A veteran Chinese truck driver with more than two decades of long-haul experience says switching to the Ouman Galaxy 9 compressed natural gas (CNG) automatic truck has transformed his working life in three ways: easier driving, lower costs, and faster payback. The account, published by Chinese auto media PCauto, profiles a driver surnamed Ma who runs freight routes of around 1,000 km (about 620 miles) across China.
From manual to automatic: cutting the strain
Ma spent years driving manual-transmission heavy trucks, which he said left him exhausted after 12-hour shifts, with constant clutch work on national roads and manual switching of lights and wipers in tunnels and rain. The Galaxy 9, powered by a 630 hp (470 kW) Foton Cummins A15N gas engine paired with a ZF 12-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), eliminates clutch pedaling and gear shifting, he said. The truck also comes with automatic headlights and wipers, and a wide, air-suspended, sound-insulated cabin that filters road bumps.
“The older I get, the more I want an easier drive,” Ma told PCauto. “With the old manual truck, I ached all over after a long day. With the Galaxy 9 automatic, it’s been so much easier—smooth shifting on national roads, no distraction in tunnels or rain. In 20-plus years of driving, I’ve never felt this relaxed.”
Smart features and lower running costs
Ma said the Galaxy 9’s intelligent systems have changed his daily routine. The 2600 Nm torque peak helps the truck climb long slopes without losing pace, even fully loaded, and maintain steady cruising on flat highways, he said. The ZF gearbox has a claimed transmission efficiency of 99.7%, and the truck’s aerodynamic design helps cut gas consumption by 3-5% compared with rivals, according to the report. A 12.3-inch dual-screen display shows vehicle status and energy use at a glance, simplifying pre-trip checks.
“This Galaxy 9 has upended decades of my driving habits,” Ma said. “It’s smart, easy to drive, and the power never fades on long grades. I’ve never missed a delivery deadline since I got it.”
Faster payback for a family man
With a daughter in university and a son in high school, Ma said he previously ran day and night to cover family costs. The Galaxy 9, a flagship long-haul CNG model from Ouman (a brand under Foton), offers a 600,000-km maintenance interval for core components and higher resale value than comparable trucks, according to the report. Ma said his truck consumes about 26 kg of gas per 100 km (about 42 kg per 100 miles), and with stable freight demand he expects to recoup the purchase price within one to two years.
“Buying a truck that costs several hundred thousand yuan is a big decision—you have to pick one with a good reputation and proven earning power,” Ma said. “I’m confident I chose right with the Galaxy 9.”
