Softlogic introduces King Long range of passenger transport vehicles

Tuesday, 18 November 2014 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

New bus and van range to target growing tourism sector and transportation industry

Softlogic Automobiles Ltd, a subsidiary of Softlogic Holdings, has launched the all-new King Long range of passenger transport vehicles at a gala ceremony held at Waters Edge Battaramulla. The ceremony was graced by Minister of Private Transport Services C.B. Ratnayake, Chinese Ambassador for Sri Lanka Wu Jianghao, Overseas Sales and Marketing Company King Long Regional Manager Asia Pacific Section Andrew Chen, Overseas Sales and Marketing Department King Long Sales Specialist Asia Section Andy Chen, Softlogic Holdings Chairman Ashok Pathirage, Softlogic Holdings CEO Automotive Sector Suminda De Silva and the senior management of Softlogic Holdings.

Through this pioneering partnership Softlogic Automobiles will introduce the luxury King Long Bus range which includes the XMQ6900Y and XMQ6117Y bus models and King Long Kingo Passenger Vans and Mini Vans. The Bus range, which comprises buses with 29, 37, 45, 49 and 59 seats, is powered by latest German technology. The Kingo van is a full option 15-seater passenger van with leather interior and a 2.5 litre inter cool turbo engine. Speaking about the new product introduction, Suminda De Silva said, “Today we are happy to introduce to the market a luxury passenger transport vehicle in the caliber of King Long – the national bus manufacturer of China. Over the past ten years, King Long has sold over 40,000 vehicles all over the world and served various business fields such as passenger transport, tourism and group transport. In recent years, King Long has been involved with over 100 countries worldwide through vehicle sales, CKD kits and technology support. High quality products and after sales support of King Long has helped them gain a strong reputation internationally, which is highly evident with increasing King Long sales in Europe and Australia, renowned for their exceptional quality and safety standards. King Long has over the years embraced a culture of innovation in a sustainable manner.” He further added, “With the increasing focus on the travel industry coupled with our country’s tourism development and the revival of new transportation systems with new highways, we are confident that our partnership with King Long will further infuse a paradigm shift into our local luxury transportation industry. King Long, together with Softlogic, pays close attention to changes in user requirements as well as the industry trends and continues to innovate through leading technology resulting in a quality product.” The King Long new bus range embraces the traditional international design with rounded and smooth body line, resulting in a classical look. The interior adopts top notch structure, with split type luggage rack, top interior air duct and front and back molding roof. Softlogic Automobiles Ltd. Head of Operations Shehan de Tissera opined, “Our customers have the option of customising these products as per any requirement. Softlogic Automobiles has gradually diversified to become a complete transport solutions provider in Sri Lanka. Our internationally-trained technical team can provide mechanical repair and servicing, accident repairs and body shop repairs further taking care of our valued customers.” The King Long Mini Van can be customised for standard delivery, ambulance and cash transport, while the Kingo van is ideal for the tourism sector for transporting smaller groups in sheer luxury. Other sectors which can benefit from the vehicle include banks, security companies, small scale business enterprises which require delivery services. The bus range starts from Rs. 8.5 million upwards and includes a warranty of two years or 100,000 kilometres. Founded in 1988, Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co. Ltd. is fully committed to R&D, production and sales of buses. The company is a leader in developing, manufacturing and selling large-and-medium-sized coaches and light vans. The King Long facilities cover a total area of 200,000 square meters with over 1,800 employees, of which 400 are technical engineers, who play a key role in different sections such as R&D, IT, production management, quality control, finance, sales and after-sales service of the company. Softlogic Automobiles Ltd. is one of the premier automobile companies in Sri Lanka and a subsidiary of Softlogic Holdings PLC. Headed by the dynamic entrepreneur Ashok Pathirage, the Chairman/Managing Director of Softlogic Holdings PLC, it is rated as one of the most dynamic diversified conglomerates in Sri Lanka. The company has expanded and entered the key growth sectors of Retail, Healthcare, ICT, Automobiles, Travel & Leisure and Finance and Insurance, holding authorised distributorships for a number of well-known global brands.