In 2008 it was revealed that China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) had started to market a new 8×8 wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) called the VN1. This was first shown in public in early 2009 during the IDEX International Defence Exhibition held in the United Arab Emirates.The model of the VN1 was shown fitted with a one person turret armed with a 30 mm cannon and 7.62 mm co-axial machine gun. This can be fitted with a NORINCO Red Arrow HJ-73D anti-tank guided weapon if required.During the parade held in Beijing on 1st October to mark the 60th Anniversary of China, a development of VN1 was shown for the first time under the designation of the ZBD-09.

• adoption of the 8x8 all-wheel driving configuration, independent suspension system and axles with differential lock enabling the vehicle to get excellent cross-country performance

• adoption of the water-cooled diesel engine DEUTZ BF6M1015CP and the mechanical transmission with the synchronizer affording superior performance in tropical zone, desert and plateau

• the collective NBC protection system, automatic fire extinguishing system enhancing survivability of the vehicle

• made of high hardness armor steel, the hull and turret offering effective protection performance for the vehicle

• excellent amphibious characteristics and a swimming speed of up to 8 km/h

• run flat tyres liners allowing vehicles to continue their missions, even with deflated tyres

• central tyre infation system can infate (or deflate) the tyres and test the tyre pressure automatically

• the powerful air conditioner providing comfortable environment for crew

• wheeled armoured personnel carrier

• wheeled armoured command vehicle

• wheeled armoured recovery vehicle