In the 1990s, a new designator system was introduced in the PLA and the Type 89 APC is nowadays known as ZSD-89.

The hull is made of welded steel, and provides protection against small arms fire.

It has a large intake located in the top of the hull, with an exhaust on the right hand side.

Two oblong roof hatches and a large rear door provide access to the troop compartment.

On either side of the forward hull, a cluster of four 76 mm smoke grenade dischargers is mounted.

Type 89A is developed in the 2010s as support vehicles for PLA's heavy mechanized brigades.