E-MAIL
Since its entry into the Latin American market in 2003, Yutong has always attached strategic importance to the huge market. In 2015, the bus maker exported a total number of 2,761 units buses to the region, accounting for 66.02% of China’s overall bus exports. For several consecutive years, it has been the top bus brand in the region. Its business expansion in Cuba and Venezuela, in particular, has been widely imitated by other bus makers.
Yutong in Venezuela
On July 21, 2014, under the witness of Chinese president Xi Jinping and Venezuelan president Maduro, Yutong and the Venezuelan Ministry of Transport signed an agreement for setting up a KD factory with an annual production capacity of 3,600 units large- and medium-sized buses and coaches. With a total investment of 278 million USD, the KD factory held a grand ceremony to mark the delivery of its first 100 buses in March this year. Aristobulo, vice president of Venezuela, hosted the ceremony. In addition, Yutong, together with Venezuelan Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Industry, has set up a joint venture. A team comprising of six managerial personnel and twenty technicians was sent to Venezuela to assist the smooth operation of the company. In the meantime, Venezuela sent 42 staff members to China for a training program. Such a high level exchange has laid a solid foundation for the joint venture to open on schedule.
Yutong Venezuelan KD Factory is Yutong’s first factory abroad with all standardized production procedures. It is also Yutong’s first joint venture set in the overseas market, marking a new beginning for Yutong from product export to the export of technologies and capitals.
Yutong in Paraguay
In 2014, Yutong sent some sample vehicles to Paraguay. Given the scorching hot weather in the country, Yutong mounted air-conditioning systems on its ZK6108HGD. As Paraguay’s first batch of air-conditioned buses, Yutong immediately made a splash in the country. Soon, La San Lorenzana, a bus operator based in Asuncion, placed an order of ten buses. The deal ushered in a new era for Yutong’s expansion in Paraguay.
In 2015, thanks to the rising popularity of Yutong in Paraguay and the government’s favorable policy for urban bus replacement, Yutong managed to sell 49 units buses in the country.
Yutong in Uruguay
Yutong gained a strong foothold in Uruguay by its high vehicle standards and sound after-sales services. The continued rising popularity of Yutong in Uruguay has also forced its rival Brazil-based Benz to adjust its product policy.
In 2015, in an effort to meet the demands of COME S.A., a local bus operator in Uruguay, Yutong and its dealer presented their sample vehicles for the bus operators half a year ahead and invited its customer to experience the vehicles’ performance. After the first meeting, Yutong quickly made a series of adjustments to suit its customer’s needs. Moved by Chinese bus maker’s commitment and services, the bus operator finally chose Yutong. Thus, Yutong became the only Chinese bus brand that registered sales in Uruguay in 2015. Currently, a total number of 350 Yutong buses are working smoothly in Uruguay, accounting for 90% of the bus fleet from China.
On the basis of its previous success in Latin America, Yutong is now working relentlessly to further strengthen its presence in the region. Drawing experience from its expansion in Cuba, the bus maker focuses on meeting its customers’ needs and improving the quality of its products and after-sales services. By diversifying its products and services and caring for the special needs of local customers, Yutong aims to enhance its customers’ satisfaction, which is essential to sustain the sound development of its overseas business.