Weichai scores win at SBR International Business Awards 2025

The company bagged the Manufacturing accolade with its diesel engine with 53.09% thermal efficiency, the first in the world.

Weichai earned recognition at the SBR International Business Awards 2025 after it unveiled its groundbreaking diesel engine, which has been officially recognised by the renowned international testing organisation TÜV SÜD. 

Engineers and scientists have worked tirelessly for over 127 years to improve the thermal efficiency of diesel engines. Until now, breaking the 53% thermal efficiency barrier has yet to be attained.

Weichai’s research team spent years perfecting four key systems such as combustion, air intake, fuel delivery, and friction reduction. These improvements led to breakthroughs like high-expansion combustion, mixed-flow pressurisation, high-efficiency fuel injection, and friction-reducing technologies. Each small advancement led to the ultimate success—a world-first achievement in diesel engine thermal efficiency. This has resulted in 176 invention patents and 68 utility model patents.

The practical benefits of this innovation are significant. By improving diesel engine thermal efficiency from the current 45 to 46% to 53%, Weichai’s engine can boost engine economy by around 14%. 

In China, where diesel engines are essential for transportation and industry, this breakthrough could save approximately 31 million tons of fuel each year. It also has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 97 million tons annually—a win in global sustainability goals.

For operators of heavy-duty tractors, this could result in savings of around 12,000 litres of diesel per year, or about 98,000 yuan in reduced operational costs per vehicle. A heavy-duty tractor travelling 250,000 kilometres annually could benefit greatly from this fuel efficiency upgrade financially and environmentally.

Beyond transportation, industries such as construction, agriculture, shipping, and power generation can also take advantage of improved thermal efficiency. This sets a new global benchmark, with Weichai supporting the transition to greener and more sustainable practices worldwide.

This milestone is also aligned with China’s goals for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, as well as global sustainability efforts, as it helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Looking ahead, Weichai plans to expand the use of this new diesel engine technology globally. It aims to play a larger role in sustainable development and further cement its leadership in the engine industry. 

More than being a technical breakthrough, the achievement of 53.09% thermal efficiency is a commitment to innovation and a cleaner and more efficient future.

The SBR International Business Awards recognises the achievements of foreign companies in Singapore as well as the transformative business initiatives, strategies, and projects that stand out in the competitive landscape of the Lion City.

The awards programme serves as a platform that spotlights the vision, leadership, and resilience of businesses that are driving progress in Singapore's dynamic economy.

The SBR International Business Awards is presented by Singapore Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2026 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's outstanding contributions in Singapore's vibrant business landscape, please contact Jane Patiag at [email protected].