The latest Chinese autonomous tie-up between technology provider and major OEM is a recent deal between VIPioneers (also referred to as Huituo or Waytous) with Lingong Group Jinan Heavy Machinery (LGMG), part of Lingong Group, which is one of the largest mining machinery manufacturers in China through its supply of wide body “tipper” type dump trucks which include the 70 t payload CMT106 and 60 t MT95D/MT95H and a number of smaller models. Hundreds of these trucks are routinely used at single mining operations in China so are a major automation focus in the country to improve production efficiency.

Described as a strategic cooperative relationship, the two companies will jointly promote the improvement of both parties’ technical capabilities and market expansion. VIPioneers & LGMG say they both adhere to the principle of “complementary advantages, resource sharing, and seek common development.” In terms of product technology, they will jointly develop unmanned wide body dump trucks focusing on the VCU part of the wire-controlled chassis. In addition, the two parties will also “cooperate in scientific and technological projects, demonstration project construction, customer and media resource sharing, and actively strive for win-win cooperation.”

LGMG also produces ancillary mining machines like water sprinklers, graders and crawler drill rigs. The company is based in Jinan City, Shandong Province. In underground mining it produces LHDs and trucks through LGMRT, a JV between Lingong Group and Sandvik in which Sandvik holds 65%. Lingong also owns 30% of SDLG, a JV with Volvo CE (70%). Both these JVs allowed Sandvik and Volvo CE to produce second tier product lines mainly for the Chinese and developing world markets while keeping their own premium product lines distinct.