Sisu Polar History

The Polar series entered production in 2011 (model year 2012) as the successor to the E-series, built around a partnership with Mercedes-Benz that supplies cabs, engines, and driveline components. The two core variants are the DK12M (12-litre engine, high cab, forward control) and DK16M (16-litre engine), with axle configurations ranging from 6×2 to 10×4 on road and 6×4, 6×6, and 8×8 off-road.

Sisu organised the Polar into named application families: Polar Rock (earthmovers and dump trucks), Polar Timber (logging), Polar Works (road maintenance and snowploughs), Polar Crane (mobile crane chassis), Polar Carrier (heavy machinery haulage), and Polar Roll (hook loaders). This application-specific approach reflects Sisu's core philosophy — purpose-engineered trucks for Nordic conditions rather than adapted volume-market products.

The Polar was named Truck of the Year in Finland for 2012, recognising its successful integration of modern Mercedes-Benz technology with the rugged, purpose-built Sisu chassis tradition. All Polar trucks are assembled at Sisu Auto's factory in Raseborg, on Finland's south-west coast, where the company has been based since the 1970s.