KENYA'S TRUCKING GAMECHANGER: PRINTAN MOTORS & SINOTRUK UNVEIL THE HOWO HALLMARK TRUCK

In a bold step set to redefine Kenya’s transport and logistics industry, Printan Motors Ltd, in collaboration with SINOTRUK International, officially launched the HOWO Hallmark truck in Nairobi—a high-performance vehicle that is being hailed as the most advanced and cost-efficient truck in its class.

Hosted at Tamarind Tree Hotel Nairobi, the launch drew attention from transport entrepreneurs, fleet managers, financing partners, and senior corporate leaders who came to witness the future of haulage solutions in East Africa.

Printan Motors, a locally-rooted firm with nearly a decade in the business, is on a mission to empower the working class in Kenya by bridging the gap between affordability, durability, and service support.

The company began operations about nine years ago, quickly gaining recognition for offering vehicles that balance price competitiveness with technical robustness. From 3-tonne trucks to heavy-duty prime movers, Printan’s portfolio is now dominated by the HOWO Hallmark, thanks to its superior cost-to-performance ratio.

Inside the HOWO Hallmark: Built for Profit, Designed for Drivers

At the heart of the unveiling was the HOWO Hallmark, the latest model from SINOTRUK, tailored specifically for African terrains. The vehicle boasts:

• Lowest total cost of ownership among its competitors

• Unparalleled driver comfort—ergonomically designed for long-haul use

• Long service life—units from 2018 are still actively and reliably running

• Ease of maintenance—spare parts are widely available and competitively priced

• Custom local assembly, ensuring short lead times on orders (1–2 weeks delivery)

Game-Changing Cost Advantage

While other trucks in the market might attract servicing bills of up to KES 80,000, the Hallmark’s typical servicing cost ranges between KES 20,000–40,000, depending on engine size. This translates to significant long-term savings, especially for small and mid-sized fleet owners.

Furthermore, the brand’s focus on genuine spare parts and technical support is another reason many transporters are switching. Printan imports original parts in bulk, often undercutting local market rates. For example, while an air filter might sell for KES 6,000 elsewhere, Printan retails the same at KES 5,500.

NCBA’s Financing: Driving Ownership and Scale

James Karinga, Head of Asset Finance, delivered a compelling case for NCBA Bank Kenya PLC

The launch also marked the strengthening of a strategic financing alliance with NCBA Bank Kenya PLC, one of the region’s leading asset financiers.

James Karinga, Head of Asset Finance, delivered a compelling case for NCBA Bank Kenya PLC's involvement in the partnership.

James Karinga emphasized the importance of supporting businesses that move goods across the country, stressing that NCBA Bank Kenya PLC is more than a financier—it is a development partner.

NCBA Bank Kenya PLC’s offering includes:

• Up to 90% financing on Hallmark trucks

• Flexible repayment terms tailored to SMEs and individual transporters

• Fast approvals and after-sales engagement

• Access to insurance, training, and long-term fleet management solutions

Crucially, NCBA Bank Kenya PLC’s model supports a broad demographic—from first-time transporters to large-scale contractors, making asset ownership inclusive and scalable.

SINOTRUK's Commitment to Africa

The presence of Leo Wang, Country Manager of the Africa Division at SINOTRUK International, added gravitas to the launch. Speaking passionately, he reaffirmed SINOTRUK’s confidence in the African market.

SINOTRUK is already a well-established brand in over 100 countries. With the Hallmark series, they have taken lessons from decades of design, testing, and market adaptation, applying them specifically to African conditions. Their collaboration with Printan enables not just distribution, but localized innovation and feedback integration.

Support That Goes Beyond Sales

To support long-term ownership, Printan Motors has built a robust post-sale support system, which includes:

• Mobile service vans that reach truck owners across Kenya

• Training for drivers on fuel-efficient, safe driving techniques

• Capacity building for mechanics to ensure community-level serviceability

• Assembly plants to ensure rapid production and customization

With one main assembly line and two satellite facilities, Printan delivers customized truck units within 7–14 days—a turnaround time that is virtually unheard of in the heavy vehicle space.

Not Just for Big Players: Empowering the Ground Transporter

While the HOWO Hallmark is equipped for high-performance logistics and corporate fleets, Printan is also keen on empowering smaller operators.

This inclusive philosophy is matched by NCBA Bank Kenya PLC’s flexible loan structures, making it easier than ever for youth, women entrepreneurs, and micro fleet owners to gain a foothold in the logistics industry.

Why the Market Is Responding—Even Before Launch

Even before the official launch, the Hallmark had already captured significant attention in the market.

Many of their trucks are already in active service across Kenya, South Sudan, and parts of East and Central Africa, with testimonials coming in from satisfied operators who cite low maintenance, profitability, and after-sales support as key benefits.

Conclusion: A Truck That’s More Than Metal

The HOWO Hallmark isn’t just a new model on the lot—it represents a shift in how Kenya is approaching transport logistics. Backed by the engineering excellence of SINOTRUK and the client-centricity of Printan Motors, it sets a new benchmark for truck ownership in East Africa.

In a region that relies heavily on road transport for economic activity, such innovations are not only welcome—they are vital.

This is more than a truck—it is a hallmark of transformation.