King Long has relaunched itself in the UK. It is in the process of introducing three new coach models, and more will follow later as it bids to re-establish a presence here after getting over a difficult period
It was the start of what is potentially a long road back for King Long in the UK last week when it unveiled the first of a range of mid- and full-sized coaches at its King Long Europe UK dealership in Birmingham.
They range from the C9 at 9m to the 12.2m C12. A 9.9m C10, much an extended C9, is also available and a 13m two-axle C13 may yet come to the UK.
The two midis are powered by the Cummins ISB6.7 engine developing 320bhp and the two larger coaches will have the ISL9 rated at 400bhp. ZF’s EcoLife gearbox is standard for all models.
The first examples of the new range have been delivered. King Long says it is fully behind the reborn venture in the UK, and the coaches are priced keenly. The UK dealership, led by Chris Cassar, has set a modest annual target of 20 sales to begin with.
For the last three years, King Long has focused on upgrading the technology used in its vehicles, says Sales Manager Vincent Gai. The C12 has been available in left-hand drive form for some time, and an overhauled version will debut at Busworld in Brussels later this year, he adds.
“We are not the same King Long as before,” says Vincent. “We realise that the first task is to gain buyers’ confidence. That is why we have set a realistic sales target.” “Rushing to market is not what we will do,” adds Chris. “We have survived the worst patch and we are now fixing previous damage to the brand. That has been repaid by the orders that we have already received, and other potential sales look promising.”
Small coach focus first
Attracting most attention so far are the two midicoaches, the C9 and the C10. The first of both have arrived here; the initial UK-bound C12 is currently at sea and it will dock towards the end of this month.
Retail prices for the C9 and C10 are £150,000 and £165,000 respectively. Like all the revised King Long coaches that will come to the UK, they are built to order with a four-month lead time. A two-year comprehensive warranty is provided.
The C9’s maximum capacity is 33 and the C10 conveys up to 37 passengers. Each model is available with a toilet, which reduces those totals by two. Unlike other coaches in their class, the WC is a sunken model adjacent to the continental door, not at floor level.
Among the first C10s is one for Nash’s Coaches of Birmingham. It comes with a toilet and thus has 35 seats with a good pitch.
In both midicoaches, the entrance arrangement is also unusual; from the platform to the sunken aisle involves one shallow step, and the gangway rises until around the third row of seats.
USB charging points are fitted throughout, and 240v sockets are available as an option. Immediately behind the courier seat in the Nash’s C10 is a substantial servery unit; it provides hot and cold running water.
Peter Carrol Coaches of Bristol is another early customer for the midis. It has received a C9 and a C10. Its C9 has a centre toilet, with a small AD Coach Systems servery on top.
Bigger models to follow
The C12 will retail from £220,000. Like the C9 and the C10, it is specified to the customers’ wishes. Fainsa seats are fitted across the range and King Long has an agreement with Sigma Fabrics to supply the covering, which is shipped to China for use during construction.
When the next-generation C12 debuts, it will come with a dash that King Long says will deliver a more European driving environment. It will include keyless ignition along with an LCD screen that creates all dials virtually. Additionally, the new C12 will be what is believed to be the European market’s first coach with an electric handbrake, rather than the conventional air valve lever.
The new C12 will likely retain the ISL engine. While the existing model has ZF’s AS-Tronic as its automated manual gearbox option, the next iteration of the C12 will move to Traxon for that requirement. EcoLife will remain standard, however.
No electric coaches yet
Although it is pushing ahead with its diesel range, King Long is more reserved than other Chinese manufacturers about electric coaches.
“We do not believe that now is the right time for them,” says Vincent. “2023 is the earliest that I would expect to see electric coaches. We must consider how batteries can function in terms of range and their impact on luggage capacity.”
Realistically, electric coaches remain five years away for King Long. It is conservative in its approach to them. That mirrors its current strategy in the UK in general.
It’s difficult to argue with the assertion that the importer is over its most difficult period. It is working hard to leave that time in the past. By setting a realistic sales target, and by working with the factory to support buyers, it may be a new dawn in the making.
