Recently, BAIC FOTON successfully delivered a total of 60 CNG-powered 11-meter buses to Qatar in several batches. This delivery was completed in partnership with Qatari government departments and BAIC FOTON local dealers, aiming to meet the growing demand for clean-energy buses in the Qatari market and inject greener momentum into the local public transportation system.
Strategic Focus: Seizing Policy-Driven Market Opportunities
Qatar holds the world’s third-largest natural gas reserves, and since 2023, its government has actively promoted the transition from diesel to natural gas-powered buses. BAIC FOTON quickly seized this opportunity by conducting in-depth on-site research and leveraging its mature 11-meter CNG intercity bus platform. The buses were specifically upgraded to meet Euro 5 emission standards and enhanced for extreme conditions like high temperatures and heavy dust. In the same year, BAIC FOTON launched 4 BJ6113CNG buses for trial operation, receiving positive market feedback.
With Qatari government department’s plan to procure CNG bus in early 2025, BAIC FOTON secured a significant order of 60 buses, making it the leading Chinese bus brand in Qatar and demonstrating the success of its localized market strategy.
Tailored Design to Conquer Harsh Operating Conditions
The BJ6113 buses delivered this time are specifically designed to withstand Qatar’s harsh environment. They offer exceptional adaptability to withstand summer temperatures exceeding 50°C, the highly corrosive salty coastal climate, and the dry, dusty, and particulate-heavy air—ensuring reliable, all-weather operation under extreme conditions. Thanks to optimized chassis design, the buses maintain a minimum full-load ground clearance of 180mm, allowing smooth travel on asphalt, thin asphalt, and concrete roads alike.
Performance-wise, the buses deliver strong, efficient power, with left-hand drive layouts to match local driving habits and a top speed of at least 115 km/h—ideal for highways and national roads. Additionally, the buses come in two flexible seating configurations (47+1+1 and 58+1+1), catering to different group travel needs.
Strong Brand Foundation Fuels Overseas Expansion
BAIC FOTON has been deeply engaged in the Qatari market for years. Since 2017, multiple batches of its buses have served local infrastructure commuting needs. Combining international design with innovative craftsmanship, BAIC FOTON’s buses are widely praised for reliability, safety, and smart features. Between 2016 and 2019, over 200 BAIC FOTON buses shuttled around Doha, becoming a vital transport solution for both local and foreign construction companies. The company continuously optimized its buses’ soundproofing, heat insulation, air conditioning, and engine adaptability to meet Qatar’s unique desert climate and road conditions, steadily growing its brand influence and market share.
The successful delivery of these 60 CNG buses marks a major milestone for BAIC FOTON in Qatar and highlights its strategic success in capturing policy-driven opportunities with highly adaptable products to expand its presence in the Middle East. As the Qatari government aggressively promotes the CNG industry, BAIC FOTON will continue to deepen local partnerships, enhancing its global brand presence through quality products and services and laying a solid foundation for strengthening and expanding its overseas market competitiveness.