Chinese brand Superpanther partners with Steyr Automotive to approach the European market
The first product of this collaboration, eTopas 600, on display at IAA Transportation, is an electric tractor tailored specifically for the European market. It is equipped with high-efficiency LFP batteries with driving range of 500km. "In this strategic collaboration with SuperPanther, we are not merely integrators of technology, but co-creators of a shared vision", commented Manfred Eibeck, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board Steyr Automotive.
Young Chinese truck manufacturer Superpanther, founded only in 2022, has recently announced a valuable partnership with Steyr Automotive as a key step to approach the European zero-emission truck market. The announcement was made at IAA Transportation, in September.
The partnership between SuperPanther and Steyr Automotive is built on the companies’ shared expertise in electric heavy-duty trucks and their deep market insights. Steyr Automotive, in particular, “will contribute its rich experiences of lean manufacturing and superior quality”, as stated by Superpanther.
Superpanther and Steyr Automotive: the eTopas 600
The first product of this collaboration, eTopas 600, on display at IAA Transportation, is an electric tractor tailored specifically for the European market. It is equipped with high-efficiency LFP batteries with driving range of 500km, SuperPanther’s self-developed electric axle, an 876V high-voltage platform, integrated thermal management system with an intelligent energy management. Additionally, the launch of eEmerald series was also announced. Both truck variants are expected to go into series production into the European market at the end of 2025.
“The partnership between SuperPanther and Steyr Automotive is of great significance to the global development of the electric heavy-duty truck industry. This strategic cooperation accelerates the integration of resources between the two companies to provide efficient, environmentally friendly electric truck solutions to meet the growing demand for net-zero transportation”, said Michael Ruf, President of SuperPanther’s European Market.
Manfred Eibeck, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board Steyr Automotive, added: “As a company with more than a century of experience in the production of trucks, Steyr Automotive has always been dedicated to new technologies. In this strategic collaboration with SuperPanther, we are not merely integrators of technology, but co-creators of a shared vision. Together, Steyr Automotive and SuperPanther will drive the advancement of electric heavy-duty truck technology, contributing to the global goal of ‘Net-Zero’ emissions”.
