Kim Long Motor set to export buses to Thailand

This event not only marks the establishment of Kim Long Motor’s first distributor in Southeast Asia but also represents an important step in its journey to expand internationally, affirming the capabilities and position of a Vietnamese enterprise in the global value chain.

Under the agreement, KIJSETTHI Mobility will act as the authorized distributor of Kim Long Motor buses in Thailand, while also developing a nationwide sales and after-sales service network. The product portfolio includes both internal combustion engine buses and fully electric buses, meeting diverse transport demands and supporting the green transition trend.

All products are manufactured at Kim Long Motor’s automotive industrial park in Hue, on a digitalized and fully automated production line. The localization rate of Kim Long buses has already surpassed 80%, meeting rules of origin requirements to enjoy tariff incentives under the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ho Cong Hai, Deputy CEO in charge of production, R&D, and development at Kim Long Motor, emphasized: “Cooperation with KIJSETTHI Mobility is a strategic step in expanding our global market. We trust our partner’s experience and market knowledge will help deliver high-quality products and services to Thai customers. Kim Long Motor is committed to continuing research, development, and expanding our product portfolio, starting with buses, and gradually introducing other vehicle lines suited to operating conditions, climate, and real demand. We aim to provide environmentally friendly transport solutions, contributing to sustainable development goals in the region. We expect Thailand to serve as a gateway to affirm Vietnamese resilience and intelligence on the global automotive map.”

Chalakorn Setthabunnatat, CEO of KIJSETTHI Mobility, also expressed: “We are honored to become the authorized distributor of Kim Long Motor in Thailand. We highly value the company’s production capacity, design, and product quality. These buses not only ensure operational efficiency but also deliver clear economic benefits to transport businesses. We believe this cooperation will bring high-quality transport solutions to the Thai market, aligned with sustainable development trends. With our experience and professional team, KIJSETTHI Mobility is committed to building a comprehensive distribution and after-sales system that meets strict standards, laying a solid foundation for long-term value to customers.”

As economic and trade relations between Vietnam and Thailand continue to grow, Thailand is currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner within ASEAN. Through this cooperation, Kim Long Motor contributes to promoting international economic integration, strengthening intra-regional connectivity, and affirming the role of Vietnamese enterprises in the regional supply chain.

Kim Long Motor’s presence in Thailand also reflects its orientation toward developing smart transport solutions, combining new-generation internal combustion buses meeting EURO 5 emission standards with new-energy vehicles, in line with the modernization roadmap for public transportation.

The authorization of distribution in Thailand not only opens new growth opportunities but also elevates the position of Vietnam’s automotive industry in the regional landscape. The event marks a shift from supplying individual orders to pursuing a long-term, methodical export strategy.

To realize this goal, both sides will focus on optimizing product configurations suited to operating conditions, standardizing after-sales services, and implementing specialized technical training programs. This foundation is expected to enable Kim Long Motor to expand into potential markets such as the Middle East and other regions, gradually affirming the position of Vietnamese automotive brands in the international market.