King Long Rises in European Market

2012 is the 10th year of King Long entering European market. From 82 city buses exported to Malta in 2003 to 2500 buses used in Europe nowadays, King Long brings China's self-owned brand to overseas high-end market.

The story dates back to 2003, when King Long obtained the order of 82 XMQ6113 city buses from Malta. At that time, King Long overseas marketing department was just established, concentrating on Southeast Asian market. The Malta order impel King Long to enter European market.

In 2005, King Long gained the first WVTA certificate and XMQ6127 was introduced to UK. In October, King Long attended the 18th BUSWORLD on behalf of China bus manufacturers.

Data shows King long exported 60 buses to three European countries in 2005, and 367 buses to 17 countries in 2008. In 2011, King Long delivered 172 city buses to ARRIVA, defeating seven competitors such as Benz, which UK Financial Times highly appraised. In the first half of 2012, King Long had 2500 buses in 21 European countries.

European technology laws and regulations are different from those in China and the standards on safety and emission are higher. In order to overcome these obstacles, Xie, Weiguo said King Long established a professional team with special R&D and manufacturing system for overseas requirements. From zero to nine WVTA certified models and to-be-certified five models by late 2012, King Long buses covered tourism, city buses and school buses, etc.

In 2005, King Long XMQ6127 passed WVTA certificate, by eight more models in the next few years from 8 meters to 13 meters, covering city buses, tourist buses and group buses, etc..

With more buses used in Europe, King Long make greater progress each year. In 2009, King Long won "Best Bus Manufacturer Award" in BUSWORLD; in 2010, King Long signed the agreement with ARRIVA to offer 174 city buses to Malta; in 2011, King Long exported nearly 200 tourist buses to Italy, ranking No.2; in 2012, one hundred King Long buses served London Olympic Games.

Ten years witnesses King Long's breakthrough in European market and the company proves its capability of competing in the world market.