Europe, the birthplace of the global bus industry, has long been the pioneer during the era of traditional energy vehicles. Today, history has turned a new page: the green transformation of public transport is accelerating, with eco-friendliness, low carbon, and intelligence becoming a worldwide consensus. In this transition toward innovation and smart technology, Chinese bus brands like Golden Dragon Bus are writing a new page in the global bus industry with a global vision and competitive products, embarking on a new journey of internationalization.

On October 4, 2025, the biennial Busworld Brussels kicked off in grand style. As one of the world’s oldest and largest professional bus exhibitions, this year’s event attracted more than 500 exhibitors from around the globe, showcasing over 300 buses of various types. Among them, Golden Dragon Bus presented three standout models: the PIVOT E15 all-electric bus, the GECKO all-electric light-duty vehicle, and the star of the show—the all-new, globally premiered luxury coach, the GC15.

At Brussels, where the world’s bus industry gathered, Golden Dragon showcased its global platform and products, offering a forward-looking answer to smart and electric mobility.

New Generation Models with a Global Vision

Latest data shows that from January to August 2025, China exported 48,000 buses (over 3.5 meters in length), a year-on-year increase of 31%. This robust growth underscores the strong demand for Chinese buses in overseas markets. Decades of industry development, supercharged by the rapid maturation of China’s new energy vehicle supply chain over the past ten years, have equipped Chinese bus brands with the capability and confidence to compete globally.

The Golden Dragon GC15, making its global debut at Busworld Brussels, was born in this context. With a length of 15 meters and a seating capacity of 60+1+1, the GC15 offers exceptional passenger capacity. As a next-generation model, its aesthetic design harmoniously blends Eastern and Western tastes, appealing to customers both overseas and in China. The exterior is robust, smooth, and dignified, aligning with preferences for “solid and reliable” vehicles, while its clean, flowing lines resonate with the minimalist and sophisticated aesthetics of Northern Europe. Features such as expansive glass surfaces, fluid sculptural curves, and full-width rear lights exude a premium feel. The interior likewise integrates high quality, smart technology, emotional appeal, and ergonomic design.

While aesthetics reflect sincerity, it is the exceptional performance—redefining power, energy efficiency, and safety—that forms the core competitiveness of the GC15.

Powered by dual motors with a peak output of 500 kW and torque of 4,800 N·m, the GC15 delivers strong acceleration under all conditions. It is equipped with CATL’s latest high-performance battery, boasting a top-tier capacity of 704 kWh for extended range. Under standard conditions, the coach can travel up to 600 km on a single charge—enough for a round trip from Brussels to Paris with peace of mind.

Multi-layered safety covering passive safety, electrical safety, cyber security, and intelligent assistance ensures both performance and protection. Key components such as the motor and electronic controls meet IP68 and IP69 dust/water resistance standards, while cyber security complies with EU R155, R156 and Chinese GB44495/44496 regulations.

As the industry moves toward “software-defined vehicles,” the GC15 leads with smart features designed for human-centric experiences. These include an industry-first intelligent lighting interaction system, a new-generation smart cockpit, and an integrated smart driver armrest.

Resetting Value in the Smart & Electric Era

The global public transport sector is undergoing a powerful shift toward green and intelligent solutions, with new energy vehicles becoming the crown jewel of urban mobility. It’s no surprise that Golden Dragon’s three new energy models drew widespread attention from visitors across the world.

In addition to the global premiere of the GC15, the other two new energy vehicles—designed for the bus and light vehicle segments—also delivered new value to international customers through precise positioning and advanced technology.

The PIVOT series of new energy buses was originally developed for the European market. Through successive iterations, it has become Golden Dragon’s flagship electric bus for global markets. The PIVOT E15 exhibited at the show is a 15-meter model tailored for high daily mileage and large passenger capacity, featuring smart configurations such as an independent climate control system for the driver and an intelligent remote VDV2661 preheating system. To date, more than 400 PIVOT pure electric buses have been operating reliably in 25 cities across eight EU countries, including Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Bulgaria.

Golden Dragon’s light-duty vehicles have also earned a strong reputation overseas. To meet the latest market demands, the company launched the GECKO, an all-new electric light commercial vehicle. The exhibited model measures 5,400 × 1,979 × 2,185 mm, features a 2+2+2+3 seating layout, and is powered by an 83.67 kWh CATL battery, delivering a WLTP range of 460 km. It also offers L2+ advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), integrating eight ultrasonic sensors, four surround-view cameras, and a Driver Monitoring System (DMS) for safer and more relaxed driving.

Made in China Moves Up the Global Value Chain

Since its inception in 1971, Busworld Belgium has served as a key platform for technological innovation, market trends, and international cooperation in the bus industry. From catching up with European counterparts in the traditional energy era to leading the way in the smart electric era, China’s bus industry has traveled a challenging yet promising path.

Now, at a new turning point, Chinese bus brands like Golden Dragon are contributing “Chinese wisdom” and “Chinese solutions” to the global bus industry.

In recent years, Golden Dragon has actively supported China’s Belt and Road Initiative, promoting the global expansion of “Made in China.” Through technological innovation and a focus on quality, the company has adopted a “one country, one strategy” approach to accurately meet diverse international needs, achieving remarkable success in overseas markets.

In February, 100 Golden Dragon Coaster school buses were delivered to Oman, building a strong reputation for Chinese manufacturing with reliable products and market-specific solutions. In April, 100 Golden Dragon pure electric buses were handed over to Ethiopia, marking the first large-scale pure electric bus operation in East Africa. In July, 200 Golden Dragon BRT buses—the largest BRT order exported from China to Africa this year—arrived in Tanzania, building on a decade of localized operation experience in Dar es Salaam.

These substantial overseas experiences and broad global perspective have provided the foundation for Golden Dragon to develop all-new platform products tailored to international markets. Starting from Busworld Belgium, Golden Dragon is setting out on a new overseas journey.

From competing on price to leading with premium products, Chinese bus manufacturers are actively engaging in the global market, demonstrating industrial resilience with Chinese characteristics and reshaping the logic of development. As new energy buses from Golden Dragon and its peers make inroads into Europe and beyond, “Made in China” will contribute even more to global green transformation and the fight against climate change.

Source : www.chinabuses.org

Editor : David

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