Chinese trucks: emblems, names and how to recognize them

Chinese trucks on the Russian market: why is it important to know the emblems?

After European brands left the Russian market, Chinese trucks occupied up to 40% of the commercial vehicle segment. But if Volvo or Scania logos are recognizable at first sight, then emblems FAW, Shacman or Foton often cause confusion even among professional drivers. This article will help you understand the visual differences, deciphering the names and hidden clues in logo design, which will tell you the class and purpose of the equipment.

Chinese manufacturers are actively adapting their models to Russian conditions: strengthening the suspension, modifying engines for diesel Euro 5, adding options for working in cold weather. However, many trucks look similar in appearance - especially when comparing budget brands. Knowing the logos not only simplifies identification on the road, but also helps when buying used equipment: by the logo you can quickly determine if they are trying to sell you Howo under the guise Shacman (and this is a price difference of up to 1.5 million rubles!).

Top 5 Chinese truck brands: emblems and their history

The Chinese automobile industry is developing rapidly, and over the past 10 years many brands have reached the global level. Let's look at the most common brands that are found on Russian roads and in car parks.

• 🚛 FAW (First Automobile Works) - the oldest Chinese automaker (founded in 1953). Logo: stylized letter "F" in a red oval. Trucks are produced under this brand Jiefang (classic "Jifan") and premium series FAW J6.
• 🛻 Shacman (Shaanxi Automobile Group) — specializes in heavy trucks and dump trucks. Emblem: silver shield with the abbreviation "SX" (for Shaanxi Province). Popular models: Shacman F3000, Shacman X3000.
• 🚚 Foton (Beiqi Foton Motor) - company brand BAIC Group, is known for medium-duty trucks. Logo: blue diamond with a white wave inside. Ruler Foton Auman competes with Volvo FH for comfort.
• 🏗️ Dongfeng (Dongfeng Motor Corporation) is the second largest manufacturer in China. Emblem: two silver wings in a red circle. Produces like light trucks Dongfeng Captain, so heavy Dongfeng Tianlong.
• 🔧 Howo (a division of Sinotruk) is a brand specializing in heavy duty trucks for construction and mining. Logo: stylized bull in a red oval. Models Howo A7 and Howo T7H often found in quarries.

Interestingly, some brands use double branding: for example, trucks FAW Jiefang can have both "FAW" and "Jiefang" emblems at the same time. This is due to the history of mergers between Chinese car factories. It is also worth paying attention to serial numbers on the frame - these often contain the brand abbreviation (for example, "SX" in Shacman).

How to spot a fake: 3 signs of a “left” logo

In the secondary market, there are often cases when unscrupulous sellers try to pass off a cheap truck as a premium model by replacing the emblem. For example, Shacman F2000 may be relabeled under Shacman X3000 (the difference in price is up to 800,000 rubles!). Here's what to look for:

⚠️ Attention: If the emblem on the truck is attached to double-sided tape or bolts with traces of recent dismantling, this is a reason to check the VIN code through GIBDD.RF or Autocode. Counterfeits are often identified by a discrepancy between the year of manufacture on the plate and in the title.

• 🔍 Fastening quality: Original emblems of Chinese trucks are attached to rivets or special clips. If the logo is glued or held on by plastic latches, it is 90% fake.
• 🎨 Color and material: U FAW the emblem is always red with a chrome trim, Shacman - silver metal without plastic. Deviations in shades (for example, orange instead of red) indicate artisanal production.
• 📏 Size and proportions: Compare the logo with official photos on the manufacturer’s website. For example, at Foton Auman the wave in the rhombus must be strictly symmetrical - any distortion indicates a replica.

Be especially careful with trucks with re-glued nameplates on the cabin doors. For example, on Dongfeng Tianlong The "460 hp" marking is often counterfeited, although the real engine power is 420 hp. Check your data via diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431) or request a report from Customs Union.

Table: Comparison of emblems by truck class

Chinese manufacturers often use emblem designs to indicate the class of equipment. For example, chrome elements the logo usually indicates a premium series, and plastic - on a budget one. Below is a table with a breakdown:

Brand	Emblem	Truck class	Model example	Logo Features
FAW	Red oval with letter "F"	Premium	FAW J6	Chrome edging, 3D effect
Shacman	Silver shield with "SX"	Heavy/career	Shacman X6000	Brushed metal, raised letters
Foton	Blue diamond with wave	Medium-duty	Foton Aumark	Glossy surface, no metal
Howo	Red oval with a bull	Construction/dump trucks	Howo A7	Volumetric bull, relief horns
Dongfeng	Red circle with wings	Universal	Dongfeng Captain	Wings with gradient (from dark to light)

Please note that budget series (for example, FAW CA or Foton Ollin) emblems are often simplified: plastic is used instead of metal, and the colors may be less saturated. This is done to reduce the cost of production, but does not affect the technical characteristics.

Hidden meanings in model names: what do the letters and numbers mean?

Chinese manufacturers use coded designations in model names, which help to quickly determine the class of the truck, engine type and even year of manufacture. For example, in the title Shacman X3000 6×4:

• X — series (X = premium, F = standard, M = medium-duty);
• 3000 — load capacity (30 tons);
• 6×4 - wheel formula.

