not a mere choice, moving forward resolutely and unwaveringly.
Enhancing Overseas Operational Capability
Currently, China's economy is undergoing structural adjustments and transformation, with trends like intelligentization, connectivity, electrification, and the release of export potential reshaping the commercial vehicle industry. As an industry leader, Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle is entering a critical stage in its "brand elevation" strategy. Exploring more overseas market opportunities has been a major focus for Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle throughout 2024.
This year, Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle has actively participated in global automotive market competition, joining forces with Junfeng Import and Export Company to enhance key capabilities in brand building, product marketing, channel development, and after-sales service support for overseas markets, empowering localized development. Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle is also actively promoting the "Belt and Road" initiative, accelerating its "going global" efforts through participation in various international events. The company showcased its products at the 8th China-Eurasia Expo, the 21st China-ASEAN Expo, the Cargas Logistics Association exhibition in Colombia, the ADMA Exhibition in Zimbabwe, and the transportation expo in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. The "Dongfeng" brand has gained recognition across various languages and regions.
On April 25, a signing ceremony for overseas large customer contracts was held in Shiyan, where distributors from around the world gained in-depth knowledge of Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle's products and core competencies. That day, an export order for 1,600 commercial vehicles was signed on-site. Currently, Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle's overseas product portfolio is expanding, distribution capabilities are improving, and the after-sales service system is gradually being established. The recognition and reputation of the brand in overseas markets continue to rise, with products now in Mexico, Zimbabwe, Colombia, Chile, Vietnam, Myanmar, and other countries and regions. The total export volume for 2024 is expected to reach 20,000 units.
Achieving Win-Win Cooperation with Partners
Repeated demonstrations of "hard power" have led more and more partners to firmly choose to sail forward with Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle. The ASEAN market is a key overseas business region for Dongfeng. In recent years, economic and trade cooperation between China and Vietnam has maintained strong growth momentum. Vietnam has become China's largest trade partner in ASEAN and the fourth largest trade partner globally.
In 2024, Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle, together with Junfeng Import and Export Company, is focusing on deepening the Vietnamese market. The two companies have reached a consensus on the systematic construction of marketing capabilities and are committed to creating a full value chain cooperation system that includes product research and development, sales training, marketing, and after-sales service. The companies organized a series of innovative marketing service activities, covering a wide range of dealers and service network partners across Vietnam. A nationwide service training session attracted more than 30 service technicians from major cities in Vietnam, receiving widespread praise from local partners.
In Myanmar, Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle has leveraged its large user base and significant market share to further enhance customer loyalty by offering free maintenance services to both new and old users. The company also introduced the high-end GX tractor to meet customers' demand for premium products. Recently, good news has come from the African and South American markets. Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle has begun mass imports of its new energy heavy-duty trucks into Africa, with the first batch of 15 KC series electric construction vehicles delivered to a major customer in Mozambique.
Dongfeng's Overseas Marketing Department also held a new product launch event in Chile, introducing a series of heavy-duty trucks. The new pure electric tractor, equipped with a large-capacity battery and offering a longer range, received widespread acclaim for its excellent performance from local media and customers. Furthermore, Dongfeng's products have entered one of Venezuela's largest food companies, Chichi, with the first batch of KX tractors delivered. This marks the company's first order after transforming into a self-managed logistics fleet.
Inviting Overseas Customers to Visit
"More understanding leads to more trust." This year, Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle has adhered to the approach of inviting overseas customers to visit, allowing them to step into the Dongfeng manufacturing base and brand experience center. Customers can immerse themselves in the history of Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle and directly experience the strength of the brand.
The Indonesian market, as a key strategic market for Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle overseas, has seen sales surpass 1,000 units in 2024, with a sales completion rate of 185%, showing a significant year-on-year growth. In November, Indonesian partners visited Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle to closely observe the entire process from production to shipping. They toured complete production units, including the chassis, assembly line, and parts warehouse, which strengthened confidence in deepening cooperation for the coming year. Indonesian partner Carlos Joballa shared his experience, stating, "Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle is a trustworthy, high-quality truck."
Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle's performance in Africa has been strong this year, particularly in West Africa, where sales are expected to grow by over 30% year-on-year. In September, Zimbabwean customers traveled a long distance to visit Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle, where they experienced models such as the Dongfeng Tianlong GX tractor, KL electric vehicle, and right-hand drive construction vehicle.
Additionally, Junfeng Company has independently developed pure electric intercontinental transport trucks and box-type logistics vehicles, expanding into European and South American markets.