July 2025 Newsletter
Dear HVTT Forum subscribers,
China’s Ministry of Transport Releases 2024 Transportation Industry Statistics Report in June 2025
In June 2025, China’s Ministry of Transport unveiled the 2024 Statistical Bulletin on the Development of the Transportation Industry. As of the end of 2024, China’s total operational highway vehicles reached 12.1224 million units, comprising 11.557 million freight vehicles (95.3%) and 565,400 passenger vehicles. The country operated 658,100 public buses and trolleybuses, with electric buses accounting for 74.1% (487,500 units)—a 13,600-unit increase from 2023—highlighting progress in promoting new energy public transit.
In 2024, China handled 56.875 billion metric tons of freight volume, up 3.9% year-on-year, while freight turnover hit 25.4486 trillion ton-kilometers, a 5.7% YoY increase. China’s road freight sector continues to expand robustly, providing strong momentum for economic growth.
Key Standards and Regulations Reshaping the Commercial Vehicle Sector
Upcoming Revisions to Two Critical National Vehicle Standards
- GB 1589-2016 (Limits of Dimensions, Axle Load and Masses for Motor Vehicles, Trailers, and Combination Vehicles): This standard governs vehicle outer dimensions, axle loads, and mass limits, directly shaping future vehicle designs.
- GB 7258-2017 (Technical Specifications for Safety of Power-Driven Vehicles Operating on Roads): This mandates vehicle safety configurations and operational requirements.
Both are mandatory national standards for motor vehicles, with revisions already underway to drive technological advancements.
New Safety Standards for Commercial Vehicles
In April 2025, the transportation industry standard Safety Technical Conditions for Commercial Freight Vehicleswas updated, requiring all freight trucks and tractorsto be equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Automatic Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS), while trailers must install Electronic Braking Systems (EBS). These measures aim to elevate operational safety standards.
Emission Reduction Initiatives
In March 2025, the Ministry of Transport issued the Notice on Further Improving the Retirement and Replacement of Aging Commercial Freight Vehicles, mandating the phase-out of medium- and heavy-duty commercial trucks meeting China IV or lower emission standards to accelerate decarbonization in the transportation sector.
Pioneering Modular Container Transport in Inner Mongolia
China has launched pilot projects for container modular transport in three Inner Mongolian cities—Ordos, Xilingol League, and Baotou.
Ordos Pilot Results:
- 6% lower transport costs
- 30% reduced energy consumption
- 18% fewer carbon emissions
Xilingol League Projections: Expected to cut corporate transport costs and energy use by over 20%.
These trials validate the economic and environmental benefits of modular transport systems, paving the way for nationwide adoption.
张浩 博士 / ZHANG Hao (Ph.D)
HVTT Forum: Vice President, Asia
