From May 28 to 31, 2024, Moscow's Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center hosted Russia's largest exhibition of industrial vehicles and technologies, COMvex, attracting over 75,000 visitors. The exhibition area exceeded 200,000 square meters, with 1,500 exhibitors from fourteen countries, including Belarus, Iran, China, Turkey, Russia, and Uzbekistan. The fair was dominated by Chinese heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers, who won the most important awards, and are closing the technological gap with prestigious European brands.
With its slogan "An Invitation from the Future," Sinotruk, based in Shandong, Eastern China, unveiled three new truck models that will soon enter the Russian market. The brand was among the most anticipated at the exhibition, and its innovations did not disappoint. "The models we present today are a glimpse into the future, our invitation to the world of high technology for you," stated the spokesperson for Sinotruck Russia. The flagship model, the Sitrak C7H, is already widely used in Russia and was presented in the C7H Max version, boasting numerous improvements.
In response to customer feedback, the electrical wiring has been upgraded to enhance moisture and harsh environment resistance, significantly reducing electrical failures and increasing reliability. Cabin elements have also been modified to make the truck more comfortable and safe. The new standard equipment includes engine start via button, electronic parking brake valve, dynamic stability control ESC, and the electronic braking system AEBS.
The cabin is designed for long hauls, with increased interior space for comfort, and an internal height exceeding two meters, allowing the driver to walk freely without bending. Thermal insulation has been improved, and the air ducts are positioned to maintain cabin temperature above +25˚C even at an ambient temperature of –40˚C, ideal for the harsh Russian climate.
The Sitrak C7H Max is equipped with a 6-cylinder WP14T diesel engine, 13.5 liters, delivering 610 HP and 2750 Nm of torque. Its range is ensured by two aluminum fuel tanks with a total capacity of 1300 liters, covered by aerodynamic side protection to save fuel.
Another new addition is the Sitrak C7H LNG tractor powered by liquefied natural gas, featuring an MT13 gas engine generating 460 HP. The tank provides a range of 1200 kilometers, and during the presentation, a Sinotruck engineer noted that the vehicle is not inferior to diesel rivals and is significantly superior in terms of ecology and environment.
Also highly anticipated was the exhibition by Donfeng, a Chinese company active in the Russian market for almost two years, boasting over five thousand registered vehicles in nineteen months of sales, 24/7 technical assistance throughout Russia, and an extensive network of workshops. The lack of spare parts and organized workshops had been a major deterrent in purchasing Chinese vehicles in Russia, and manufacturers from the Far East have already moved to address this gap.
The fair also addressed safety, with the Gruzavtitrans association presenting tools to ensure safety in online freight transport organization on May 28, and the Safe Driving Association holding a conference on May 29 titled "Transport Safety as a Key to Effective Fleet Operation." Despite sanctions, the Russian transport market continues to evolve, and Chinese manufacturers continue their technical evolution, likely aiming to officially enter the European market.
Marco Martinelli
