A total of 760 buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) made by Chinese bus-maker Yutong are expected to arrive in the Kazakh cities of Shymkent and Atyrau by early June.
"It has become the largest overseas order that Yutong garnered since the outbreak of COVID-19 in January," said Miao Yuan, a regional sales manager at Yutong.
Miao added that the municipal governments of Shymkent and Atyrau purchased 590 units and 170 units respectively, aiming to reduce their bus deficit and curb air pollution.
"During the long and chilly winter in Kazakhstan, salt is commonly used to keep the icy and snow-covered roads safer. The tires of Yutong buses have special anti-corrosion design. All window glasses are double-layered to stay warm and prevent frost," said Miao.
To facilitate cross-border transportation amid COVID-19, Yutong switched to railway transportation from the platform lorry.
"The Chinese and Kazakh railway authorities are offering a helping hand, making our buses enter into Kazakhstan through two railway ports at the same time, which ensures transportation efficiency amid the pandemic," said Wang Wenbin, manager of logistics at Yutong, adding that the fleet of buses is expected to put into operation by June.
Yutong buses entered into the Kazakh market in 2005. The total number of Yutong buses sold in Kazakhstan exceeded 2,000 as of 2019. The Chinese company has set up eight service stations and one accessory warehouse in the Central Asian country.
Editor:Cherie
