It was a proud moment, when on 24th of July 2026, the 10 000th unit of HOHAN-branded trucks rolled of HS Group’s assembly line. It was a MAX 6×4 model, their heavy-duty commercial truck model.
To better serve the local market, Hong Seng began truck assembly operations in 2003, initially focusing on rebuilt trucks. The assembly of HOHAN trucks commenced in 2011, leveraging on the benefits a local assembly will offer, paired with the experience from the previous assembly of rebuilt vehicles. These advantages include tax incentives and lower overall taxation, which translates into better affordability for customers. Meanwhile, the need for a trained workforce signifies local employment opportunities.
Addressing the gathered guest for the occasion, HS Group Managing Director, Dato Seri Teoh Hai Hin said “Our partnership with SINOTRUK began in 2011. Over the past fifteen years, we have worked together through every stage of market development, customer service, product validation, after-sales support, and brand building.”
From the first batch of vehicles entering the Malaysian market to this milestone of welcoming the 10 000th HOHAN truck, this achievement represents not only business growth for HS Group, but, more importantly, the trust that customers have continuously placed in them, Teoh added.
Forming the backbone of the sales network, HS Group’s assembly staff count of 500 produce an average of six units per day. The models manufactured in HS Group’s plant are the MAX and NX with three variants each, two variants each of rigid tippers and mixers, three cargo truck variants and finally, one light truck model with a second variant to be introduced soon.
“Our assembly operations have continuously improved in terms of efficiency and quality assurance. As modern trucks incorporate more electronic systems, the assembly process now involves more electrical work. At the same time, we have strengthened our workforce by developing a larger pool of skilled and competent personnel,” Teoh was heard saying. However, one of the biggest challenges for such operations remains finding manpower, particularly the shortage of skilled and competent personnel required for modern vehicle assembly is adding layers of complication.
With the next generation of trucks being electrified, HS Group is also gearing up for the assembly of such vehicles. It was confirmed that the organisation is actively working towards developing the capabilities required for electric vehicle (EV) assembly.
Finally, Teoh and his colleagues ensured witnesses to the event of the high quality and that the vehicles are assembled according to the standards of the principal. Through maintaining close and continuous communication with the principal regarding assembly processes, production efficiency, and quality control this is ensured. As a principal, Sinotruk also has resident personnel permanently stationed at HS Group’s assembly facility to provide on-site technical support, monitor assembly quality, and ensure that all processes comply with the manufacturer's standards.
The principal regularly updates on the latest technologies, standards, and assembly methods. In addition, assembly personnel receive training from qualified trainers appointed by the principal to ensure every vehicle is assembled in accordance with the required specifications and quality standards.
