ZX AUTO

Brand Overview

ZX AUTO is a brand under Hebei Zhongxing Motor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and is the birthplace of Chinese pickups. The enterprise's predecessor was established in 1949, originally as the "Automobile Repair Workshop of the Hebei Middle Troop of the People's Liberation Army". In December 1999, it partnered with Brilliance Auto to establish Hebei Zhongxing Motor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. with a registered capital of 30 million USD, headquartered in Baoding City, Hebei Province. The enterprise's total assets reach 3 billion yuan, integrating passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and parts production. It is a national automobile complete vehicle export base enterprise and a national-level high-tech enterprise, possessing two major production bases in Baoding, Hebei, and Rizhao, Shandong.

ZX AUTO adheres to the corporate strategy of "focusing on commercial vehicles, developing versatile vehicles, concentrating on specialized vehicles, and planning for new energy". Products cover pickups and various modified vehicles. The brand takes "becoming a respected century-old automotive enterprise" as its mission, upholds the cultural concept of "Enterprise as a Small Society, Zhongxing as a Big Family", and has served domestic and international commercial and specialized vehicle markets for a long time. It is one of the oldest independent auto brands in the history of China's automotive industry development.

Development History

Founding and Foundation Period (1949–1999) . ZX AUTO's history can be traced back to the People's Liberation Army Hebei Middle Automobile Repair Brigade established in 1949, which was later renamed the Wonneng Automobile Manufacturing Factory in 1958, beginning to develop four-wheeled light trucks. In 1986, Baoding Automobile Factory was established, and in the same year, China's first pickup truck with independent intellectual property rights and the first SUV model with independent intellectual property rights were developed. In 1994, Tianye Automobile Group was formed; the slogan "48,888 yuan, take a Tianye home" was once popular.

Joint Venture Restructuring and Enterprise Rebirth (1999–2008) . In December 1999, the commercial vehicle factory partnered with Brilliance Auto to establish Hebei Zhongxing Motor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., completing the enterprise restructuring and reform. Freed from the old system constraints, ZX AUTO grew from weak to strong, maintaining a solid position in the pickup industry. In 2002, the passenger car factory underwent joint venture reform and merged into ZX AUTO Company. In 2003, ZX AUTO exported 7,000 units to Libya at one time, setting a record for single-batch exports of domestic cars that year. In 2008, the enterprise built factories overseas, achieving a strategic upgrade from product exports to technology exports. The Zhongxing Landmark series SUV was launched that year.

Strategic Expansion Period (2009–2018) . In 2009, it again exported 6,000 units to Libya at one time, and established a production base in Iran, shifting its overseas strategy from product export to technology export. In November 2010, the 200,000-unit annual capacity SUV complete vehicle relocation project was laid in Yichang, Hubei, marking the official launch of the passenger car strategy. In 2011, the Grand Tiger pickup passed Australian ADR certification, officially entering developed markets. In May 2013, a cooperation agreement for the Yichang Automobile Base Project was signed with GAC Group and China Automotive Parts Industry Corporation, jointly establishing GAC Zhongxing (Yichang) Automobile Co., Ltd., with GAC holding 40%. In 2016, the Baoding Commercial Vehicle Factory's Terralord pickup was launched. In 2017, construction began on the four major process workshops for stamping, welding, painting, and assembly at Rizhao ZX AUTO; in July 2019, production qualification was approved, and the first batch of complete vehicles rolled off the line in December.

Transformation and Adjustment Period (2019–Present) . In 2020, 1,100 Zhongxing Terralord pickups were exported to the UAE. In 2021, the "Zhongxing 1949" full-size pickup was launched, becoming an important step in the premiumization of ZX AUTO's products. In 2024, a strategic agreement was signed with Hua'an Xinchuang to cooperate in the development of smart cockpit display systems, domain control systems, full LCD instrument clusters, head-up displays, and intelligent assisted driving systems. In 2025, the new energy pure electric pickup prototype was successfully completed, and the brand officially entered the new energy pickup field.

