Calque of the Russian тройка (troika) — a sleigh pulled by three horses harnessed abreast. Entered Chinese via translations of Russian literature and politics, and is now standard in economic commentary, especially the 'three drivers of GDP': 投资 (investment), 消费 (consumption), 出口 (exports).
usage
Common in business and sports writing for any prominent trio working together — a company's 三驾马车 might be its founder, CTO, and head of sales.
