BONLUCK, a bus manufacturer in eastern China’s Jiangxi Province, saw its first-quarter sales surge 96% year on year to US$6.75 million amid COVID-19. The share of the Middle East market accounted for more than 40% of the company’s total sales during the period despite the impact of the pandemic, said Li Han, deputy general manager of Bonluck. Bonluck’s sales show a snapshot of how Chinese-made buses are getting competitive and popular in Middle East countries, which have a great demand for road transportation. “The pandemic has had a big impact on the traditional transportation industry, but we insist on doing what others cannot do. Despite the repeated production suspensions and resumptions, our brand has been well received by customers,” said Li. Most of the company’s buses sold in the Middle East market are large ones equipped with about 50 seats, big luggage storage spaces, a driver lounge and a toilet that can meet the needs of long-distance travel. Bonluck is among a growing number of Chinese bus manufacturers which have been expanding their presence in the Middle East market in recent years. Headquartered in Henan Province, China’s leading bus maker Yutong Group Co. has signed an agreement with the Qatari side to provide 1,002 vehicles, including 741 pure electric buses, for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The rising demand in the Middle East market has not only galvanized bus makers but also driven other auto manufacturers. The Shangrao plant of Aiways, an electric-vehicle startup, has sent 688 new energy vehicles in four batches to overseas markets, including the Middle East this year. Incomplete statistics showed that more than 20 Chinese auto companies have entered the Middle East market with various products. (Xinhua) | 