This
year marks the 12th Year Anniversary of the well-renowned bus maker King Long's
first entry into European market. As one of the leading bus brands from China
in Europe, King Long now boasts a total number over 2,000 units buses in
operation. In addition, a minimum of 400 brand new King Long buses arrive in
Europe every year to join the local bus fleet.
On Sept. 17, reporters from Chinabuses.com paid a special visit to King Long
and interviewed the company's Overseas Sales Director, Xie Weiguo. According to
Mr. Xie, King Long is the first China bus brand which successfully made its
presence in Europe as early as 2003. For the company, perseverance is the only
way to success. Even though it has gone through many difficulties, the company
has been constantly making efforts to improve itself and explore new
opportunities so as to better adapt to the market.
"In the past twelve years, we have witnessed constant increase of King
Long buses in the Europe. As the market usually sets the highest bus standards
both from related regulations and local customers, we started from some areas
which are less stringent. Soon after we gained a foothold in the local area, we
can confidently and more easily march into other local markets in the
Europe," said Mr. Xie.
Now it is not hard to explain why King Long first conquered Malta, which
ushered the bus brand to other European markets. To date, a total number of 250
King Long buses have been in smooth operation in Malta, accounting for 90% of
the country's bus fleet.
"After we succeeded in Malta, we started building sales networks in other
major markets, such as Italy. Currently, King Long ranks the third following
two leading European bus brands in the local tourist coach market", says
Mr. Xie. To date, King Long has successfully made its presence in 21 European
countries with a wide spectrum of its bus products ranging from 8-meter to
13-meter inter-city buses, travel coaches, city buses, etc.
This
year, King Long also took part in the 65th Hanover Commercial Vehicle Expo. It
is the fourth time for the company to participate in such a high-profile event.
To meet the new development trend in the field, the bus maker puts three brand
new bus models on display, all of which are equipped with engines with Euro VI
emission standards. As they significantly cut vehicle emissions, the three King
Long bus models are expected to be able to rival with its European
counterparts.
The past twelve years witnessed the fast growth of King Long in the European
market. Now It has become a well-renowned bus brand in Europe. Each year, its
exports to western Europe account for about 15% of its total overseas sales
volume.