Chery & Wanda Guizhou Bus Co (Chery & Wanda), located in the Guiyang Economic and Technology Development Zone, has shipped 346 customized buses to Saudi Arabia.
This batch is the company's largest overseas order in the first quarter of this year. To fulfill it, Chery & Wanda urgently added a new production line at the beginning of the year and established an "operations team" comprising R&D, production, sales, and procurement, with the entire company shifting into high gear to ensure all challenges were addressed on time.
Workers are busy with assembly and adjustments at Chery & Wanda's production workshop. [Photo/Guizhou Daily]
Every country has its unique demands, and customization is Chery & Wanda's key advantage for breaking into overseas markets. The company's technical team focused on R&D tailored to Saudi Arabia's specific needs, with designs specifically considering wind resistance and heat insulation, given Saudi Arabia's frequent high temperatures and strong winds.
The team adopted a more robust body structure and completed comprehensive upgrades to the air-conditioning, insulation, and sealing systems, while reinforcing the chassis and suspension to handle challenging road conditions. Compared to standard models, this product features a longer body and systematic optimizations to adapt to the region's extreme climate.
Buses await shipment to Saudi Arabia. [Photo/Guizhou Daily]
The company invests more than 30 million yuan ($4.36 million) annually in R&D, assembling a dedicated team focused on overseas markets and gradually shifting its research priorities toward international demands. Upon receiving a new order, the team delves into the local climate, road conditions, vehicle usage habits, and regulatory standards, conducting targeted research to swiftly complete customized adjustments that meet specific requirements.
Since venturing into overseas markets in 2023, Chery & Wanda's export destinations have expanded to more than 20 countries and regions. Although the first quarter of this year is not yet over, the company has already secured orders for 598 vehicles, surpassing its total exports for the entire last year.