In 2003, the Chinese plants produced 1 million 195 thousand buses charter. Most of the production took place at the micro-and small buses, respectively, 678 thousand and 442 thousand 
Compact minivans, whose length does not exceed 3,5 m, widely used in China as a taxi. The design of such machines was developed back in 1970 a Japanese company, Suzuki.

At minibuses installed economical engine working volume of 0.8 liters. Robust spar frame, rear leaf suspension, high ground clearance 220 mm makes it possible to exploit the car, not only in the city, but also in rural areas. Machines of this type produced in China for several companies, but also produces vans cargo version, vans and mini-trucks with on-board platform.
In recent years, substantially increased the production of small buses in length from 3,5 to 7 meters, representing a copy of the Japanese counterpart to the 1990\u0026#39;s. These cars produce in state of Chinese factories, and in joint ventures.


In our country, information about the products from the Middle Kingdom is extremely small, but many of us went to the Chinese coaches. In late 1990 Russia has purchased a large batch of vans Toyota HI ACE. Since 1997, Japan has shifted production of machines of this type in China. Therefore, the majority of cars Toyota HI ACE, operated in Russia, - made in China. Manual Toyota, given the negative image of Chinese goods in our country, downplayed this fact. And many drivers do not know where to actually released their car.

Today vans Toyota HI ACE, produced in China are widely distributed throughout the world. Variant luxury car is a popular tourist firms, elongated versions are widely used as a taxi. Toyota HI ACE is capable of carrying up to 14 passengers, and fuel consumption in the version with a diesel engine, even in urban areas does not exceed 10 liters per 100 kilometers.


Next a rather large group of buses - the so-called secondary (length from 7 to 10 m). In 2003, released 55 thousand cars in its class. Most of the models copied from the Japanese buses Toyota, but as a rule, used the chassis of trucks manufactured in China, with diesel engines, created the technology of Nissan and Isuzu.


Significant progress Chinese automakers reached in the production of long-distance airliners. Recently, in the Celestial Empire are intensive road construction, resulting in an increase in long-distance transport. Also in the country is developing tourism. Therefore require a large number of modern long-distance and tourist buses.

Now in volume production of such machines, Chinese companies are among the world leaders. In China, modern buses produce as joint ventures and national companies. Given the favorable investment climate and a large domestic market, almost all major western firms seeking to expand in the Celestial Issue buses.

At the moment of its plants in China have DaimlerChysler, MAN, IVECO, Volvo, but the bulk of the market control the national companies. Their products are successfully compete not only domestically but also in the international market with the most renowned foreign brands. Recently, the Chinese coaches have appeared in our country. Currently in Russia are certified and sold cars of two brands: Golden Dragon and Yutong.


What are modern Chinese buses?
Now under the brand name Golden Dragon to produce cars of several classes. At the bottom step of the model number stands minibus Golden Dragon XML6482E-YT, which is a Chinese version of the Japanese Toyota HI ACE. Depending on the layout of interior Golden Dragon XML6482E-YT transports from 8 to 14 passengers. On vehicles supplied to Russia, set the fuel-injected engine (2.75 liters, 102 liters. Pp.). Rear leaf-spring suspension is designed for operation on bad roads.

Brakes on all wheels drum. Despite the simplicity of design, to equip the Chinese cars do not save. Basic equipment Golden Dragon XML6482E-YT include: air conditioning with separate management, heaters, intended for the back of the bus; adjustable passenger seat. In Russia, this car is slightly more expensive $ 20 thousand
Golden Dragon produces two families of middle-class coaches - XML6720 and XML6796. The length (respectively, 7.2 and 8 m) and the number of seats (15-28 and 19-33), these machines are close to each other.

But the design and technical design, as well as the costs of these two cars are very different. Both cars are diesel engines made in China Euro 2: at XML6720 - 3,9 liters, 120 liters. pp. but on XML6796 - 5,2 l, 180 hp. with. If XML6720 intended for use mainly in urban and suburban routes, the more modern and comfortable XML6796 can be used as a coach. The cost of cars in the basic version - 38 thousand dollars and 48 thousand dollars, respectively.


At the top of the model number of Golden Dragon is 12-meter long-distance airliner XML6129, designed to carry 43 passengers. The design of the car used import and licensing components known companies: Engines Cummins (8,7 liters, 300 liters. Pp.) Braking system WABCO. For comfort of the bus in no way inferior products well-known firms, but it is significantly cheaper (114 thousand dollars in the base set).


No less interesting cars another Chinese company Zhengzhou Yutong. Currently the company is the largest manufacturer of buses, not only in China but also in Asia. In 2004, released more than 18 thousand cars brand Yutong. The new models developed with the participation of specialists of the German group MAN. At Yutong buses are widely used imported components: engines Cummins, air suspension Conitech brakes WABCO, the seat Vogel, air-conditioning system KELIN, tires Michelin.


For Russia\u0026#39;s market Yutong offers three families of vehicles. Yutong ZK6831 produced in two basic versions - the urban and intercity bus liner. Cars have the same dimensions (length 8.3 m), but differ significantly in design and equipment. In the urban version of the bus can carry 64 passengers. Approximate cost of the machine to $ 85 000
Yutong ZK6118 (length 11,6 m) is also produced in two basic versions: ZK6118HGA - city, ZK6118HA - long distance. City car designed to carry 100 passengers. The cost of buses depending on the configuration - 120 th -156 thousand dollars


The newest ship Yutong ZK6129H able to seriously compete with products of known brands. By design, comfort, equip it in no way inferior to world leaders.
In June, Russia is expected to debut yet another Chinese car brands FA Iritobus, specializing in the production of buses of small and middle class. Automobiles FA Iritobus features modern design, they are relatively inexpensive (19 thousand-33 thousand dollars, depending on the configuration).


It is of interest to the Chinese bus for Russian Avtotransportnik?
On the technical level of vehicles produced in China, greatly exceed the output of domestic plants. At the same time, they are much cheaper than cars of the Western companies, but consumer qualities they do not concede.

The products of Chinese companies distinguishes advantageous price / quality ratio. Another plus - buses adapted for Russian conditions. All machines installed simple in construction and maintenance of engines Euro 2, most cars are equipped with manual gearboxes, for some models provides spring suspension. The simple design can significantly reduce the cost of maintenance and repair equipment.


Probably the greatest demand in our country will use buses and a small middle class. In the operation of Chinese cars more efficient Russian cars, as they provide a high passenger capacity and substantial fuel savings.
Long-distance and tourist buses, manufactured in China, have no analogues in Russia market. Modern cars of this class of our factories are not producing, and the cost of foreign equipment, even collected in Russia, is significantly higher. Therefore, in this market segment with good prospects of Chinese companies.