JINBEI and Toyota Tsusho Sign RMB 200 Million Order, Advancing Global Collaboration in Commercial Vehicle Exports

A strategic cooperation agreement worth RMB 200 million attracted industry attention at the recent JINBEI Brand Day. JINBEI (Shenyang) Automotive Co., Ltd. and Toyota Tsusho formally agreed to deepen their partnership, marking a new phase of global market collaboration after more than three decades of technical cooperation.

JINBEI’s cooperation with Toyota dates back to 1989, when it became the first Chinese automaker to partner with Toyota on the Hiace, opening a new chapter in commercial vehicle technical cooperation between China and Japan. Over the past three decades, supported by Toyota’s systems and technology, JINBEI has sold more than two million vehicles and exported products to over 80 countries and regions, becoming an early leader in China’s commercial vehicle exports.

Toyota Tsusho is a core Toyota Group company and a globally recognized trading company. It has 85 branches and offices worldwide and 428 group subsidiaries and affiliates. With automotive operations at its core, it exports vehicles and parts to more than 120 countries and has invested in 223 related companies in 86 countries, forming a closely connected global ecosystem with Toyota Motor. Its industry experience enables it to provide services across procurement, sales, logistics and technical support. Its supply chain and integrated service capabilities continue to support its position in global trade.

The two companies will cooperate on market channels and related areas, with the first pilot project in Saudi Arabia. As the Gulf region’s most populous country and largest economy, Saudi Arabia had GDP per capita of USD 35,000 in 2024, approximately 20 million vehicles in use and annual vehicle demand of nearly one million units. Under Saudi Vision 2030, expansion in manufacturing, tourism and logistics is creating additional demand for efficient, reliable commercial transport. JINBEI has developed a Grand Haise model for the Saudi market that meets GCC certification requirements. Together with Toyota Tsusho, it has set phased sales targets of 1,000 units in the first year and 5,000 units over three years, with plans to extend the model of cooperation to potential markets such as Central Asia and South America.

For JINBEI, the agreement extends beyond the RMB 200 million order. It is a step forward in global channel development and international business models. JINBEI will contribute competitively priced products and local adaptation capabilities, while Toyota Tsusho will provide channel operations, financial support and local services. Together, they aim to establish a long term partnership that shares risks and benefits. This will help JINBEI enter the Saudi market and move from standalone product exports toward an integrated approach combining brand, channels and services.

At an industry level, the partnership also illustrates a shift in Chinese manufacturing from scale toward brand strength. By drawing on established global distribution networks, this collaborative approach complements complete vehicle exports and KD/CKD operations, offering another path for Chinese automotive brands to expand internationally.

Source: Shenyang JINBEI Automotive. Original article