Steyr Automotive to Assemble Electric and Diesel Trucks for Sinotruk

Austrian manufacturer Steyr Automotive has begun contract manufacturing trucks for Chinese commercial vehicle giant Sinotruk at its facility in Steyr, Austria. The agreement includes the assembly of both diesel-powered and fully electric trucks in multiple variants, marking a significant step in Sinotruk’s expansion into the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

The first vehicle produced under the partnership was completed earlier this week. Vehicles assembled at the Austrian facility will be supplied to customers across the EMEA region. The collaboration is expected to increase activity at the Steyr plant while strengthening the company’s contract manufacturing portfolio.

Production to Begin With Semi Knocked Down Assembly

According to Steyr Automotive, the project will initially operate using SKD production methods. In this process, partially assembled truck kits imported from China are completed at the Austrian facility.

Transition to Complete Assembly Planned

Over time, the companies intend to move toward CKD production, where trucks are shipped as individual components and fully assembled locally. This approach will involve additional manufacturing stages such as cab production and painting at the Steyr site.

The shift to CKD production is expected to generate more local employment opportunities and expand the plant’s manufacturing responsibilities. The Steyr facility previously served as a production site for trucks developed by MAN, and the factory continues to play an important role in European commercial vehicle manufacturing.

Industry reports indicate that between 600 and 800 trucks could be assembled at the plant this year. However, the companies have not officially confirmed these figures.

Diesel and Electric Truck Production Planned

One notable aspect of the partnership is that the assembly programme includes both conventional diesel trucks and electric truck models. While the collaboration confirms production of both powertrain types, the exact proportion between diesel and electric variants has not been disclosed.

Powertrain Details Yet to Be Announced

Technical specifications for the trucks assembled in Austria have not been released. In China, Sinotruk markets several new energy commercial vehicles under the Howo brand. Some electric tractor units in the company’s portfolio use lithium iron phosphate batteries supplied by companies such as CATL or Fudi Battery.

However, the specific models planned for the Austrian assembly line have not been publicly confirmed. The vehicles will primarily serve commercial customers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa once production ramps up.

Possible Technology Links With MAN Trucks

Reports from industry publication Eurotransport suggest that the first vehicle assembled in Steyr is a 4×2 diesel tractor unit carrying the Sitrak brand name. The truck reportedly features a modernised cab design derived from the MAN TG2 platform.

Longstanding Industry Partnerships

Such a connection would not be surprising. MAN has long maintained close ties with Sinotruk and holds a stake in the Chinese manufacturer. The German truck maker also supplies certain technologies used in Sinotruk vehicles.

Steyr Automotive itself operates the former MAN truck production facility in Steyr and continues to supply components for MAN models. This shared industrial background has helped create a natural link between the companies involved in the new contract manufacturing project.

Growing Contract Manufacturing Activity in Steyr

The Sinotruk project adds to a growing list of manufacturing partnerships for Steyr Automotive. The company recently secured a production contract for the eTopas 600 electric truck developed by Chinese startup SuperPanther. Series production of that vehicle is expected to begin later this year.

Previously, Steyr Automotive had also planned to assemble the battery electric Volta Zero truck for Volta Trucks. However, the project was cancelled after the company filed for bankruptcy before production could begin.

Meanwhile, Sinotruk continues to expand its presence in the global commercial vehicle market. The company, formally known as China National Heavy Duty Truck Group, sold around 245,000 vehicles in 2024, accounting for about 27 percent of China’s heavy truck market.

Beyond diesel trucks, Sinotruk has also been developing alternative powertrain vehicles including battery electric and fuel cell trucks. The manufacturer has collaborated with Toyota on hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicle technology and has secured large orders for hydrogen powered trucks in China.

With the new assembly partnership in Austria, Sinotruk is strengthening its position in international markets while Steyr Automotive continues to build its role as a key contract manufacturer for global commercial vehicle brands.