ニュース

One of the most notable trends in the construction machinery industry over the past decade has been the globalization of Chinese manufacturers. Tongli Heavy Industry, a manufacturer of mining dump trucks, exemplifies this trend. Although the company has climbed to 39th place in the latest Yellow Table of the world's top 50 construction machinery manufacturers thanks to international sales, its management believes there is still significant potential for global growth.

Accelerating globalization

Since 2010, Tongli Heavy Industry has sold over 8,000 units overseas, with business covering over 50 countries. "In the past two years, we have expanded into the Latin American market, focusing on Mexico, Chile, and Ecuador," Tongli Heavy Industry Deputy General Manager Mr. Yang told the media via video interview. He specifically noted, "The South American market has seen astonishing growth this year. We will continue to cultivate this high-quality market while also expanding into Australia and North America."

While North America is designated a strategic market, Mr. Yang admits this is a long-term plan: "Entering this market requires a comprehensive upgrade of our product line to meet customer demands for greater intelligence, safety, and payload."

Electrification transformation leads the industry

In the first quarter of 2025, Tongli Heavy Industry's sales surged 28% year-on-year, which Mr. Yang attributed to "a dual demonstration of industry competitiveness and adaptability to the economic environment." Electric equipment contributed particularly strongly: "New energy products currently account for over 50% of our sales, far exceeding the 20-25% average for our domestic peers, maintaining our leading position in this sector domestically."

Policy guidance and market trends are accelerating this transformation. Mr. Yang revealed, "In the future, we will promote the export of new energy products overseas." While the initial cost of electric trucks is twice that of diesel models, the overall cost advantage is significant: "Compared to traditional fuel vehicles, customers can achieve significant savings." He also pointed out that battery prices continue to fall, "currently only one-third to one-half of what they were ten years ago."

Intelligent and autonomous driving layout

Tongli Heavy Industry has already put over 1,200 self-driving trucks into operation in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and other regions. "Autonomous driving solutions are crucial to both our customers and us," Mr. Yang emphasized. Unlike competitors like Caterpillar and Komatsu, which focus on hardware, Tongli Heavy Industry prioritizes systems: "We continue to invest in software, platform, and system development."

This "Made in China" model offers significant cost-effectiveness, but international adoption is hampered by differences in operating conditions and certification barriers. Mr. Yang remains optimistic about the long-term prospects: "In markets where driver costs are high, autonomous driving can effectively reduce mining operating expenses."

Smart Operation and Maintenance and Future Planning

The fourth-generation Tongli Information Management System (TIMS) now supports real-time monitoring of nearly 20,000 vehicles, including location, status, and fuel consumption data. This feedback also feeds back into R&D: "This closed-loop data system continuously improves equipment and software quality."

Localized production is now on the agenda, with Indonesia as the first target country, and "possible future expansion into South America." By 2030, Tongli Heavy Industry plans to increase international sales to 50%, achieving "full localization of production, service, parts, and R&D."

Building global competitiveness

Through continued investment in new energy technologies, autonomous driving systems, and the deepening of intelligent fleet management, Tongli Heavy Industry is transforming from a leading Chinese manufacturer to a global enterprise. As Mr. Yang stated, "We will strengthen our after-sales service network to create greater value for our global customers." The company's ambition is clear: to reshape the global construction machinery industry through localized support, intelligent systems, and a green product line.

Source: Mechanical Intelligence Station