Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  The Chinese company Yutong, a global leader in the production of buses powered by new energy sources, is considering a project to build a factory in Uzbekistan. This was announced by Yu Zhang, the director of Yutong in Uzbekistan, who noted that the company always strives for localization of production and is actively looking for suitable partners to create joint ventures.

Currently, Yutong has over ten factories established with partners in various countries, including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Ethiopia, Egypt, Australia, and Malaysia. The company is now considering the possibility of launching manufacturing facilities in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan within the next 3 to 5 years.

“Building a factory requires long and serious preparation. A feasibility analysis must be conducted, a site must be chosen, and so on,” emphasized Sam Yu Zhang.

He added that the investment volume is yet to be determined as it will depend on the capacity and potential of the Uzbek market.

However, the factory should not only be profitable for investors but also create jobs and benefit Uzbekistan's economy.

Yutong: A Leader in Innovative Transport

Yutong was founded in 1963 as Zhengzhou Bus Repair Factory. In 1993, it was reorganized into Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd., and in 1997, it became the first Chinese bus company to list its shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (stock code: 600066).

By 2006, Yutong had reached the status of China’s largest bus manufacturer, holding a market share of about 23%. In 2011, the company sold 50,000 buses, further strengthening its positions in both domestic and international markets.

Yutong manufactures buses with various powertrain types, including traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) buses, as well as electric and hydrogen buses.

In addition, Yutong is actively implementing pilot (autonomous) technologies: such buses are already being successfully operated in two Chinese cities.

If there is demand and the necessary infrastructure in Uzbekistan, the company is ready to consider transferring these advanced solutions to Uzbek partners.

In 2024, Yutong’s sales volume of medium- and large-sized buses reached 46,918 units, a 28.48% increase compared to 2023. The total export volume amounted to nearly 110,000 buses, delivered to more than 100 countries and regions around the world.

The company steadily continues to expand its presence in Europe, America, Africa, and Asia, holding over 10% of the global bus market share.

Innovation and Investment in Research and Development

Yutong annually invests about 5% of its revenue in research and development (R&D), which amounts to approximately 1 billion yuan. As part of its pursuit of technological leadership, the company actively introduces advanced solutions, including its proprietary integrated electric vehicle platform, YEA, which combines both hardware and software.

Before entering the market, each bus undergoes a comprehensive series of multi-stage tests aimed at checking all critically important characteristics:

Engine testing — analysis of power, fuel consumption, noise levels, vibrations, and emissions.

Chassis testing — verification of maneuverability, stability, ride smoothness, and braking efficiency.

Passenger comfort evaluation — checking the ergonomics of seats, climate control quality, and soundproofing.

Safety tests — crash tests and evaluation of all active and passive safety systems.

Climate testing — assessing the operation of all systems in extreme temperatures, from freezing cold to heat.

Environmental testing — measuring emissions and other environmental impact indicators.

Road testing — simulating real-world conditions, including driving on mountain roads, off-road terrain, and through dense city traffic.

Only after successfully passing all stages of testing does each bus receive certification for compliance with international standards, confirming its high quality, safety, and environmental sustainability.

One of the key factors behind the popularity of Yutong buses is the use of the latest technologies, which ensure a high level of safety, comfort, and environmental friendliness.

All models are equipped with active and passive safety systems, including stability control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), emergency braking assistance, and other intelligent features.

Environmental friendliness and energy efficiency are additional significant advantages of Yutong buses. The engines are highly fuel-efficient and have low harmful emissions. Most models comply with the international Euro-6 environmental standards, making them a reliable choice for modern cities focused on reducing their carbon footprint.

The reliability of the vehicles is also ensured by the use of high-strength steel in the body and key structural elements. This material guarantees the strength and durability of the buses, even under harsh climate and road conditions.

Uzbekistan: An Important Market

Yutong began operations in Uzbekistan in 2012. By the end of 2023, nearly 1,400 buses had been delivered, accounting for over 50% of total Chinese bus exports to Uzbekistan. The main segments remain tourism and intercity transportation.

Until 2017, annual deliveries were around 15 units, mostly 12-meter and 8.5-meter buses. However, with changes in Uzbekistan's transport policy and the opening of intercity routes to private companies, the situation has drastically changed.

In 2018, Yutong won a tender to supply 168 buses of the ZK6122H9 model, becoming the largest player in the market. This model was adapted for international routes, including services to Moscow, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, and other cities.

In 2022, the company delivered 20 electric buses, ZK6126BEVG, starting the electrification of public transport in Uzbekistan. These buses are successfully operating in cities, including Route No. 51 in Tashkent, where they run 14 trips daily, covering up to 290 km per day.

During the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Samarkand in September 2022, 40 Yutong T7 buses provided transport services for the event. The buses stood out for their high power, fuel efficiency, comfort, and reliability.

In 2023, Yutong delivered 800 city buses to Uzbekistan, including 500 gas-powered buses (ZK6116HG and ZK6126HG) and 300 electric Yuwei E12 buses (ZK6126BEVG). This was the largest shipment of Chinese buses exported to Uzbekistan and a significant milestone in the "Belt and Road" initiative.

Service, Training, and After-Sales Support

Yu Zhang emphasized that Yutong focuses not only on bus sales but also on comprehensive customer support. The company operates 13 official service centers in Uzbekistan, including in Tashkent, Samarkand, and other cities, staffed by both local and Chinese specialists.

The round-the-clock service system ensures that any operational issues are addressed promptly, giving customers confidence in the quality and reliability of the vehicles.

According to Yu Zhang, the company also pays attention to personnel training: 1,500 drivers in Uzbekistan have already completed both theoretical and practical courses. In addition, technical staff who handle the operation and maintenance of the buses are also being trained on-site.

In 2024, Yutong built a spare parts warehouse in Uzbekistan, significantly speeding up the delivery of components.

The company states that it will continue expanding its presence in Uzbekistan, adhering to high standards of quality, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation.