Kim Long Motor Exports First Batch of Electric Buses to Thailand

Vietnam's Kim Long Motor has exported its first batch of electric buses (EV buses) to Thailand, highlighting the international growth of Vietnam's EV industry and the increasing demand for eco-friendly mobility solutions in the Thai market. Under the agreement, Kijsetthi Mobility will serve as the authorized distributor of Kim Long Motor bus products in Thailand, establishing a nationwide sales and after-sales service network. The product portfolio includes both internal combustion engine and fully electric buses, catering to diverse transport needs and the growing demand for green mobility solutions. Kim Long Motor is strengthening its cooperation in the EV sector. It is building a battery manufacturing plant with BYD, involving a total two-phase investment of $130 million USD, at its automotive production and assembly industrial park in Hue. Furthermore, an agreement with ZF Group will facilitate cooperation in integrating ZF's core components into both internal combustion engine and electric vehicles manufactured by Kim Long Motor. Vietnam has been accelerating investments in the EV sector alongside its economic growth. Domestically, partnerships with international giants like BYD are progressing, aiming to enhance EV production capacity. This represents a significant step towards achieving the Vietnamese government's goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The export of EV buses to Thailand suggests that Vietnam's automotive industry is entering a new stage of development. While venturing into international markets presents substantial challenges, including localization, development of supporting industries, technological capabilities, human resource development, and adherence to country-specific technical standards, Kim Long Motor's recent export demonstrates the potential to overcome these hurdles and enhance the international competitiveness of Vietnamese-made EVs. Vietnam and Thailand are key trading partners within ASEAN, with bilateral trade showing a consistent upward trend in recent years. This export of EV buses is poised to open a new dimension of economic cooperation between the two nations.