A similar system FAW Jiefang:

- J6P — premium series (P = Premium);

- J6M — middle class (M = Medium);

- CA - budget line (from the word "China Automobile").

U Dongfeng The first letter indicates the type of equipment:

- K — mining dump trucks (Dongfeng KL);

- T - tractors (Dongfeng TT);

- C - construction (Dongfeng Captain).

⚠️ Attention: If the model name contains a letter E (for example, Foton Auman EST), this indicates export version with adapted suspension. Such trucks often have reinforced frames and additional anti-corrosion treatment.

How to decipher the VIN code of a Chinese truck?

The first 3 characters of the VIN for Chinese trucks indicate the manufacturer:

- LVS — FAW Jiefang;

- LSV — Shacman;

- LBF — Foton.

The fourth character is the body type, the fifth is the engine. For example, in VIN LVSAB25M1KD123456 letter B means tractor, and 2 — diesel engine.

Where to buy original emblems: prices and trusted suppliers

If you need to replace a lost or damaged emblem, it is important to purchase original spare parts. The cost of logos varies from 800 to 4,500 rubles, depending on the brand and material:

• 💰 FAW Jiefang (metal, with chrome) - 3,200–4,500 rubles;
• 💰 Shacman SX (aluminium) - 2,800–3,500 rubles;
• 💰 Foton (premium plastic) - 1,200–1,800 rubles;
• 💰 Howo (bull in ovale) - 2,500–3,800 rubles;
• 💰 Dongfeng (wings) - 1,500–2,200 rub.

Verified suppliers in Russia:

1. Official dealers (for example, FAW Rus, Shacman Russia) - guarantee of originality, but prices are 20–30% higher.

2. Online stores:

- Kamaz-Parts.ru (there is a section "Chinese trucks");

- Truck-Zip.ru (specialize in emblems and nameplates);

- AliExpress (only from sellers with a 98%+ rating and reviews of original parts).

3. Showdown - cheaper (from 500 rubles), but there is a high risk of running into a replica.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing on AliExpress Pay attention to the weight of the emblem on the product card. Original metal emblem Shacman weighs at least 150 grams, and a plastic fake weighs 30–50 grams.

Legal nuances: is it possible to drive without an emblem?

According to Traffic rules of the Russian Federation (clause 7.18), the absence of a manufacturer's emblem on a truck is not grounds for a fine if:

• 📄 B PTS and STS the make and model are indicated;
• 🚗 Factory plates with VIN are preserved on the body;
• 🔧 There is no deliberate concealment of the brand (for example, gluing the logo).

However, there are nuances:

- If the truck imported under a gray scheme (without customs clearance), the absence of an emblem may become a reason for inspection at traffic police posts.

- When insured event companies (for example, Ingosstrakh or RESO) may doubt the authenticity of the equipment if the logo is missing or damaged.

- On customs When importing a used truck, the absence of an emblem may lead to additional checks for compliance with the VIN.

Tip: if the emblem falls off, you can temporarily use vinyl sticker with logo (costs 200–500 rubles). The main thing is not to cover the VIN number or nameplate with it. For a permanent solution, it is better to order an original part.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Chinese truck emblems

Is it possible to paint the emblem yourself if it is faded?

Yes, but only if it plastic emblem (for example, Foton or Dongfeng). For painting, use automotive enamel in a can (for example, Motip or Kudo) and pre-degrease the surface. Metal emblems (Shacman, FAW) painting is not recommended - it is better to buy a new one, since the factory coating is applied by anodizing.

What glue should I use to attach the emblem if it comes off?

Suitable for temporary fastening 3M VHB (double-sided tape for cars) or glue Loctite 406. For a permanent solution it is better to use epoxy glue (for example, Poxipol), but first clean the surface of old glue with acetone. Do not use superglue (moment) - it turns yellow over time and spoils the plastic.

What should I do if there are two emblems on the truck (such as FAW and Jiefang)?

It's normal! Many Chinese brands use double branding. For example:

- FAW Jiefang - logo on the radiator FAW, on the steering wheel - Jiefang;

- Shacman SX - emblem Shacman in front, and on the doors - SX (from Shaanxi Province).

If both emblems are original and are attached with rivets, there is no cause for concern.

How to check if the VIN is broken if the emblem looks suspicious?

Do the following:

1. Check the VIN on the plate with the body and PTS;

2. Check VIN via GIBDD.RF or Autocode;

3. Pay attention to the font and depth of the numbers - the original VIN numbers are stamped clearly, without traces of putty;

4. Order a report from Customs Union (costs 300–500 rubles), where the import history will be indicated.

If in doubt, contact center of expertise (for example, US) for forensic testing.

Which Chinese truck emblems are most often counterfeited?

Leaders in counterfeits:

1. Shacman X3000 - they pass it off as cheaper Shacman F2000;

2. FAW J6P — they fake emblems to sell them as a premium model;

3. Howo A7 - often relabeled as Howo T7H (the difference in price is up to 1 million rubles).

Advice: always check engine serial number — it must match the data in the PTS.