REGIONAL> Highlights
Kinglong cars go to Cuba
By Hu Meidong, Lian Yichao (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-09-26 15:19

Over 140 Kinglong saloon cars were put on board a ship at Xiamen Dongdu Port and are on their way to Cuba, the first ever big shipment for the car manufacturer in the South American market.

On September 21, 141 vehicles, including six types of six to 12 meter series saloon carswere ordered by Cuban customers. Some have been custom-made with redesigned medicine cabinets, interior mirrors, carpeting, luggage carriers and closets. Kinglong also improved the seat cushioning, and anti-corrosion technology was used for the vehicles to deal with Cuba’s damp and rainy weather.

The Kinglong shipment was originally scheduled for October 30, but the company completed the order 40 days ahead of schedule. It will take the shipment 35 days to arrive in Cuba. Three technicians have been sent to Cuba to give basic training for Cuban technicians and driving tips for the drivers. In addition, some Cuban technology engineers will come to Kinglong from November 10 to learn more about the technology about its vehicles，to ensure good after-sales service.

In 2008 Kinglong entered 10 new markets, including Australia and Cuba, making the number of export countries to 55 compared with 40 countries in 2007. From January to August, Kinglong’s export volume was over 90 million, over 300 percent year-on-year.