Then we reported that the jointly developed new Renault Kangoo Van and Mercedes-Benz Citan had been named winners of the 2022 International Van of the Year while the Toyota Hilux had won the 2022/2023 International Pick-up Award. Now we can reveal that the Foton Daimler Auman Galaxy has been named the 2022 Chinese Truck of the Year.
The Chinese award is significant for two important reasons. Firstly, China is the world’s largest vehicle market. According to the United States International Trade Administration, over 25 million vehicles were sold in China during 2020, including 19.99 million passenger vehicles, down 6.5% from 2019. Commercial vehicle sales reached 5.23 million units, an increase of 20% from 2019. (The 2021 figures have yet to be released.)
Secondly, this award – while founded and organised by Commercial Vehicle magazine in China – enjoys the support of the International Truck of the Year. Several International Truck of the Year jury members – including the writer of this article – judge the Chinese Truck of the Year. Hence, the Chinese competition carries the same credibility in the marketplace as the much-admired and lauded International Truck of the Year.
Customers vote too
But there are some differences between the two competitions. The International Truck of the Year, for instance, is judged purely by commercial vehicle journalists and editors. The Chinese Truck of the Year, on the other hand, is judged by those journalists and editors – and it’s also judged by end-users of trucks. Nine jury members in total cast their votes this year.
The Chinese Truck of the Year Award is given to Chinese trucks with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of more than 3.5 tons, which have been launched in the past 12 months. In ideal circumstances, the international journalists all travel to China to drive the finalists (there were two this year, namely the Foton Daimler Auman Galaxy and JAC Gallop V7). The pandemic obviously put paid to those plans this time around. Hence, we had to judge the finalists on paper while our Chinese colleagues were able to get bums in seats. We considered aspects such as the cab design, fuel economy, safety features and, of course, the engine and transmission. Other key indicators include impact on the environment and total cost of ownership (TCO).
Online ceremony
It wasn’t only the judging that was different this year; so too was the awards banquet. Typically it’s a massive affair – attended by lots of dignitaries. This year, the awards ceremony took place online, which wasn’t necessarily all bad. Our Chinese colleagues report that 75 000 to 80 000 media representatives and industry managers watched the event, where Li Jian, Foton Motor Group VP, received the country’s most sought-after commercial vehicle accolade.
Why did the Auman win?
With that background in place, why did the Foton Daimler Auman Galaxy come up trumps?
Let’s kick off with the most obvious aspect: the truck’s exterior. It’s something really special; this truck looks as though it was designed in the next decade! The jury commented that, with its unique futuristic appearance, the Foton Daimler Auman Galaxy has realised the perfect balance between design aesthetics and practicality. The jury particularly liked the innovative “Galaxy” around the company’s logo (a world first), the rigid and flexible streamlined body, galaxy matrix LED digital headlamps and electrically adjustable air deflectors that can reduce wind resistance.
The interior got the thumbs-up too. The jury members particularly liked the youthful design style and the 12.3 and 10 inch dual LCD screens. “In addition, the accessible controls, wireless charger, and reasonable storage space, coupled with partitioned independent automatic air-conditioner, Grammar 115 (the first premium driver's seat with air suspension), leaf springs up front and ZF rear air suspension design set the benchmark in China in terms of driving comfort, handling and ride comfort,” a jury spokesman added.
Guaranteed: a good night’s sleep
A feature worth highlighting is the ultra-wide comfortable sleeper. Drivers are going to love this vehicle and they will adore the fact that the sleeper is the widest in the industry.
Members of the Chinese Truck of the Year jury also praised the Cummins A13 national VI-580 PS diesel engine, ZF 12-gear AMT automatic transmission and integrated retarder. Coupled with China’s first A·OS heavy truck intelligent operating system, it delivers optimal power and high shift efficiency, resulting in low fuel consumption and emissions.
As was also the case with the other finalist, the Foton Daimler Auman Galaxy lacks for nothing when it comes to safety and security. The designers and engineers have done an outstanding job in this regard.
So, there you have it: a truck that looks good inside and out, has a great engine and transmission, boasts loads of safety features and offers oodles of comfort. It’s not hard to see why it won.
