Kazakhstan's Saran Machinery and China National Heavy Duty Truck Group signed a joint venture agreement

Kazakhstan's Saran Machinery and China's Sinotruk have signed an agreement to initiate the construction of a joint venture. The joint venture will establish a commercial vehicle plant in Saran, Kazakhstan's Karaganda region, primarily producing HOWO-branded trucks. The first phase of the project will have an annual production capacity of 10,000 vehicles, including both specialized vehicles and complete HOWO truck assembly. The plant will also feature Kazakhstan's first electrophoretic coating line to enhance the corrosion resistance of vehicles. Furthermore, the project will utilize locally galvanized steel from the Qarmet Metallurgical Plant, emphasizing a localized supply chain. The first batch of assembly equipment is expected to be delivered in October, with the painting and welding lines slated to be operational in the second quarter of 2026.