When the FAW JH6 28.500 FT produced remarkable fuel economy figures at Truck Test 2022, it was without a doubt THE surprise of the commercial vehicle year. But how is driving like? We drove it around.
The truck is the company's flagship model. FAW has a rich history. Because it was the first significant automotive company in China, according to several sources, it was first referred to as First Automotive Works.
Under the direction of China's Central Committee and with aid from the former Soviet Union, the Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer, one of the biggest in the nation, launched its first plant in July 1956. According to the company's archives, "FAW's establishment was a key component of New China's first five-year plan and was successfully carried out with the support of the former Soviet Union through an agreement supporting industrial cooperation signed by China's Chairman Mao Zedong and Prime Minister Zhou Enlai with Soviet leaders." A sign of industrial pride for the nation, the CA10, the company's first medium-duty vehicle, "quickly became a daily sight to people throughout China."

The company expanded throughout time, moving from producing only commercial vehicles to also making passenger cars. FAW now employs 133,000 people worldwide, sells its goods in more than 70 countries, and has annual sales of more than seven million units after crossing the one million unit mark in 2005.
Africa is an important market for FAW (this year sees FAW Trucks celebrate 29 in South Africa). FAW made the decision to invest in a manufacturing facility in Coega, outside of Gqeberha, in 2012. (formerly Port Elizabeth).
This was one of the biggest investments made by a Chinese corporation in South Africa at the time. The plant, which cost R600 million to construct, is 30 000 m2 in size and has a body shop, a paint shop, and a cutting-edge training facility. The very first car came off their production line in 2014.
The 8,000th locally made car was produced in Coega earlier this year. That plant also produced the JH6 28.500 FT that took part in Truck Test and that we tested.
What the vehicle is all about
A 6x4 truck tractor that is perfect for long-haul operations is the FAW JH6 28.500 FT. It appeals particularly to price-conscious transport operators.
Exterior
The full floating extended high roof cab, which is excellent for driver comfort, is the most noticeable outward feature. The side of the truck has a big "500 horsepower" sign painted on it, letting you immediately see how much power the engine is producing.
Interior
Being completely practical, the interior is far nicer than we had anticipated. Although it isn't as opulent as German or Swedish vehicles, it more than adequately accomplishes the task (and let's not forget the price; check our judgement at the end). There are also some lovely, tidy accents, like the wood veneer inserts. They appear quite classy!
You never feel confined in the complete floating extended-roof sleeper cab thanks to its flat floor. Unnecessary driver tiredness is eliminated with standard equipment including air conditioning, a radio with a USB port, and an air-suspended driver's seat. It was simple to find the ideal driving posture, and the seat was really comfy. The crimson accent on the seats is really unique, speaking of which.
The JH6 28.500 FT has two bunks, and while they're not as high-end as other European trucks, they nevertheless function adequately.
Drivetrain
The manufacturer's 6DM3 13-liter, six-cylinder, common-rail turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine is installed in the FAW JH6 28.500 FT. At 1 800 revolutions per minute, this engine produces 370 kW of power and 2 300 Nm of maximum torque. It is frequently referred to as China's most effective engine and is fueled by two tanks holding 500 liters each.
When this engine completed the Truck Test with a meager 50,68 liters/100 km, it astounded the transportation industry.
The 6DM3 engine is made in FAW's engine plant in Wuxi, China, which the company's employees refer to as "our never-say-die engine." The FAW staff assures us that the engines produced at this facility are of the highest quality and reliability, which is demonstrated by the fact that a customer in China is the owner of a JH6 28.500FT engine that has traveled more than 3.6 million kilometers without needing any significant repairs or maintenance. We are very interested in seeing and driving that truck!
Transmission
There are no issues with the ZF 12-speed TraXon AMT transmission; it performs superbly. To meet the demands of the vehicle weight, the truck includes a front and rear parabolic spring suspension.
Safety
The JH6 28.500 FT is equipped with a complete air dual circuit WABCO braking system with ABS.
The Decision
It is incredible that the JH6 28.500 FT, which took part in Truck Test, had a list price of only US$80000. Other long-haul truck tractors cost more than US$200000, as transportation professionals would attest.
So the truck is affordable. But is that sufficient? Furthermore, it seems to be sturdy (as proven by the Chinese chap with this truck which has done over 3.6 million kilometres). We are given assurances by the FAW team that parts are easily accessible and that "maintenance and services would be carried out in a satisfactory and timely way." Additionally, we are informed that service dealers have all the tools they need, as well as highly skilled specialists, to perform any necessary servicing or repairs on not only JH6 28.500FT units but also on any other models from the Chinese manufacturer.

However, let's listen to Yongjun Li, CEO of FAW Trucks South Africa, who has this to say: "In our experience, consumers in this market sector desire truck tractors that are practical and dependable, but also inexpensive to operate and maintain. Additionally, they must be easy to operate, have appropriate performance to complete the task at hand, and offer cozy, well-equipped cabins. Finally, they must be fuel-efficient. All of these criteria are met by the JH6 28.500 FT, and more, which results in higher profits for their owners.

It's difficult to contest that!