Product Lineup

ZX AUTO's product line is centered on pickups, while also covering SUVs and new energy buses. Currently, there are more than ten models on sale in the series, covering economy, high performance, and full-size levels. The price range is concentrated between 50,000 to 180,000 yuan.

1949 Series. ZX AUTO's flagship product, positioned as a full-size off-road pickup, possesses completely independent intellectual property rights. The vehicle body length reaches 5.7 meters, and the width is 2.045 meters. The appearance adopts lion-pose biomimetic design aesthetics. The powertrain is equipped with a 2.3T diesel engine or a 2.0 GDI turbo gasoline engine derived from the Renault-Nissan M9T platform. The diesel engine has a rated power of 120kW and a maximum torque of 380N·m, continuously maintaining peak torque output in the 1500–2750 rpm range. Built on the same platform as Mercedes-Benz X250D and Nissan Navara, the rear suspension offers two choices: multi-link independent suspension for passenger version and three-leaf leaf spring suspension for commercial-passenger version. It is equipped with Warner 4WD system and front and rear differential locks, with a minimum ground clearance of 240mm and a maximum wading depth of 850mm. It is also matched with a ZF 8AT transmission to achieve a balance between power and fuel consumption. The Zhongxing 1949 has achieved extreme calibration where it can start in one go after static storage for 24 hours at an altitude of 4,120 meters and temperature of -20°C.

1986 Series. The backbone product line of the brand, including sub-models such as 1986 Competition Edition, 1986 Multi-Version, and 40th Anniversary Edition, covering both diesel and gasoline powertrain routes. The 1986 40th Anniversary Edition is also equipped with a 2.3T diesel engine, with a maximum torque of 380N·m. In a fully loaded state, it can conquer a 60% slope, meeting the comprehensive needs of long-distance cross-country travel and high-intensity loading. In April 2024, the Zhongxing 1986 Explorer Edition was launched, equipped with a large number of hardcore off-road kits, balancing practicality and off-road positioning.

Terralord Series. A mid-to-high-end off-road pickup product line, launched in 2016, which has formed a product spectrum including commercial and passenger versions after multiple iterations, equipped with Mitsubishi SUV chassis technology. It was exported in batches to the UAE in 2020.

Grand Tiger Series. The main product line for ZX AUTO's pickup exports, including models such as Grand Tiger TUV and Grand Tiger G3. The Grand Tiger TUV adopts professional SUV chassis technology and has completed verification in extreme environments such as the Wuhai Off-Road Race and crossing Lop Nur; its dealer network covers many places in China.

Landmark Series. ZX AUTO's early SUV product line. The Zhongxing Landmark launched in 2006 was equipped with a Mitsubishi engine, adopted a non-load-bearing body structure, achieved mass production in Russia through the CKD mode, and was later upgraded to the Landmark V3 version.

New Energy Product Line. In 2025, the new energy pure electric pickup prototype was completed and is expected to be mass-produced and launched in 2026. The new car continues Zhongxing 1986's design language, featuring a square and hard body style, with a large black front grille seamlessly connecting to the headlights on both sides. The power system adopts a ternary lithium battery solution, with an estimated range of 500km. The high-strength non-load-bearing body structure contains 53% high-strength steel plates. The professionally tuned chassis is paired with a 210mm minimum ground clearance, providing various configuration choices such as standard/long bed and 2WD/4WD.

Early and Joint Venture Models. GAC Zhongxing C3 (launched in December 2013) was equipped with a 1.5L Mitsubishi engine, with a price of 57,800–58,800 yuan; GX3 (launched in January 2015) had three models, priced at 63,800–69,800 yuan. The Zhongxing flagship was an early pickup product line, developed based on the Toyota HiLux platform, adopting Toyota 2700 chassis technology, and equipped with the 491QE multi-point injection engine.

Market Performance

ZX AUTO's sales ranking in the domestic pickup market is in the second tier of the industry, and domestic and international market performance differ significantly.

