North-Benz heavy-duty trucks are based on German Mercedes-Benz truck technologies and built by North-Benz heavy-Duty Truck Co. Ltd, a joint venture formed by Inner-Mongolia First Machinery Group Corporation (FIRMACO) of Baotou, Innner-Mongolia; China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO); and DailmerChrysler. The truck is available in 4X4, 6X6, and 8X8 configurations. A number of North-Benz trucks are currently in service with the PLA as heavy-duty cargo carrier and weapon system chassis.

PROGRAMME

China signed the agreement with Daimler-Benz (now DailmerChrysler) to co-produce Mercedes-Benz heavy-duty trucks locally under license in September 1988. Chinese leaders hope that this deal would help fulfil the growing demands for high-performance heavy-duty trucks from both military and civil sectors in China since the late 1980s. FIRMACO, a NORINCO subordinate company located in Baotou, Inner-Mongolia was chosen as the main Chinese contractor. The actual technology transfer took place at rather slow pace. The truck manufacturing line was not finished until 1995. The joint venture Baotou North-Benz Group Corporation was formed in 1996 for the marketing of the Chinese-built North-Benz truck.