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King Long takes lead in China's coach making industry

By Yu Hongyan (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2008-12-19 18:40

A King Long coach displayed at a ceremony marking the company's 20th founding anniversary. [chinadaily.com.cn]

Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co Ltd, a major Chinese bus maker, contributed 18 percent of all the coaches China exported in the first ten months of 2008, up from previous year's 13 percent, according to Custom figures.

The Xiamen, Fujian-based bus maker is expected to chalk up 5.3 billion yuan ($774 million) of sales this year, 25 percent of which will come from overseas business.

King long's sales jumped nearly 400 percent in Europe this year, according to Zhu Guoqiang, deputy company manager.

Obtaining approval from EU's Vehicle Certification Agency in 2003, it is the first in China to sell coaches in Europe.

"We wish to sell our buses in the North America market, as it is the real arena for auto makers, and the destination for China's auto makers," said Zhu, who is in charge of the company's overseas sales.

Visitors at a King Long workshop [chinadaily.com.cn]

King Long will focus on African market next year, as the ongoing global financial crisis is likely to have a mild impact on the continent, while continue to explore Asian markets such as Singapore, Thailand, India and Pakistan. It also identifies Latin America as a key market.

The company plans to sell half of its products to foreign countries in the future, without giving a firm timetable.

Backed by its quality products, the company provided 2,000 buses for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and reported zero fault during the period.

Founded in 1988, King Long is a pioneer in overseas expansion in the industry, with a sales network spreading in 55 countries or regions.