Gross, a distribution company, addressed criticism directed at the Chinese-built trucks it supplied, including the Howo T5G, in connection with a major accident in the Moscow region. The information was reported by the Rise Telegram channel.
Gross stated that it had not previously received complaints about the braking system on these Chinese trucks. Yet social media users say that even after replacing brake pads the vehicle still brakes poorly, the pedal feels soft, and stopping distances seem excessive.
An official spokesman said there was no precedent of braking problems. The Howo T5G is an improved model with a stronger body steel and a reliable brake system, and no similar complaints were recorded. When the vehicle is not overloaded and the operator does not push it to its limits, it should perform normally. The model also offers an extra braking system in different trim levels. Maybe it was overloaded, or maybe the brakes were not used properly, he added.
The accident occurred on October 7 in the Serpukhov region on a bridge over the Oka. Video from the scene shows a dump truck colliding with a line of cars at high speed, with several vehicles pushed into adjacent lanes.
Media reports indicate that the truck driver struck a total of twelve vehicles. Four people were injured, and medical teams could not save three others.
The cause of the crash remained unknown as law enforcement worked at the scene, taking precautions to determine the circumstances.
A new video from the accident site in the Moscow region featuring the dump truck has surfaced.