What engines do HOWO trucks use?

The core competitiveness of the engines for Howo trucks largely stems from the in-depth strategic cooperation between Sinotruk and MAN SE of Germany.

In 2009, Sinotruk signed a strategic cooperation agreement with MAN SE, fully introducing MAN's technologies for engines, cabs, axles and chassis. In the following years, through years of localized assimilation and re-innovation, Sinotruk launched the MC series engines. The MC series engines fully adopt the technical standards, production processes, quality control systems and quality management procedures of MAN's D08, D20 and D26 engine series. In other words, with the MC series engines equipped on Howo trucks, users across the globe can access technology on a par with that of MAN of Germany at a highly competitive price.

Sinotruk officially rolled out the MC series engines in 2012, with power outputs ranging from 140 horsepower to 560 horsepower. This marked that the powertrain of Howo trucks had truly reached the world-class level.

At present, Howo trucks are mainly equipped with three major types of engines based on different vehicle positioning and market demands: the MC series engines adopting the technical route of Germany's MAN, the classic WD615 series engines, and the Weichai Power series engines.

This series of engines adopts multiple cutting-edge technologies in structure, including integrated alloy cast iron cylinder heads, four-valve intake and exhaust systems, connecting rod fracture splitting technology and modular design, which ensure excellent tightness and reliability.

The displacement of the MC11 series engines is 10.518 liters. They apply the product technologies, production processes and quality standards consistent with those of the MAN D20 series engines from Germany. At present, the latest MC11.43-61 and MC11.46-61 models of HOWO comply with China National VI emission standards, which are equivalent to Euro VI emission requirements.

The MC13H series stands as the flagship product in HOWO's power lineup. Taking the HOWO TH7 heavy-duty truck as an example, the equipped MC13H.54-61 engine delivers 540 horsepower and a maximum torque of 2500 N·m. There is also a 600-horsepower version, MC13H.60-61, available for selection, delivering robust power for ultra-long-distance trunk logistics and special transportation operations.

The WD615 series engines are independently developed by Sinotruk based on Steyr technology from Austria. They are inline six-cylinder, water-cooled and turbocharged diesel engines with a displacement of 9.726 liters. Take the classic WD615.87 engine as an example. This legendary model is renowned for its B10 overhaul life of over one million kilometers, meaning more than 90% of these engines can run at least one million kilometers before needing an overhaul.

For users in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, the WD615 series engines boast another remarkable advantage: excellent fuel adaptability. They have relatively lenient requirements for diesel quality and can operate stably even in remote areas and under poor infrastructure conditions, with low maintenance costs. Thanks to these strengths, Howo dump trucks equipped with WD615 series engines account for more than 80% of China's total dump truck exports to Africa, earning the title of "King of African Highways".

Weichai Power is one of China's largest and most advanced diesel engine manufacturers, as well as a key strategic partner of Sinotruk. In recent years, the collaboration between HOWO and Weichai has been continuously strengthened, and an increasing number of HOWO vehicle models have been equipped with Weichai's high-end engines.

Engines of Weichai WP10.5H, WP12 and WP13 series have been adopted as standard configurations for models including HOWO TH7 and V7-X. Weichai and Sinotruk have jointly developed the world's first diesel engine platform with a thermal efficiency exceeding 51.09%, delivering a maximum power of 680 horsepower. It boasts multiple advantages such as strong power output, high efficiency, excellent stability and low noise.

In the field of heavy-duty tractors, the Weichai WP12.460E62 engine generates 460 horsepower and a peak torque of 2200 N·m. The Weichai WP13NG480E61 natural gas engine is installed on HOWO LNG models, with a maximum torque of 2300 N·m, striking an ideal balance between energy conservation, environmental protection and operational cost-effectiveness.

Notably, the Weichai WP15NG530E61 engine fitted on HOWO LNG vehicles features an in-line six-cylinder design with a displacement of 14.6 liters. It can produce a peak power of 530 horsepower and a formidable torque of 2500 N·m, easily meeting the standard traction load requirements on flat highways and gentle slopes.

As a truck manufacturer with export business spanning the globe, Sinotruk is well aware of the vast differences in emission regulations across various countries and regions. At present, HOWO engines offer a full range of emission solutions compliant with Euro 2 to Euro 6 (China Stage VI-b standards).

For markets in Africa, the Middle East and parts of Southeast Asia, HOWO retains the robust and durable Euro 2/Euro 3 engine configurations. Featuring a simple structure and no need for complex exhaust aftertreatment systems (SCR+DPF), these engines are highly tolerant of fuel quality and have lower maintenance costs, winning wide popularity among local users.

For Europe, Russia, Latin America and some high-end markets, HOWO has fully launched Euro 5/Euro 6 emission-compliant versions. In particular, the MC series engines adopting MAN technology meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emission standards, leading the industry in emission control performance, reliability and failure rate. The vehicle failure rate of engines equipped with MAN technology is lower than 2%.

With advanced technical solutions including Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Ammonia Slip Catalyst (ASC), HOWO can precisely comply with regulatory requirements in different countries and regions.

The performance of Howo truck engines has been fully proven across the global market. In recent years, market demand for the Howo brand has remained robust in Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

In the first half of 2025 alone, Howo secured an order for 700 mining logistics vehicles from the Philippines and built a new KD assembly plant in Mexico to serve the North American market.

In Africa, Howo dump trucks hold more than 80% of the market share among Chinese dump truck brands exported to the continent. Dump trucks represented by the Howo 6X4 and 8X4 models have become a common sight at local infrastructure construction sites.

Howo has also achieved remarkable results in the Russian market. In 2023, its sales volume in Russia reached 16,805 units, ranking it among the top-selling Chinese heavy-duty truck brands there.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the outstanding performance of the MAN Technology MC series engines has earned recognition from numerous international customers. A user of the Howo T7H 460-horsepower model commented that the vehicle delivers "more than sufficient power" when hauling 30 tons of cargo and handles highway driving with great ease.

The MAN Technology engine equipped on this model also boasts impressive fuel economy figures, which further cuts down the total cost of ownership (TCO) for logistics enterprises.

The engine layout of Howo trucks centers on a tripartite lineup consisting of the classic and durable WD615 series, the MAN technology-based MC series from Germany, and the high-end power series of Weichai. Complemented by forward-looking arrangements for new energy power systems, it forms a full-scenario power portfolio that caters to diverse market demands across the globe:

- WD615 Series: Capable of operating for over one million kilometers without major overhauls and featuring strong fuel adaptability, it is hailed as the "king of chassis" for infrastructure construction and mineral transportation in developing markets.

- MC Series: Built in line with Germany's MAN technologies and quality standards, it delivers robust power, outstanding reliability, high efficiency and compliant emissions, making it the top choice for mid-to-high-end logistics operators.

- Weichai Series: Boasting world-leading thermal efficiency and smooth yet powerful power output, it provides innovative power solutions for trunk logistics and natural gas vehicle users.

Backed by these three distinct and solid technical routes, Howo trucks have built an impressive reputation in more than 110 countries and regions worldwide. Whether you are in the scorching deserts of the Middle East or the frigid plateau mining areas, a Howo truck equipped with an engine tailored to local working conditions will always be a dependable logistics partner.