Zeron Truck. [Photo/WeChat account: tcfbgw]

Zeron Truck, based in Taicang, has been named to the Hurun Global Unicorn Index 2026, becoming the first company in the city to earn a place on the prestigious ranking of the world's most valuable companies.

Released by the Hurun Research Institute on June 25, the index lists privately held companies founded after 2000 with valuations of at least $1 billion. Zeron Truck ranked 1,279th on this year's global list.

Founded in June 2022, the company specializes in the research and development of autonomous driving software and hardware for new-energy intelligent heavy-duty trucks. It aims to become a global leader in transport robotics by integrating electrification and autonomous driving technologies for commercial vehicles.

To support its rapid growth, Zeron Truck has secured billions of yuan in financing from leading strategic investors, including battery giant CATL and NIO Capital. The funding is expected to further strengthen the company's in-house technological development and accelerate the expansion of its industry ecosystem.

The company has also begun preparations for a listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and submitted its initial public offering application in May.