Shangchai recently launched two Euro III diesel engines, the high-power SC8DK and SC9DK electronically controlled high-pressure common rail models, developed through independent innovation. These engines have already made their way onto the streets of Shenzhen, powering the first batch of buses equipped with this advanced technology. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward technological leadership.
Three years ago, Shangchai had already begun preparing for future development by assembling dedicated R&D teams. The goal was to stay at the forefront of technological advancements while maintaining the quality of its existing products. This long-term strategy has allowed the company to continuously evolve and innovate.
Bai Hongfa, President of Shangchai, emphasizes that true independent innovation involves integrating internal capabilities with external resources. He believes in open innovation, learning from global partners, and leveraging mature technologies. Since 2003, Shangchai has collaborated with Japanese companies like Hino and Denso, gaining valuable expertise that accelerated its development process. This approach enabled the successful completion of the SC9DK engine, with the SC5DK set to follow soon, showcasing real innovation.
A key feature of Shangchai’s innovation strategy is creating product differentiation. Bai highlights the importance of individualization in a competitive market where many companies offer similar products. The company focuses on quality, cost-effectiveness, and positioning itself in the mid-to-high-end market. Rather than blindly investing large sums, Shangchai prioritizes cost control, recognizing it as a crucial factor in both domestic and international competition.
The company also emphasizes deep development of its product platforms. For example, the 135 diesel engine platform supports configurations ranging from 4 to 12 cylinders, while the 114 platform covers multiple displacements, including 5L, 8L, and 9L. This flexibility allows Shangchai to meet diverse customer needs efficiently.
Bai explains that Shangchai's independent innovation is rooted in its strengths in engineering machinery, trucks, buses, marine, and power generation applications. The company focuses on building strong brands and offering unique products that stand out in the market.
Another important aspect of Shangchai’s innovation is its stable and orderly development process. Building on its historical legacy and advanced manufacturing techniques, the company has accumulated extensive experience over the years. The new SC8DK and SC9DK engines are based on the proven 114 model, which has been widely used and trusted by customers. With nearly 200,000 units in the market, the 114 engine has established a reliable industrial chain.
The new engines not only retain the fuel efficiency of the 114 model but also incorporate electronic control technology, improving performance and reducing noise. While the original engine had a noise level of 119 decibels, the new models achieve 113 and 114 decibels, respectively. Overall vehicle noise is reduced to 82 decibels, demonstrating effective noise reduction.
Bai stresses that maintaining a stable and orderly innovation process helps avoid risks. The company continues to focus on its core areas—engineering machinery, trucks, buses, marine, and power stations—while gradually expanding into other product lines. He also mentions that Shangchai will not chase trends blindly but will stick to a steady approach.
Looking ahead, Bai is confident in the future of low-emission diesel engines. In Shanghai alone, there are over 6,000 buses that need to be updated to meet emission standards, presenting a significant opportunity for Shangchai to make an impact.
Dongguan Anding Technology Manufacturing Co., Ltd , https://www.cn-moulds.com