The Donfeng KX is engineered to address the growing requirement for uptime, and fast and reliable just-in-time operations.

China’s commercial vehicle industry has been fast growing. It is quickly coming to turn out world-class trucks that are supporting the ambitions of its manufacturers to enter new export markets and carve out a bigger share of the markets that they are already into. China’s second biggest truck manufacturer in 2020 as per the production volume, Dongfeng introduced the KX early last year for heavy duty long-haulage transportation. Designed for the global market, the KX has been well-received. It is one of the four heavy-duty truck models – Tianlong KX, Tianlong KL, Tianjin KR, and Dongfeng Tianlong KC, the company launched in April 2020 to be precise. Coming to account for a good number of the 78,000 units the company sold in April 2021 amid a growth rebound, the KX is engineered to address the growing requirement for uptime, and fast and reliable just-in-time operations. First shown at IAA 2014, the KX firmly underscored the company’s ambition to penetrate the European market. The Eastern European markets if not the Euro 6 Western European markets. A flagship offering of the company this truck has been ever since its launch.

Flaunting global design cues, the flagship truck’s cab is a highli reinforced design. It meets the latest European safety standards – the European ECE and the most demanding Swedish VVFS safety regulations. It provides strong protection for both driver and passenger. The high-roof double-sleeper cab has an all welded steel-top. Laced with a number of passive safety systems, the cab is electrically tiltable. It has adjustable driver seat, airbag, auto air conditioning, electric heated rear-view mirror, electrically adjustable headlamps, front window wiper and washer, power-operated windows, airbag, external sun visor, and central locking. Its engine is new and produces 480 hp @ 1900 rpm. With a displacement capacity of 13-litres, the engine, a Dongfeng Cummins unit, is an in-line six-cylinder common-rail diesel design that offers 2320 Nm of peak torque at 1000-1300 rpm. It could be had in Euro 5 emission standards with an SCR system attached. The 6×4 tractor head with a GCW of 49-tonne (there’s a 4×2 model on offer too among other configurations) is equipped with ZF12AS2540 transmission. The 14-speed unit has short-stroke synchronizers for smooth and convenient driving. The rear axle of the truck is of the single reduction, tandem variety. Aided by bogie suspension, the rear tandem axle has a differential lock, and an inter-wheel differential lock.

Laced with an active safety system that includes lane departure warning and front collision warning, the KX has been engineered to ensure not just safety and modern technologies but also comfort. If the spacious cockpit for drivers ensures a comfortable working environment, the auto air-conditioning system aong with the wider bunk bed makes for a cosy feel to ensure the driver rests well. Subject to leveraging European trucking trends, including light weighting, the Dongfeng KX is fitted with speed-limiting devices and auxiliary braking devices for extra protection as well. Made with reliability as the foreword, the KX is claimed to highlight quality, design, and was subjected to comprehensive simulation testing, accelerated durability testing, harsh environment testing and user environment testing. Said to draw from the strategic alliance with Volvo, which was inked in 2015, the KX is claimed to have been designed and developed to support efficient, fast and clean logistics solutions. With a focus on driver comfort and safety, the truck flaunts air suspension, disc brakes, EBS, ESC, engine braking, retarder, and a GSP compatible Beidou navigation satellite system. An AMT transmission is optional for those who are looking for stricter uptime and efficiency requirements.