Chinese Market Sales. From January to April 2025, Hebei Zhongxing pickups accumulated sales of 4,593 units, ranking 10th in the domestic pickup industry. In 2025, total automotive sales were 1,900 units, a year-on-year decline of 88.24%. In the first two months of 2025, pickup sales accumulated 1,871 units, a year-on-year decrease of 18.15%. Sales from January to April 2025 increased by 36.6% year-on-year, ranking high among the top ten in the industry. Previously, Zhongxing pickups were often located on the threshold of the top ten in industry rankings; the Beijing market once had a short peak period with sales of 22,200 units in the first half of the year, which failed to continue later. Zhongxing Grand Tiger, Terralord, and other series continue to face competition from same-price models from brands such as Great Wall, JMC, and Foton in the mainstream market; current terminal market quotes are relatively flexible but overall volume is limited.

Overseas Market Sales. In 2024, Zhongxing pickup exports increased by more than 65%, ranking high in the growth of domestic pickup exports. In the first quarter of 2025, overseas sales increased three times year-on-year. Pickup exports cover more than 40 countries in South America, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa, with continuous expansion of market depth. In terms of new energy buses, Zhongxing Intelligent Automobile captured 80% of the local new energy bus market share in Romania; in the Shenzhen bus tender, Zhongxing Intelligent Automobile won an order for 110 pure electric buses with the highest score and share first.

Production vs. Sales Comparison. In 2025, automotive production of Hebei Zhongxing Motor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. was 2,600 units, and sales were 1,900 units. Zhongxing Intelligent Automobile Co., Ltd. had an annual production of 200 units, of which new energy vehicle production was 233 units, with a production-sales ratio of 100%.

Core Technologies

ZX AUTO's core technologies focus on three pillars: international powertrains, professional off-road chassis, and high-strength body structures, while possessing system-level development capabilities in new energy buses and smart cockpits.

International Powertrain Platform. ZX AUTO's main models adopt world-class powertrain configurations. The 2.3T diesel engine was developed on the Renault-Nissan M9T platform, sharing the same origin as Mercedes-Benz X250D and Nissan Navara, adopting high-pressure common rail technology and "diamond-like" wear-resistant coatings. Friction loss is reduced by 15%, and reliability has been verified by global installations of millions of units. The transmission is matched with ZF 8AT, achieving comprehensive performance at the first tier level of international pickups.

Professional Off-Road Chassis. The Zhongxing 1949 adopts a military-grade chassis architecture sharing the same origin as the Ford Raptor technology platform. The front suspension is an aluminum-magnesium alloy double wishbone independent suspension. The passenger version rear suspension is multi-link, and the commercial-passenger version is three-leaf leaf spring rear suspension, combining comfort and load-bearing capacity. The chassis was professionally tuned by the world-famous racing engineering company Prodrive. The whole vehicle's high-strength steel content reaches 61.3%, and the body torsional stiffness and collision safety meet international standards. The Zhongxing flagship brand is based on the Toyota HiLux platform, while the Zhongxing Grand Tiger TUV adopts Mitsubishi SUV chassis, verified in multiple off-road racing scenarios. With a minimum ground clearance of 240mm and a wading depth of 850mm extreme off-road indicators, the 1949 series maintains leading accessibility among domestic full-size pickups. The Zhongxing 1986 standard version chassis ground clearance is 210mm.

Intelligent Driving and Connectivity Technology. In 2024, a strategic cooperation was reached with Hua'an Xinchuang to jointly develop smart cockpit display systems, domain control systems, full LCD instrument clusters, head-up displays, electronic rear-view mirrors, and intelligent assisted driving systems. Zhongxing Intelligent Automobile's independently developed integrated electric drive axle technology and VCU vehicle controller both possess independent intellectual property rights. Its millimeter-wave radar, collision warning system, and emergency braking system can already be installed in mass-produced bus products.

