Bus Stop redefines local support with global OEM partnership

The legacy of Bus Stop Sales and King Long continues to grow in Australia, as the partnership forges a new benchmark for customer support and service in the local bus industry

In today’s Australasian bus market, strength is measured not only in vehicle quality but also in the commitment behind it. True leadership is demonstrated through innovation, consistency and the confidence customers place in the brand that supports them.

As one of the world’s largest bus manufacturers, King Long has made decisive investments to solidify its position as a trusted partner for Australian operators. Whether by strengthening local aftersales and engineering resources or establishing its landmark Auburn facility in Sydney, King Long is reshaping expectations of what a global brand can deliver at a local level.

“This is more than growth – it’s a strategic evolution, underpinned by people, presence and partnership,” director of Bus Stop Sales (King Long’s exclusive Australian distributor) Pete White told ABC.

“The heartbeat of operator confidence lies in the reliability of aftersales. King Long has acted decisively to strengthen that foundation.”

A renewed focus on local technical expertise now ensures customers have direct access to specialists who know the product inside out. Dedicated bodybuilder support teams streamline compliance and integration, while additional engineering staff bridge the gap between the factory in China and Australian operating realities.

One of the clearest commitments to this strategy is Bus Stop’s $2 million-plus spare parts inventory, ensuring operators have immediate access to critical components and minimising downtime. For customers, support no longer feels like an offshore afterthought – it’s embedded locally, available when needed and delivered by experts.

“Aftersales support is what solidifies ongoing relationships. It cannot be an afterthought – it’s the foundation of long-term trust,” Bus Stop general manager of national fleet Stephen Long told ABC.

• Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to receive the latest news and classifieds from Australasia’s bus and coach industry
• Don’t miss a second and subscribe to our monthly ABC magazine

Australia is one of the most demanding bus markets in the world, and King Long has made Australia a global priority. Operators benefit from closer collaboration with senior engineering and manufacturing teams, driving faster issue resolution and the continuous refinement of product design.

“I am astounded by the product excellence and dedication of our Australian distributor,” King Long country manager Harvey Zhang says.

“The partnership shows how global manufacturing capability and local expertise combine to deliver unmatched results for operators.”

The latest jewel in this commitment is King Long’s Auburn hub in Sydney. More than a facility, it is the company’s newest centre of collaboration and customer support, anchored by a refreshed regional leadership structure.

Industry veteran Jim Hawkesford leads as general manager for NSW and ACT, supported in the southern states by John Fish, whose long career with a leading European brand has made him widely respected for his customer commitment, technical know-how and product support. Trusted names such as Guy Pex and Sammy Petrevski continue to provide continuity, while Jason Murrell extends Auburn’s reach through mobile service across NSW. In South Australia, respected industry figure Rick Simmons has joined as business development manager, ensuring strong local connections.

For more than a decade, White says Bus Stop Sales has been at the forefront of Chinese bus distribution in Australia. Under White’s leadership, the move to King Long has redefined the brand, locally pairing world-class product with renewed credibility, deeper aftersales support and long-term product commitment.

Each King Long model is tailored to Australian conditions, featuring componentry from trusted global brands such as Cummins, ZF, Allison and CATL, while integrating seamlessly with local bodybuilders. Operator trials of the 12m King Long coach with ZF independent suspension have been described as “remarkable” by customers, with drive quality setting a new benchmark in the class.

“As many operators now say, ‘everyone who drives a King Long falls in love’,” White says with pride.

He adds that the difference in the product is significant. While King Long may not always be the cheapest option, he says operators seeking the best components, the strongest support and the greatest overall value have voted with their feet. Competition is inevitable, but White believes the response must always be the same: to strive for improvement, to continually strengthen support, to continually seek better ways and to lead the field.

Growth has been reinforced by a series of key appointments over the past 12 months, including David Lowe as executive general manager, bringing global OEM leadership experience. Dan Queen leads aftersales support from the Brisbane headquarters and Paul Murphy, as national parts manager, works alongside long-standing advisor Michael Haydock. Together, these appointments have created one of the strongest support networks in the Australian market.

Bus Stop is also looking ahead, developing a battery-electric vehicle training program for staff and the wider industry as further proof of its commitment to supporting the transition to zero-emission transport.

Backed by a strengthened parts inventory, factory investment, the landmark Auburn hub and a leadership team stacked with expertise, King Long has evolved from a global manufacturer into a trusted Australian partner.

“As one operator told us, the true strength of a brand lies in how it supports its customers after the sale,” White says.

“And in Australia, no one is doing that better than King Long.”