Oil prices are rising, freight rates are fluctuating. How can we recover costs more quickly? And how can we increase profits in the face of market fluctuations? This is a challenge that every truck driver is facing. As the industry enters an era of meticulous calculation by the kilometer and relying on 
"fine operation" to win, some have already taken the lead and are seeking new tools to break through the predicament.
Master He is one of them. As a veteran driver who has been working with Jiefang light trucks for many years, he has just bid farewell to the powerful VH model with which he had been working side by side for a long time, and has welcomed two Jiefang Tiger 6G hybrid light trucks. From fuel-powered to hybrid, this is not only a change of vehicles, but also a crucial step towards the future and embracing refined operations.
01 Choosing a Car
"Before, I drove an oil car and it cost 1.2 yuan per kilometer. Now I drive a hybrid vehicle and it only costs 0.9 yuan per kilometer. I can save about 20 cents per kilometer. If I drive 10,000 kilometers a month, I can save over 2,000 yuan just from the fuel cost alone." Master He has calculated the figures very clearly when switching from an oil car to a hybrid model.
Master He mainly drives medium to short distance routes between Pucheng and Xi'an and its surrounding areas, covering a distance of 100 to 200 kilometers. He regularly transports heavy goods such as corn, starch, and feed. Starting from October this year, he has purchased two Jiefang light trucks of the Tiger 6G hybrid model, replacing his previous fuel vehicles.
"The previous Liberation Tiger VH light truck was also a good vehicle. It had been driven for five years without any major problems. The chassis was very stable and there were no major issues. However, some factories couldn't be accessed with the country V model, and it was prone to traffic restrictions in urban areas. Also, driving a manual transmission for a long time was tiring." Master He frankly stated, "When it came time to change the vehicle, I was also indecisive. I saw pure electric models, but I was worried that they would struggle to handle heavy loads, and the chassis wouldn't be able to withstand it."
When talking about his experience of choosing a car, Master He began to speak freely. Previously, he drove a second-hand Jiefang Tiger VH diesel light truck. The vehicle was registered in 2020 and had been in his possession for two and a half years. The total mileage had reached 310,000 kilometers. He said that as an established brand, "the quality is reliable and the brand is strong."
This year, the business volume has increased and Master He plans to purchase new vehicles. He first focused on the Hongqi 6G hybrid model. "I heard that it is both fuel-efficient and powerful, so I ordered one for a test drive." After a month, the results were unexpected. "It really has good power when climbing hills and the fuel consumption is low." He quickly ordered the second one. "Now I drive one vehicle by myself and have hired two drivers. We have a total of three vehicles operating."
02 Using a Vehicle
Master He's operation scenarios mainly involve medium and short-distance heavy-load transportation. He frequently travels between Xi'an, Pucheng, Dali, and Baishui, with complex road conditions and numerous slopes.
"Once I was transporting a very heavy fertilizer to Yan'an. There was a section of the road that was extremely steep, and I was worried that the vehicle wouldn't be able to go up. Unexpectedly, the vehicle roared up the slope with great force." He was very satisfied with the power performance of the Tiger 6G. "Even though it has a 2.5-liter engine, combined with the electric motor, the total horsepower is 260. It's very easy to overtake and climb slopes."
As an automatic transmission model, the ease of operation of the Tiger 6G also earned Hu师傅 great praise： "When starting uphill, there's no need to release the handbrake. Just put the accelerator in and it'll go, press the brake and it'll stop. Even if you forget to pull the handbrake, just pull the key and it'll automatically engage the handbrake. There's no fear of the vehicle sliding away."
He also specifically mentioned the kinetic energy recovery system: "It is activated when going down a steep slope. You hardly need to press the brake pedal. It saves brake pads and also reduces the need for water spraying. I used to drive an oil car. Just for water spraying alone, I had to spend 10 to 20 yuan a day. Now, it's only 5 yuan a month."
03 Billing
"Our sports car, in the end, we still need to do the accounting to see exactly how the profits turned out.
" Master He also made a detailed calculation:
Previously, when driving a diesel vehicle to haul heavy loads, the cost per kilometer was approximately 1.2 yuan; now, driving the HU6G hybrid light truck, the cost per kilometer is about 0.9 yuan, saving about 0.3 yuan per kilometer. If we calculate based on driving 10,000 kilometers per month, the monthly savings on fuel costs alone would be approximately 2,400 yuan.
In addition, the cost of watering the vehicle has also decreased from several hundred yuan per month to almost negligible. "Over the course of a year, including fuel and water costs, we can save around 30,000 yuan," Master He said.
In terms of range, he stated that with full fuel and full battery, the actual mileage could reach 900 to 950 kilometers. "Once the fuel gauge lit up, I continued driving for another 100 kilometers. When refueling, I found that there were still 10 liters left in the tank. It was indeed very reliable."
04 Trust
Starting from the first second-hand Hongqi Tiger VH diesel light truck, to the current two brand-new Tiger 6G hybrid light trucks, Master He has been associated with Hongqi for nearly five years. "The Hongqi chassis is stable, safe to drive, and 
has sufficient power. For us who haul heavy loads, we just want something reliable."
He admitted that the burden on him is not light at present. "The monthly loan for the two cars is 8,000 yuan each, but with more cars, there are more sales. Three cars are definitely more profitable than one." Most of his supplies come from his regular customers. "They have been accumulated over the years. I deliver them on time and punctually, and that's why they trust me."
Regarding the future, Master He has a clear goal: "Next year, I aim to reduce the debt and increase the number of cars." When asked if he would still choose the Jiefang brand if he were to replace the cars, he replied without hesitation: "Of course, it will still be the Jiefang brand!"
Nowadays, the payback period in the transportation industry has been prolonged, and buying a car has become a risky gamble. As an entrepreneur, Master He not only operates trucks but also runs a pig farm. The pressure of starting a business, external debts, and car loans all come surging like a tide, making Master He "dare not stop".
Fortunately, he won the "bet" of changing and buying a car. Both the product quality and economic benefits gave Master He positive feedback, allowing him to walk more calmly on the road of entrepreneurship.
Nowadays, Master He's two Hongqi 6G hybrid light trucks have cumulatively traveled over 100,000 kilometers. He said that next year he plans to continue repaying the loan, reduce debts, and if conditions permit, he will also purchase more Hongqi light trucks.
"This vehicle has a stable chassis, ample power, and is fuel-efficient and hassle-free. For us heavy-load drivers, it's a great companion for making money." Under the setting sun, Master He inspected the vehicle and was ready to start the next journey.
