As of September 2006, HIGER bus has achieved sales of $80 million in overseas markets. This translates into an amazing year-over-year growth rate of 433% from 2005, when sales grew to $15 million from merely $3 million in 2004. HIGER bus outstanding sales in overseas markets not only stunned its competitors in China, but also far exceeded the expectation of Kong Long(Suzhou) ¡¯s general manager Wu Wenwen.
 
HIGER A80 was first listed in the catalog of The 19th Edition of High Class Three Bus Products, which was issued by the Ministry of Transportations in mid October, 2006. This puts King Long United Automotive Industry (Suzhou) Co. Ltd  the ninth bus manufacturer in China in this category.
 
The 8-year-old Kong Long (Suzhou) is enjoying fast growth in other areas as well. In the first nine months of 2006, King Long has sold 9,977 buses, up 37.77% year-over-year. Its market share in domestic large-scale and middle-scale bus markets has exceeded 10%. All of these make it the fastest growing bus enterprises in China. Besides, its sales growth rate is the fastest among major bus enterprises in China, achieving 260 million Yuan of sales in the first nine months of 2006, up 37.01% from previous year. However, Wu Wenwen is far from being satisfied with all these achievements. He takes Suzhou King Long¡¯s success as an opportunity for further expansion. At present the second phase of factory is under construction. After the new project is completed, the throughput of HIGER series can reach 18,000 units.

Marketing and Brand Development

In 2004, with the philosophy of ¡°Remarkable Safety, Considerate Service¡±, HIGER bus was first awarded The Best Safety Bus from BAAV Asia in 2004, and since then has consecutively won the same award for the last three years. Everyone in Kong long(Suzhou)  cherishes this honor and strives for better safety features.
 
Developing HIGER Own Style

In the second half of 2005, King Long(Suzhou)  started a Comprehensive Quality Management campaign within the organization. In this campaign, it was stressed that quality design and manufacturing were only part of the quality concept. General Manger Wu Wenwen encouraged all King Long (Suzhou) employees to talk about Style instead of quality, because Style not only means superior quality, but also enterprise characteristics. As pointed out by Wu Wenwen, ¡° Ultimately we need to develop our own style. It is fine to study, to imitate, but is it absolutely not ok to copy¡±. 2006 was the Year of Marketing for Higer Bus, with the single most important mission being promoting Higer Style.

Go Overseas

Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, America, and Europe are major exporting markets among King Long(Suzhou) ¡¯s overseas footprints, with Middle East the most important region. King Long(Suzhou) has chosen Jordan as its sales base and has employed local Chinese representatives to develop businesses in this area. Jordan was picked because of its proximity to  King Long(Suzhou)¡¯s major markets, such as United Arab, Qatar, and Syria. In Southeast Asia, Thailand was chosen as the base. A CKD factory will be set up there. The first seven technicians have been sent in preparation of this operation. Wu Wenwen said, ¡° King Long(Suzhou) will not just stop at one country or one region. However, we cannot afford to get entry to a market and then quickly lose it. We have to make consistent, strong presence in each market we develop overseas.¡±
 
As of now, King Long (Suzhou) has registered HIGER logo and trademark in over 30 countries. HIGER bus has been certified by Euro EEC, Arabia GCC and Russia GOST, with US FMVSS certificate under way.
 
Without a doubt this is a project that takes a lot of time and efforts. Wu Wenwen recognizes the challenges more than anyone else. He said: ¡°A big tree needs deep roots, otherwise it is susceptible to even a gust of slightest wind. We are going to work hard and steadily for another eight years. We hope, and we believe we are able, to make King Long(Suzhou)  one of the top brand names in the world.¡±