Kinglong Bus Highlights at Singaporean Market and Media

IRs driving demand for China-made buses

China bus brands accounted for about two-thirds of private buses sold last year
                                                                                                                    By SAMUEL EE

More and more China-made buses are plying Singapore roads, with demand being fuelled by the Integrated Resorts (IRs).

There are nine China bus brands in Singapore and together, they sold 148 units last year, or almost two-thirds of the total estimated 230 large private buses sold in Singapore in 2009.

Of these mainland makes, the top brand is King Long with a market share of 40 per cent for its segment. The Xiamen bus manufacturer produces 23- to 49-seater models and last year, it sold 61 buses here to major local transport operators who service the IRs.

"Our clients began buying our buses as early as in the third quarter of 2008, when construction of the Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa began,"said Charles Tan, director of King Long (Singapore) Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Goldbell, the long-time distributor of Mitsubishi commercial vehicles.

Mr Tan said the buses then were used for ferrying construction workers and other staff on training. Those purchases of more basic buses are now giving way to more luxurious models, with specifications like reclining seats, LED lighting, flat-screen TVs and DVD players. He estimates that at least half of his buses bought last year serve the IR.

The main allure of the China-made bus is its lower price and maintenance. According to Mr Tan, King Long is China's top brand and the most expensive, yet the price of a 49-seater luxury coach ranges from $145,00 to $235,000, including COE. A similar model from a European brand can cost $65,000 extra.

Little wonder then that from zero in 2007, China-made buses now account for 64 per cent of its segment after just three years.

The Chinese bus is also "a reliable product", claims Mr Tan. For King Long, China is merely used as a production base because of lower costs but the key components of a King Long bus come from Europe.

"The engine is from the UK, and the transmission, power steering and brakes are from Germany," said Mr. Tan.

He added: "Although it is a China-assembled bus, we pay special attention to the look and feel because of driver and passenger comfort. If it is difficult, the driver won't like it. That is why our clients who have used our buses have confidence in us."

Biz Times Write out on China Buses