Shiyan, China, January 26 /Chinatrucks.org/— Dongfeng Motor has officially started operations at what it says is the world’s largest single-site smart factory for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, marking a major expansion of its manufacturing capacity.

Located in Shiyan, Hubei Province, the new facility began production on January 24. At the same time, the Dongfeng Tianlong KH tractor, the first model developed on the company’s new-generation D600 platform, rolled off the production line.

Dongfeng said the launch of the factory is a key step in upgrading its commercial vehicle business and strengthening its manufacturing capabilities as China’s truck industry enters a new development phase during the early years of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan.

Smart Manufacturing at Scale

The D600 smart factory is currently the largest single-site facility in the world dedicated to the production of medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, according to Dongfeng.

The plant operates with 288 robots working in coordination and includes China’s first laser welding line for commercial vehicle roof panels. Core processes such as welding and painting are fully automated.

Advanced technologies including digital twin systems and AI-based quality inspection have been integrated into the production line, allowing real-time visual monitoring of the entire manufacturing process, from parts intake to final vehicle assembly.

Dongfeng said the factory improves production efficiency by 30% compared with traditional plants and has an annual production capacity of 260,000 vehicles.

The company added that the project serves as a benchmark for intelligent manufacturing and digital transformation in the region, reflecting a broader shift toward more efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle production.

Tianlong KH Enters Mass Production

With the factory now in operation, the Dongfeng Tianlong KH tractor has officially entered mass production, signaling that Dongfeng’s D600 platform is ready for stable, large-scale market supply.

The Tianlong KH was developed with a focus on total value across the vehicle’s full life cycle. It features upgrades across design, powertrain, safety, cabin space, connectivity, and total cost of ownership (TCO).

The truck adopts a redesigned exterior inspired by traditional “Oriental Dragon” elements, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.396. It is equipped with an integrated Cummins powertrain, designed to balance performance and fuel efficiency.

In terms of safety, the vehicle uses a cage-style body structure with 71% high-strength steel, along with intelligent driver assistance systems. The cab offers expanded living and storage space to improve driver comfort during long-haul operations.

The model is also fitted with a sixth-generation intelligent connectivity platform and a customized voice-control system developed in collaboration with iFLYTEK, aimed at improving fleet operation efficiency. Dongfeng said full life-cycle TCO optimization helps reduce operating costs for users.

Focus on Intelligent and Sustainable Development

Looking ahead, Dongfeng Motor said it will continue to advance the transformation of its commercial vehicle business toward intelligent, low-carbon, and higher-end manufacturing, while expanding the application of smart production technologies.

The company added that it plans to further invest in advanced manufacturing and product development to support the long-term growth of China’s commercial vehicle industry.

Source : www.chinatrucks.org

Editor : Mia

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Tags : Dongfeng