Harris Group to launch full Sinotruk range in UK and Ireland

Electric and Euro VI vehicles from Chinese manufacturer Sinotruk will be appearing on the roads of the UK and Ireland from next year, following the agreement of a long-term distribution deal with Harris Group.

The partnership, which marks Harris Group’s entry into the heavy truck sector with exclusive import and distribution rights to Sinotruk vehicles, will initially see 7.5-tonne Sitrak models launched from March 2027. A phased introduction of 4×2 middleweight distribution models, an 8×4 rigid and a 4×2 tractor unit will follow.

Both Euro VI and fully electric powertrains will be available, says the distributor, offering operators a comprehensive choice across multiple applications, weight categories and duty cycles.

A nationwide dealer and aftersales network is being established ahead of the launch. The new truck offering will complement Harris Group’s Maxus light commercial range, including its Deliver panel vans. As part of the transition, the 7.5-tonne Maxus eDeliver 75 will be withdrawn from the UK market to create a clearer portfolio structure, with Sinotruk providing the group’s trucks across multiple weight categories, axle configurations and powertrain options.

Sinotruk sold approximately 305,000 heavy trucks last year and exported more than 150,000 vehicles to over 150 countries and regions. Harris Group says the creation of the Harris Sinotruk company represents a major milestone in its strategy to achieve €1 billion in annual revenue by 2030.

Brian Patterson, chief executive officer at Harris Group, added: “This is a significant milestone for Harris Group and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our business in the UK and Ireland. Harris Group has a long history in commercial vehicles, and our partnership with Sinotruk gives us the opportunity to build on that heritage with one of the world’s largest and most successful truck manufacturers.

“Our ambition goes well beyond launching 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.

“This partnership is also an important part of our strategy to build Harris Group into a €1 billion annual revenue business by 2030. We are investing for growth and creating a broader commercial vehicle group capable of serving customers from light commercial vehicles through to heavy trucks.”

Bill Laidlaw, chief operating officer at Harris Group, said: “We’ve built a strong reputation representing commercial vehicle brands, and Sinotruk gives us the opportunity to establish a heavy truck range for operators in the UK and Ireland.

“Rather than over-extending the Maxus brand into heavier commercial vehicles, we’ve taken the strategic decision to introduce a dedicated truck marque capable of supporting operators across key weight categories and applications; creating much greater clarity for customers and providing a platform for long-term growth.”