China’s leading bus manufacturer Higer unveils latest V-Series in Dubai

Dubai: Chinese bus manufacturer Higer Bus Company, in collaboration with its partner KHF Automotive Group,  launched its new V-Series buses in Dubai. The unveiling took place at a special event held on May 27 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, bringing together several guests, including government officials, media representatives, and HIGER's partners.

The launch marked Higer’s 19 years of development and success in the UAE market. During the event, Gary Jiang, Overseas General Manager of Higer Bus Company, and Khalid Al Qassim, CEO of KHF Automotive, both spoke about the long-standing partnership between the two companies and their shared vision for the future growth of the UAE's public transportation sector.

Khalid Al Qassim, CEO of KHF Automotive Group, said, “For the past 19 years, our partnership with Higer has been a cornerstone of our success at KHF Automotive.” He said the companies navigated challenges, grew significantly, and consistently provided the UAE market with reliable and innovative transportation solutions.

Higer in the UAE

To date, the new V-Series has delivered over 5,000 units globally in more than 20 countries, such as Italy, Belgium, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and Algeria, earning praises from customers for its exceptional manoeuvrability, reduced fuel consumption and exquisite craftsmanship. It is a truly remarkable product that seamlessly combines performance and quality.

Gary said the launch of the new V-Series marks the beginning of a new era for Higer in the UAE market and will inject fresh vitality into the sustainable development of local public transportation.

“We have reached over 150 countries and regions worldwide, with a total export volume of over 71,000 units.” 

He added, “We have served many high-profile events, including the Doha Asian Games and the FIFA World Cup. We have also attended the IAA Transportation commercial vehicle show in Germany and the World Exposition in Belgium.” 

Commenting on Higer’s partnership with KHF Automotive, Gary said the company has identified the UAE as a crucial market since its international expansion began. Partnering with KHF in 2006, there are now nearly 2,000 buses operating across the UAE in various sectors like school transportation and tourism. 

V-series launch 

Ahamed Kabeer, General Manager of KHF, officially unveiled the new V-Series buses. Higer emphasised that this series is a significant milestone, being their largest system engineering project. Developed over three years using an Integrated Product Development (IPD) approach, the V-Series is designed to set a new benchmark for quality and productivity in the bus industry.

Gary said, “We focused on a premium strategy, investing nearly $60 million on R&D and equipment upgrades. After three years of effort across our entire company, we have accurately improved and satisfied customer requirements.” 

He said the new V-Series delivers higher profit and lower costs. 

A new step for Higer 

The New V-Series represents a significant step forward for Higer, integrating platform-based definitions, system modularity, component commonality, and technological standardisation across its models, which range from 8 to 12 meters. This approach aims to enhance reliability and allow for quicker product updates. 

According to officials, Higer’s technical team conducted extensive research into global operational scenarios to ensure the new series meets the evolving needs of the passenger transportation industry in regions like the UAE, offering a greener and more efficient public transport solution.

UAE-specific highlights of the new V-Series:

• Enhanced anti-corrosion measures: Recognising the UAE's coastal environment, the buses feature high-precision SMC composite materials for the front and rear panels, aluminium alloy compartments, and an electrophoretic coating for superior rust resistance.

• Improved dust and dand protection: Designed for the region's dusty conditions, the V-Series incorporates higher manufacturing precision and a new sealing design for the body and engine compartment, enhancing airtightness.

• Optimised for extreme heat: The diesel models are equipped with an Intelligence Engine Cooling System (ATS), resulting in an approximate 3 per cent reduction in fuel consumption per 100 kilometres and a significant reduction in vehicle noise.

• Wide range of models: The UAE market will have access to the widest range of the new V-Series products, with models spanning up to 12 meters, suitable for tourism, intercity transport, passenger transit, and staff shuttles.