THACO to export semi-trailers to US market

Recently, the Corporate has worked with a US partner to export semi-trailers manufactured in Chu Lai - Quang Nam,  to the US market - one of the most challenging markets in the world with strictly high quality standards.

Investing in modern technology factory

In 2016, to diversify products and complete the automobile manufacturing & trading value chain, THACO established THACO Special Vehicles Manufacturing Limited Company (THACO SV) specialized in producing high- quality semi-trailers, special vehicles, and heavy-duty special vehicles with the suitable features satisfying the various demand of the domestic and oversea markets.

The factory is equipped with modern facilities, advanced and automatic technology in all processes. Particularly, Laser Cutting Machine (CO2 laser/Fiber laser), CNC Plasma Cutting Machine with 0.2~1.0 mm tolerance ensure technical standards in the processing of product details; Automatic welding robots and jig systems are controlled by pneumatic and hydraulic components to create accurate welding and minimize thermal expansion; Advanced shot blasting technology eliminates residual stress, increases the adhesion of primer and improves corrosion and fatigue resistance; Electronic deposition (ED) painting technology creates a special primer which covers every single part, efficiently prevents rust and withstands harsh climates (below 0 degrees).

THACO SV pays special attention to quality control of every single stage. Products are tested by modern equipment imported from Japan, Italy and Korea; a 2.4 km length test drive at the THACO-Chu Lai Industrial Park, which fully simulates actual terrain with ramps, slippery roads, gravel, winding stretches, and flat roads.

THACO SV also promotes research and development (R&D) activities through investing in design software (such as AutoCAD, Catia, …),  simulation software (such as Hyperworks, …) and a highly - professional R&D engineering team.

Developing export products

THACO SV produces and supplies a full range of special vehicles from mid-sized to heavy vehicles, meeting the diverse demands of customers. The main products include all kinds of semi-trailers (skeleton, gooseneck, flatbed...); and special vehicles such as dump semi-trailers, cargo semi-trailers, fuel tanks, concrete mixers, car carrier semi-trailers, heavy crane trucks. Aside from serving the domestic market demand, THACO also focuses on developing export products meeting the specialized requirements of each partner and market as well as the standards and regulations of importing countries. 

So far, Thaco’s semi-trailers, fuel tanks and concrete mixers have been exported to Columbia and South Korea. Semi-trailers as the key export products have been granted with roadworthy certification in the US, Japan, and ASEAN countries. 

America is a challenging but potential market that THACO has been seeking to enter. After thorough research, THACO met and discussed the cooperation strategy with PITTS Enterprises PITTS Enterprises in Pittsview, AL, USA - one of the fifth largest manufacturers of semi-trailers in North America with a history of more than 100 years.

In February 2020, the two giants signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the cooperation of production and distribution of semi-trailers in the US. Accordingly, Dorsey Intermodal - a subsidiary of PITTS Enterprises - will be the representative of THACO in North America. THACO’s products and services will be distributed and guaranteed via Dorsey’s network to ensure qualified standards, and satisfy American customers’ demands.   

At the end of May 2020, THACO will export the batch of 69 semi-trailers to the US market and sign a dealership agreement with PITTS Enterprises. In 2020, about 1,600 cars are expected to reach abroad markets making about $50 million value.