Their focus is value

CHTC Bus Group is in its fourth year in the North American motorcoach market

CHINO, Calif.—When it comes to the North American motorcoach market, CHTC Bus Group has focused on the value aspects of its buses, and it has made significant positive changes in a short amount of time.

“When we first arrived in 2015-16, that was the first generation,” says Jack Wang, president of CHTC Bus Group. “I can tell you that there were a lot of obstacles back then because people were not seeing enough upgrades. Within three years, it’s a completely different bus.”

Wang says the company direction is to use major components that are made in the United States, like the Cummins engine installed in each bus, and then utilize the labor force in China.

“We bring all the best components to China and have them do assembly,” he says. “Once it’s completed, we ship the coach to the U.S. for distribution to customers.”

Currently, CHTC Bus Group is selling two models in North America: the HT-35 and the HT-45. He says the 45-foot bus is in high demand, while the 35-footer is fitting the needs of many operators.

“During the first half of 2018, we sold 30 buses,” he said. “We normally keep about 35 buses on hand, so our next shipment coming for 2019 is currently in transit; they’ll arrive continuously every month.”

Before the end of the first half of 2019, Wang says the company should have about 60 buses delivered.

The niche aspect of the North American motorcoach market was what caught the interest of the bus manufacturer’s parent company in China. Wang says CHTC is investing all over the world within different industries, such as textiles, alloy, consumer vehicles, industrial vehicles, etc.

CHTC Bus Group’s customers are comprised of tour operators and transportation companies, according to Wang. And he says the company strategically sells its buses based on demographics and customer applications.

“We have clients that have scheduled service go to casinos daily,” he says. “We also have operators that use our buses on the National Parks circuit. I call it the best of both worlds right now.”

Besides growing motorcoach sales and parts, Wang says the company is focused on building a full-service facility.

“We currently have a long-term commitment in Southern California,” he shares. “It’s a six-acre, full-service facility that includes maintenance, parts, repair, inspection, parking and bus washing.”

The company plans to open a smaller facility in in San Francisco outside the airport during the first quarter of 2019.

Wang says the company has seven other service locations: five in Florida (Orlando and Miami), another in Salt Lake City and a service center in Memphis, Tennessee.

“We are continually looking to expand in the service area, looking for local service partners,” he says.

And product improvements continue with the 2019 models.

“A push start button is coming in 2019, no more keys,” Wang says. “The most recent visit to the factory revealed the 25 items being upgraded for the 2019 models. A variety of cosmetic, safety and functional upgrades were present in the production vehicles.”

Although CHTC Bus Group currently assembles its motorcoaches in China with U.S. parts, Wang says it does understand that “Made in America” is important and what Buy America means to expand product lines.

“That’s coming,” he shares. “We see that there’s a future for this investment. Later next year, we are planning to build a local plant and are currently exploring locations. By meeting Buy America, we will be able to expand our total product line to North America.”

“We’re excited to come back to UMA as a platinum sponsor and look forward to meeting with our current customers and our future ones also,” shares Wang. “It’s happening the way it should be. There’s no shortcut for this business, and everybody in the company understands the strategy.”

 

 

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