Chinese truck giant SINOTRUK is set to enter the UK and Irish markets through a long-term distribution agreement with Harris Group, bringing a new range of battery-electric trucks to operators as the industry accelerates its transition towards net zero.
The partnership will initially see Euro 6 and fully electric SITRAK 7.5-tonne trucks arrive from March 2027, before the range expands into heavier distribution vehicles, multi-axle rigids and tractor units.
Under the agreement, Harris Group will become the exclusive importer and distributor for SINOTRUK in the UK and Ireland, establishing a new Harris SINOTRUK operation to support the brand.
A significant arrival for the zero-emission market
While the deal marks Harris Group's expansion from light commercial vehicles into the medium and heavy truck sectors, its arrival could prove particularly significant for the zero-emission market. Greater manufacturer competition and a wider choice of battery-electric vehicles will be essential if operators are to make the transition away from diesel at scale.
Customer deliveries will begin with the SITRAK 7.5-tonner, available with both Euro 6 diesel and fully electric powertrains. This will be followed by 4x2 middleweight distribution models, an 8x4 rigid and ultimately a 4x2 tractor unit.
Diesel and electric side by side
The strategy reflects the reality facing fleets on the road to net zero. Electrification will not happen across every operation at the same speed, with payload, range, charging infrastructure and duty cycle all influencing when individual vehicles can make the switch.
By offering diesel alongside battery-electric models, Harris SINOTRUK intends to give operators the ability to begin decarbonising suitable routes while retaining conventional powertrains where operational requirements or charging infrastructure do not yet make electrification practical.
Building the network
A nationwide dealer and aftersales network is now being developed ahead of launch, with Harris Group investing in technical training, parts availability and support infrastructure. That support will be particularly important as electric trucks move beyond early adopters and into mainstream fleet operations, where vehicle uptime and access to trained technicians will be critical.
The arrival of another major manufacturer in the electric truck sector should also increase competition at a time when purchase price, residual values, charging infrastructure and whole-life costs remain central to the business case for decarbonisation.
A clearer split between the brands
The agreement creates a clearer division between Harris Group's commercial vehicle brands. MAXUS will concentrate predominantly on the light commercial vehicle market, led by its DELIVER van range, while SINOTRUK will become the group's dedicated truck marque. As part of the restructuring, the MAXUS eDELIVER 75 will be withdrawn from the UK market.
Brian Patterson, CEO of Harris Group, described the agreement as a significant milestone and said the ambition extended beyond simply introducing another truck brand:
"We are building a long-term truck business with a nationwide dealer network, strong parts availability, technical expertise and comprehensive aftersales support from the outset.
"SINOTRUK brings enormous manufacturing scale, engineering capability and global experience. Combined with Harris Group's knowledge of the UK and Ireland commercial vehicle markets, we believe it has the potential to become a significant long-term player in both markets."
Chief Operating Officer Bill Laidlaw said the decision to establish SINOTRUK as a separate truck marque rather than extending MAXUS into heavier vehicles would provide greater clarity for operators and create a platform for future growth.
China's largest heavy truck maker
Founded in 1956, SINOTRUK has developed into China's largest heavy truck manufacturer and has been the country's leading heavy truck exporter for 21 consecutive years.
The manufacturer sold around 305,000 heavy trucks during 2025, including more than 150,000 vehicles exported to over 150 countries and regions.
For Harris Group, the agreement also forms part of an ambitious expansion programme, with the company targeting annual revenues of €1 billion by 2030.
Why it matters for net zero
For the UK's journey towards net-zero road transport, however, the significance goes beyond the arrival of another truck badge. More manufacturers, more electric models and greater competition will be needed to make zero-emission trucks commercially viable for a much broader range of operators. SINOTRUK's entry adds another heavyweight to that transition.
