Shangchai, a leading Chinese engine manufacturer, has recently launched two Euro III compliant diesel engines—SC8DK and SC9DK—developed through independent innovation. These high-power, electronically controlled, high-pressure common rail engines have already made their debut on the streets of Shenzhen, marking a significant milestone in the company's technological advancement.
This achievement is not accidental. Three years ago, Shangchai began preparing for advanced development by building dedicated R&D teams, ensuring it stays at the forefront of industry innovation while maintaining the quality of its products. Bai Hongfa, President of Shangchai, emphasizes that "independent innovation should focus on integrating and open innovation, learning from others, and making full use of mature resources."
Since 2003, Shangchai has collaborated with Japanese companies like Hino and Denso to acquire and master cutting-edge technology, accelerating its development process. The company continues to learn from global partners while pushing forward with its own research. For example, during the calibration of the SC8DK engine, Shangchai completed the development of the SC9DK and is set to launch the SC5DK soon, showcasing real innovation.
A key feature of Shangchai’s approach is creating product differentiation by focusing on individuality in a competitive market. Bai Hongfa highlights that "independent innovation should emphasize product quality and cost performance." Shangchai positions its products in the mid-to-high end, leveraging strengths while avoiding weaknesses. Rather than blindly investing large sums, the company focuses on cost control, recognizing that cost is a critical factor in both domestic and international competition.
The company also excels in platform integration, developing multiple engine configurations across different platforms. For instance, the 135 diesel engine platform supports 4, 6, and 12-cylinder models, while the 114 platform covers 5L, 8L, and 9L variants. This flexibility allows for efficient and scalable production.
Shangchai’s independent innovation strategy is built on stability and order. It inherits the company’s advanced manufacturing techniques and leverages its deep historical experience. The successful development of the SC8DK and SC9DK engines was based on the 114 model, which has been on the market for over a decade with nearly 200,000 units sold. Users are familiar with its reliability, forming a strong industrial chain.
The new engines improved upon the fuel efficiency of the 114 model and significantly reduced noise levels. While the original engine had a noise level of 119 decibels, the new models tested at 113 and 114 decibels, respectively. When installed in vehicles, the overall noise level dropped to 82 decibels, showing excellent noise reduction performance.
Bai Hongfa believes that maintaining a stable and orderly innovation process helps avoid risks. The company continues to focus on engineering machinery, trucks, buses, marine, and power generation applications, segmenting markets and refining product lines. By strengthening its core diesel engine capabilities, Shangchai plans to expand into other areas.
He also noted that while the market will continue to evolve, Shangchai will not follow trends blindly. Instead, it will stick to its proven methods. With the growing demand for low-emission engines, especially in cities like Shanghai where over 6,000 outdated buses need replacement, Shangchai is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact.
Dongguan Anding Technology Manufacturing Co., Ltd , https://www.cn-moulds.com