On the afternoon of July 2, local time, the 2018 FIFA World Cup "Belt and Road" China-Russia National Brand Cooperation Forum was held at the GUM Conference Center on Red Square in Moscow. Zhengzhou Yutong Bus, representing Chinese brands, delivered an impressive "Yutong Moment" at the forum. Li Hui, the Chinese Ambassador to Russia, attended the event and spoke highly of the "Yutong Model."
Forum Venue
Amid the presence of numerous Chinese brands at the FIFA World Cup Russia, how to leverage the tournament as a "starting point" to promote sustained cooperation between Chinese and Russian brands—and achieve mutual benefits under the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination—became a topic of shared interest. At the forum, representatives from Yutong Bus Group, CRRC Group, Russian Export Group, and other participating companies, along with guests including Li Hui, the Chinese Ambassador to Russia, and Russian Presidential Economic Advisor Gleb Pavlovsky, engaged in discussions and exchanges centered on the theme of "China-Russia National Brand Cooperation and Development Opportunities Along the Belt and Road."
At the forum, Yutong Bus, as a representative of Chinese enterprises, presented an engaging "Yutong Moment," showcasing the company’s international development journey and its contributions to serving the World Cup. Ambassador Li Hui attended the "Yutong Moment" and commended Yutong Bus for its achievements in Russia. He expressed hope that Yutong would further strengthen cooperation with Russia under the Belt and Road Initiative. BBUS, Russia’s largest tourism transport company, and KLAVTO, Moscow’s leading group tour operator, delivered speeches highly recognizing Chinese brands represented by the "Yutong Model" and expressed their desire to deepen collaboration for jointly shaping the enduring competitiveness of "Chinese Intelligence Manufacturing + Far East Market."
Li Hui, the Chinese Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Russian Presidential Economic Advisor Gleb Pavlovsky, Zhou Liqun, President of the China General Chamber of Commerce – Russia, and others attended the Yutong Moment.
It is reported that during this World Cup, over 300 Yutong buses were deployed for operational tasks. Among the various bus brands serving the tournament, Yutong had the highest number. Across Russia, there are currently 3,233 Yutong buses in urban transportation service. The collaboration has evolved from mere product exports to include the export of technology, capital, talent, and management expertise. This has helped establish a durable and reliable brand image for Chinese buses in Russia and created a model of win-win cooperation between China and Russia.
The China-Russia National Brand Cooperation Center was unveiled at the forum. Enterprises such as CRRC, Yutong Bus, and China Chengtong became the first batch of representative members of the China National Brand Center. The forum also released the "Russia-China National Brand Cooperation Plan – Moscow Declaration." It is understood that the Russia-China National Brand Cooperation Center has finalized a five-year plan. Leveraging major international economic, cultural, and sporting events, the center aims to facilitate greater exchange and interaction among national brands.
Yutong Bus Presents a Vehicle Model to the Ambassador
Hu Huaiwan, General Manager of Yutong Bus’s Overseas Market, revealed in an interview with reporters that Yutong will actively participate in public transportation procurement tenders in Russia, introducing its latest new energy electric bus products to the local market. Planning for the 2020 procurement projects is already underway.
Data shows that in 2017, Yutong Bus sold over 24,865 energy-saving and new energy buses globally, ranking first in the world. The cumulative sales of such buses have reached nearly 90,000 units, making Yutong the industry leader for several consecutive years.
During this World Cup, over 300 Yutong buses were deployed for operational tasks. Among the various bus brands serving the tournament, Yutong had the highest number.
Yutong Bus has grown from China’s first listed large bus manufacturer into a mainstream global bus supplier. It has ranked first in bus sales in China for 15 consecutive years and first globally for seven consecutive years. It is also the world’s first bus brand to exceed 70,000 annual sales of large and medium-sized buses.
Over the years, in expanding its overseas markets, Yutong has provided customers not just with vehicles but with comprehensive solutions covering traffic planning, service network construction, vehicle design, and the establishment of vehicle backend monitoring systems. Hu Huaiwan, General Manager of Yutong Bus’s Overseas Market, stated that the goal is for overseas markets to understand China through Chinese Intelligent Manufacturing. "Economic and trade connectivity is certainly important, but even more crucial is the connection between peoples."
This "Yutong Model" not only enhances Yutong’s brand image overseas and helps the brand take root abroad, but also improves local bus technology and production capacity, truly achieving mutual benefits.