The international brands also face another challenge.

To protect the economy during the financial crisis in 2008, the Chinese government injected vast amounts of capital into the market and encouraged investment in major construction. The truck industry is believed to have received a huge boost from this policy, but that momentum is not sustainable.

"We have to upgrade the products and services to safeguard our future growth," says Wu, adding that the joint venture will re-launch the more technologically advanced Auman GTL model in 2014.

Managers from the foreign side of the partnership are more optimistic. Albrecht estimated that the market will bounce back in the second half of next year, and "in the long term we still expect some growth, although not as bullish".

To cope best in an uncertain future, it is essential for young joint ventures to handle the collision of different corporate cultures and ideas, says Wu.

"The two sides have their own advantages, but they share the same mission. So the core problem is to find a good way to communicate."

wangchao@chinadaily.com.cn