The first minibuses roll out at a production line of Kim Long Motor Company in Thừa Thiên-Huế Province. It's also the first local made cars in the Chân Mây-Lăng Cô Economic Zone. — Photo courtesy of Kim Long Motor
The first minibuses and vans from Kim Long's X9 series have been rolled out at the Kim Long Motor Huế joint stock company after nearly two months of construction, marking the first made-in-Huế vehicles for domestic and global markets.
The automobile maker said the first 100 X9-brand 16-seat minibuses and 10-12 seat limousines and vans will hit the domestic market by the end of this year.
Lý Quốc Việt, executive vice president of Kim Long Motor company, said the automotive engine manufacturing plant was designed as a leading centre in the region and will produce a variety of car categories, spare parts and automotive accessories.
The plant is part of the Kim Long Motor Huế Automobile Manufacturing and Assembly Industrial Park at the Chân Mây-Lăng Cô Economic Zone.
An overal view of the Kim Long Motor Huế Automobile Manufacturing and Assembly Industrial Park at the Chân Mây-Lăng Cô Economic Zone in Thừa Thiên-Huế Province. The park was designed as production centre of automobile spare parts and accessories, engine and automobile supportive industries. — Photo courtesy of Kim Long Motor
The company has increased its target localisation rate for production to up to 90 per cent in the second quarter of 2026.
“The debut of the X9-brand series is our commitment to becoming a key vehicle producer in Việt Nam, and we will be looking forward to producing diesel engines, electric buses and trucks for export in the near future,” Việt said.
Kim Long Motor has signed agreements to supply 500 minibuses to its first strategic partners – Phương Trang Futa Buslines and Futa-Hà Sơn transport company – in the fourth quarter.
The company also announced the official sale price for the 16-seat minibus at VNĐ739 million (US$29,560).
Kim Long Motor Huế and China's Yuchai Corporation invested $260 million in capital in the plant, which is divided into two phases on 160ha. — VNS