When Mercedes-Benz, the German automaker, launched its Arocs 4863 8x8 SLT heavy-duty truck at the fifth China International Import Expo in 2022, the new product with up to 250 metric tons and designed and built for heavy haulage, attracted great attention from both visitors and media outlets, becoming the star exhibit at the expo's automotive exhibition.

Arocs 4863 8x8 SLT heavy-duty truck makes its debut at the CIIE. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

The Arocs SLT made a remarkable impression at the CIIE, thanks in part to the setting up of a commercial vehicle section in the automobile exhibition area of the fifth CIIE. In order to gain more exposure in the market, the commercial vehicle enterprises were specially gathered together, including renowned European commercial vehicle manufacturers such as Daimler, Iveco and the Kässbohrer Group.

The section provided commercial vehicle companies with ample opportunities for market exposure. Daniel Zittel, head of direct sales for the Import Business at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, recalled that during last year's CIIE, in addition to the professional commercial vehicle media coverage, numerous television and online media outlets reported on this truck, bringing it into the public attention. The recommendation of commercial vehicles demonstrated the CIIE organizers' meticulous planning and attentive service, he said.

The Arocs SLT heavy-duty truck's journey in China is far from over when the fifth CIIE concluded. After securing the first order in the Chinese market at the CIIE, this vehicle model has garnered significant attention from the industry, resulting in a continuous influx of orders, said Zittel. More and more heavy-duty trucks are embarking on their journey to the Chinese market.

In the first half of this year, the Arocs SLT heavy-duty truck made its road debut, undertaking a key project for the State Grid Corporation of China called "North-to-South Power Transmission". The transport fleet, including the Arocs SLT, departed from the terminal of Haicang Shipyard in Xiamen in East China’s Fujian province and traveled to the Changtai substation of Zhangzhou in Fujian province, carrying over 500 tons of cargo.

"I believe that participating in the CIIE is significant because we bring excellent products to the site, listen to the demands of Chinese consumers, and then work with our Chinese partners to introduce more products tailored to the Chinese market," Zittel said.

Last year, Daimler Trucks, also brought an off-road camper van to the fifth CIIE in addition to the heavy-duty truck. Due to the recent camping trend in China, this vehicle model has received a great response from the Chinese market. The development of Daimler Trucks in China is becoming increasingly diversified, which is also a new trend for commercial vehicle companies, according to Zittel.

By Cao Desheng

Wu Danlu from Jiefang Daily contributed to the story.