Dar es Salaam. A Chinese company, King Long, will soon introduce bus brands in Tanzania. That is likely to increase competition in the market currently dominated by Scania of Sweden and Yutong of China.
The new buses, which are said to have been made specifically for the Tanzanian environment, will be brought after a survey done between 2011 and 2013 by the manufacturer. The survey discovered that bus buyers were complain about engine problems, gearbox and diff malfunctions.
This made King Long want to manufacture buses that suit the geographical nature of Tanzania.
The company that started its operations in 1998, according to Xie is now operating in more than 100 countries– and that it has a considerable experience in manufacturing and selling vehicles across the globe.
King Long XMQ6120AYW2 is a 12-metre-long coach and is designed for the African market with front mounted engine –suitable for operating in harsh environment.
“The buses we are introducing have a low running cost in terms of fuel consumption levels, maintenance and repairs. We have come with the solution that has been facing customers especially engines, gearbox and diff challenges,” said Mr Xie
According to Mr Xie, if properly maintained and serviced, King Long buses can have a lifespan of up to 10 years.
He told The Citizen that King Long, manufactures buses, minibuses and city buses that are being sold across the world. King Long Group manufactures up to 9,800 buses and minibuses a year – and operates in more than 100 countries globally.
Mr Xie is optimistic that about 100 vehicles of the brand will be sold in Tanzania by the end of 2014.
About 4,000 units have been sold in Africa by the company –and now Tanzania is the main market target due to its social and economic growth that provides potential for more investments in both industrial and service sector.
A luxury King Long bus costs Sh224 million while a semi-luxury one is sold for Sh214 million. “We are glad that the market response for Tanzania since we started showcasing these buses has been very positive and we so far have received some orders from customers who are interested in buying them.”
The company,however realizes that it is likely to face challenges due to the newness of the brands in the market, price challenges and lack of awareness among customers but hopes to finally overcome them.
The Citizen
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