'Made in Viet Nam' KIM LONG buses launched in Thailand

The event marks the official entry of commercial vehicles bearing the intellect and manufacturing capacity of Viet Nam into the Thai market, while also promoting economic and trade connectivity between businesses of both nations.

As KIM LONG Motor's authorized distributor in Thailand since April 2026, KIJSETTHI Mobility has progressively rolled out a nationwide sales and after-sales service network. Leveraging KIM LONG Motor's strengths in R&D and manufacturing alongside KIJSETTHI Mobility's deep understanding of the local market, both parties aim to build a professional distribution-service platform, providing high-quality, operationally optimized transport solutions for Thailand.

Notably, KIJSETTHI Mobility has completed its system of showrooms, authorized service stations, and genuine spare parts warehouses, offering 24/7 technical support and warranty services to ensure peace of mind for customers investing in KIM LONG products.

Under the partnership roadmap, Phase 1 focuses on introducing KIM LONG commercial vehicles to Thailand, developing next-generation EURO 5-compliant internal combustion engine vehicles alongside pure electric vehicles. Concurrently, both companies will expand nationwide distribution and service systems, continuously incorporating customer feedback to refine product quality.

In Phase 2, KIM LONG Motor will gradually transition from Completely Built-Up (CBU) exports to local assembly (CKD) in Thailand, targeting a localization rate of over 50 percent. The goal for 2027–2030 is to turn Thailand into a strategic manufacturing and export hub for KIM LONG Motor within the ASEAN region, thereby expanding the supply chain, developing supporting industries, and creating job opportunities for local residents.

Addressing the event, Mr. Dao Viet Anh, General Director of KIM LONG Motor, stated: "We are proud to be a pioneer in bringing Vietnamese-branded commercial vehicles to Thailand. As one of ASEAN's major automotive hubs, Thailand serves as a strategic gateway for 'Made in Viet Nam' KIM LONG products to prove their engineering, quality, and service capabilities. Alongside KIJSETTHI Mobility, we will continuously refine our operational and after-sales platform. KIM LONG aims to become a strong bridge contributing positively to Viet Nam–Thailand economic cooperation."

At the ceremony, KIM LONG Motor introduced bus models developed and produced on automated and digitized production lines. The company maintains autonomy across the value chain, from interior and exterior components to the chassis, body, engine, battery, and electrical systems. Consequently, the localization rate for KIM LONG diesel buses has reached 90%, while pure electric vehicles (EV) stand at 60 percent, with a target of reaching 90 percent by late 2026.

Designed specifically for the Thai market, the launched models prioritize performance, safety standards, and passenger experience across flexible configurations:

12m Seater Bus Series (KIMLONG99-N42, KIMLONG99-N43, KIMLONG99-N44): Capacities of 42, 43, and 44 seats offer comprehensive solutions for inter-provincial travel. 7.9m Seater Bus Series (KIMLONG19-N21): Features a compact 21-seat layout suited for urban transit, short-haul routes, or high-frequency shuttle services.

All models feature spacious interiors with premium leather seats, integrated USB charging ports (Type A and Type C), refrigerators, and high-capacity air conditioning systems with individual vents for each seat. For safety, flexible internal and external camera systems assist drivers, while international-standard emergency exits enable proactive emergency response.

A major highlight is the powerful YUCHAI K11 engine, offering fuel efficiency (19–21 liters per 100 km) to optimize operating costs. On this occasion, KIM LONG Motor and KIJSETTHI Mobility officially handed over the first batch of KIM LONG buses to Thai customers.

Mrs. Chalakorn Setthabunnatat, General Director of KIJSETTHI Mobility, remarked: "We are delighted that our collaboration has resulted in the official launch of KIM LONG buses—well-invested in design, amenities, and superior performance—to Thai customers. We highly appreciate KIM LONG Motor's R&D capabilities and product optimization for local transit needs. I am confident that our nationwide network will enable KIJSETTHI Mobility to partner long-term with KIM LONG Motor in creating comprehensive transport solutions for Thailand."

Right at the event, KIJSETTHI Mobility secured an immediate order for 50 Kim Long buses.

The event, taking place on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam–Thailand diplomatic relations (1976–2026), stands as a vivid testament to the deepening spirit of cooperation between the two countries. It also affirms the resilience and capacity of Vietnamese enterprises in actively pursuing international economic integration and realizing national industrial development strategies.

From the KIM LONG buses – embodying Vietnamese excellence – officially rolling onto roads across Thailand to the strategic vision of joint manufacturing and expanding across the ASEAN market, KIM LONG Motor and JIJSETTHI Mobility are step-by-step building a sustainable growth strategy, writing an ambitious new chapter for the regional automotive industry./.