On the morning of October 10, 2020, IVECO and THACO held a ceremony to introduce the Iveco Mini Bus production line and products at THACO - Chu Lai Industrial Park. Accordingly, Mini Bus products under the IVECO DAILY brand will be manufactured, assembled and distributed by THACO.
Implementing the strategy of developing Vietnamese branded buses, THACO has deployed bus assembly production in Chu Lai Open Economic Zone, Quang Nam province since 2004; investing in research, design and product development activities, gradually mastering production technology. Up to now, THACO BUS has become one of the leading bus brands in Vietnam, loved and trusted by customers, many of whom are large passenger transport companies across the country. THACO has supplied the market with more than 18,000 buses of all kinds, accounting for 65% of the market share, with a localization rate of over 60% and has exported buses to the following countries: Philippines, Thailand, Singapore. In order to meet the changing requirements in the context of international economic integration and the fourth industrial revolution: THACO has invested in building and putting into operation the THACO Bus factory since December 2017, with a design capacity of 20,000 vehicles/year (including: 8,000 buses and 12,000 mini buses), total investment capital of 7,000 billion VND; Product research and development center (R&D) with many modern equipment, design software and a team of experienced engineers and experts to research and design products according to the intended use to meet the specific requirements of domestic and foreign customers. This is the largest and most modern bus assembly factory in Southeast Asia with production lines in the direction of reasonable automation and digital management.
THACO BUS FACTORY
THACO has set out a bus production and business strategy to participate in the global value chain with international automobile brands (including: Mercedes Benz, Volvo, IVECO ...), manufactured, assembled and distributed in Vietnam with full segments from mid-range to high-end according to each brand.
Since 2018, THACO and IVECO have officially signed a cooperation agreement to transfer technology for manufacturing, assembling and distributing IVECO brand Mini Buses in the Vietnamese market. IVECO is an automobile company headquartered in Torino (Italy), established in 1975 from the merger of 5 leading European companies with more than 150 years of experience in automobile manufacturing: Magirus-Deutz (Germany), FIAT, Lancia, OM (Italy) and Unic (France). Over 45 years of establishment and development, IVECO has always been a pioneer in applying the most advanced technological solutions to bring efficiency to customers, affirming its position as one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers with business activities organized in 5 continents including 27 manufacturing plants, 13 research centers and more than 5,000 showrooms in 160 countries.
In Vietnam, THACO has chosen to assemble and distribute two Iveco minibus models, Daily and Daily Plus. These models belong to the latest generation. The version sold in Vietnam is equipped with a Fiat Diesel engine that meets Euro 5 standards. The suspension system is pneumatic. Safety equipment includes ABS anti-lock brakes and EBD electronic brake force distribution. Iveco minibus is the first product in the Vietnamese market equipped with electric doors with a large opening angle. Like other commercial buses, Iveco minibuses can be customized according to the specific needs of customers.
Compared to models in the same segment, IVECO DAILY has a unique design, with European characteristics, a more spacious interior, a high-standard engine, large wheels and a high-class suspension system. Iveco Minibuses are distributed at THACO Truck & Bus Centers nationwide from October 10. THACO is currently the only unit with a large-scale Truck & Bus Center model in Vietnam. With a distribution network and a system of service workshops spread across 63 provinces/cities, THACO provides professional and fast after-sales services, creating convenience and peace of mind for customers throughout the process of using the product. Mr. Koray Kursunoglu - Iveco Brand Director for Asia, Middle East and Africa expects the cooperation to bring many benefits to both sides in improving the quality and standards of products, serving the maximum needs of customers through the quality and services provided by THACO. IVECO also affirms that THACO is a leading enterprise and a long-term strategic partner of Iveco in the production, assembly and distribution of commercial vehicles.