New Energy Bus Technology. Zhongxing Intelligent Automobile has developed a full series of pure electric vehicle models ranging from 6 to 12 meters. Core technologies include: aluminum body lightweight design, wireless charging, integrated electric drive axle technology, and anti-corrosive body processes. Relevant technologies have passed EU new regulation certification and completed overseas market adaptation. The company holds 140 national patents (as of 2023).

Overseas Layout

Overseas business is an important strategic sector for ZX AUTO. After more than 20 years of continuous expansion, it has formed a global layout with three levels: complete vehicle export, KD/CKD assembly, and localized manufacturing.

Complete Vehicle Export and KD Assembly. Since the first export of pickups to the Middle East in 2000, Zhongxing pickup overseas sales have continued to grow. In September 2003, the total export volume of Zhongxing pickups reached 7,000 units, covering more than 40 countries and regions including Kuwait, Turkey, Egypt, and Libya. At the same time, it accounted for more than 10% of the total national automobile export volume. In 2008, the enterprise built factories overseas, achieving an upgrade from product export to technology export. Subsequently, it successively established production bases in Iran and cooperated with Malook Company in Syria to build SKD assembly lines. It has basically formed a global production layout with Hebei Baoding Commercial Vehicle Factory, Shandong Rizhao Passenger Car Company, and multiple overseas KD factories as the main body.

Sales Network and Product Coverage. Zhongxing pickups have been sold far and wide to South America, Oceania, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and other regions, covering 40+ countries, with overseas sales outlets exceeding 400. The overseas market product matrix includes the Zhongxing 1986 and Zhongxing 1949 two major pillar series, which have accumulated a stable base of loyal users in Asia, Africa, and Latin America due to their distinct characteristics of economic practicality.

Overseas Bus Market. Zhongxing Intelligent Automobile has performed strongly in the Romanian market, having captured 80% of the local new energy bus market share. It has expanded the European market by serving the Italian State Power Group and winning the Naples electric bus order. In 2025, it further advanced into Rome International Airport, launching trial operations in the 6-meter electric shuttle field.

Overseas New Energy Bus Export. In October 2025, 62 customized electric buses departed from Port of Dongguan for Romania. The cargo value was about 40 million yuan, covering 6 models.

Future Outlook

New Energy Product Strategy. In 2025, the pure electric new energy pickup prototype was successfully completed. According to strategic planning, small batch production will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2025, and full-scale mass production will start in 2026. The new car will continue to expand the two core scenarios of commercial transportation and family commuting. The power system adopts an efficient ternary lithium battery solution, with an estimated range of 500km. Drive forms offer 2WD and 4WD options. The body continues the classic design of the square and hard Zhongxing 1986.

Technology and Platform Outlook. In 2024, a strategic cooperation was reached with Hua'an Xinchuang. ZX AUTO will successively launch new products in smart cockpit display systems and smart driving domain control. The results of technical cooperation are expected to gradually land on subsequent pickups and passengerized models, improving the intelligence experience throughout the product lifecycle. Through integrating external technical strength, ZX AUTO steadily moves towards the strategic goal of "focusing on commercial vehicles, concentrating on specialized vehicles, and planning for new energy", gradually developing into a full-category commercial vehicle enterprise that emphasizes high-end new energy and intelligence.

Globalization Continues to Deepen. ZX AUTO will continue to deeply cultivate traditional advantage markets such as the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, and promote localized KD assembly cooperation in incremental regions such as South America to perfect global production and sales layout. While improving the scale of product exports, the company will continue to replicate the successful model of "overseas assembly + brand localization", synchronously expanding the international delivery capability of new energy buses, satisfying the diversified mobility and commercial needs of the global market with technical content and adaptability.

Brand Direction. Taking "becoming a respected century-old automotive enterprise" as the long-term vision, ZX AUTO will persist in taking pickups as the main channel and new energy and intelligence as dual engines. Through the iteration of core independent intellectual property products and continuous deep cultivation of the international market, it will steadily carve out a characteristic breakthrough path belonging to Chinese commercial vehicle brands in the increasingly fierce global automotive industry competition.