The Dongfeng EQ140 is a 5-ton truck manufactured by the Dongfeng Motor Corporation/Second Automobile Works.[1][2] It is the first civilian vehicle manufactured by Dongfeng and was introduced in 1978.[3] The vehicle turned the loss-making Dongfeng into a profitable company.[4]
The EQ140 uses technology based on the Jiefang CA-10 and Dongfeng's first truck, the Dongfeng EQ240,[3] but was developed by FAW Group.[5][4] Although branded by Dongfeng, many other smaller companies in fact also assembled the truck from parts supplied by Dongfeng.[5]
In its first production year, 1978, 5120 vehicles were produced.[3] At its peak the EQ140 held a market share of 66% in the medium-duty truck class in China.[6]
6 wheel version
In 1984, the EQ140 was facelifted, the main visual difference being the panoramic windscreen, replacing the split windscreen. Other changes include an improved interior. This post-facelift version was called the EQ140-1 and was developed under supervision of Dongfeng's chief engineer Meng Shaonong.[4] In 1992 a second facelift, named EQ140-2, went into production, featuring improved electrics and use of Nissan Diesel technology. A final facelift in 1994 introduced a more rounded bonnet, however this version was only produced in limited numbers.[7][8]
Production ended in 2011.[5] As of 2010, 1.1 million units had been sold.[4]
References
^Business China. Business International Asia/Pacific Limited. 1983.
