In today's society, it's hard to deny that light trucks have left a lasting impression on the public—often associated with noise, slowness, and pollution. This perception reflects a broader reality: China is at a stage where economic growth, employment, and people's livelihoods are being balanced against long-term development goals. The auto industry, especially the light truck sector, is highly competitive. However, when we talk about the cost advantages of "Made in China," we often overlook the hidden costs—such as the impact on quality of life and environmental damage.
China’s economy is complex and cannot be simply categorized. Similarly, its medium- and short-distance freight tools have evolved into a diverse and intricate market. The light truck industry showcases this complexity, offering both high-end models (like JMC and Qingling) that match international standards in comfort, speed, and low emissions, and low-end models (such as JAC, Dongfeng, and Fukuda) that are known for being overloaded, slow, and energy-intensive. There's also a growing presence of “fighting fish†or low-speed vehicles, which are now officially classified as agricultural vehicles.
While these products may seem reasonable now, their future sustainability is uncertain. As China moves toward a more harmonious and sustainable society, issues like safety, environmental protection, and people's well-being are becoming central to decision-making. The automobile industry is no exception. Among light truck manufacturers, Jiangling Motors has stood out by consistently promoting the concept of “man-car-environment harmony.†This philosophy has driven their steady and progressive development over the years.
In an industry often dominated by short-term thinking, Jiangling’s long-term vision feels refreshing. A recent interview with Liu Jingxian, a brand manager at Jiangling Motors, sheds light on their approach.
Reporter: Why does Jiangling’s light truck embody the idea of “harmony between people, cars, and the environment�
Liu Jingxian: First and foremost, our focus is on people. Our vehicles lead the domestic market in terms of safety, comfort, and work efficiency. We prioritize human factors throughout the design and manufacturing process. Logistics should serve people, not the other way around. If we neglect people in the process, we lose sight of the basics. Additionally, we pay great attention to environmental harmony. Our vehicles are fuel-efficient and eco-friendly, supporting both internal and external economies while focusing on sustainable development.
Reporter: Can you explain how this “harmony between man and the environment†works in practice? What about the human element?
Liu Jingxian: Safety is the main concern. Our trucks undergo stricter testing than national standards in braking and impact resistance. We don’t support overloading or unauthorized modifications that increase load capacity, as they pose serious risks. You often see slow-moving trucks on highways, but you won’t find any from Jiangling. We promote high-speed, low-consumption efficiency. We’re also planning to add features like ABS and airbags in future models.
Comfort is another key aspect. Jiangling’s air conditioning is renowned in the industry, often outperforming passenger cars. We incorporate ergonomic principles and include features like power windows and parking sensors. Since the 1980s, Jiangling started with Isuzu technology and even had early models that resembled passenger cars. The “double-row seats†became popular among officials, showing that our trucks are not just functional but also comfortable.
Reporter: What about the environmental aspect?
Liu Jingxian: Our vehicles emphasize fuel efficiency, environmental protection, and sustainability. We’ve held fuel-saving competitions for nearly a decade, including challenges like “10 liters of fuel across Hainan.†Our products are known for being fuel-efficient. In terms of emissions, we were among the first to meet National III standards, which many companies still struggle with. This gives us a competitive edge in cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
Sustainability is also part of our philosophy. Although our vehicles may seem pricier upfront, they offer lower fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and longer lifespan. Used car resale value is also high. When considering the full lifecycle, they are more cost-effective. High-energy-consuming, high-maintenance products are essentially a form of resource waste.
Reporter: What is the current state of the light truck industry, and what direction do you see it heading?
Liu Jingxian: I believe the “man-car-environment harmony†concept represents the future. While we hope more manufacturers will follow this path, the industry still has a long way to go. Many light truck owners are in the early stages of entrepreneurship, prioritizing low-cost, low-quality options to recover investment quickly. This can lead to safety compromises and environmental harm. While such choices are understandable, they may not last. We hope that as the economy develops, more consumers will shift toward better, safer, and more sustainable options.
Jiangling Motors has been producing light trucks since 1984, starting with Japanese Isuzu technology. Over time, it developed its own brands and expanded its product line, becoming one of China’s leading light commercial vehicle manufacturers. Its JMC, Kaiyun, and Shunda series are popular in the high-end segment.
The JMC series is known for reliability and fuel efficiency, targeting self-employed individuals and SMEs. The Kaiyun series, based on Isuzu and Ford technologies, offers stylish and user-friendly designs, appealing to large enterprises. The Shunda series focuses on affordability and practicality, ideal for small business owners.
Jiangling also has a strong service network, offering a three-year warranty, over 80 4S centers, 50 customer care centers, and 400 service stations nationwide. It follows Ford’s global service standards, ensuring reliable and timely support for its customers.
Musk Ambrette is a synthetic musk fragrance which mimics natural musk.
It is used as a perfume fixative in a wide variety of consumer products as well as in some cosmetics and fragrances.
Musk ambrette, Sunflower musk, Synthetic Musk
TIANJIN LIHE TRADING CO.,LTD , https://www.lihecorp.com