Business · Companies · 10 hrs ago
Yutong expands overseas as bus customers weigh security concerns
Yutong, a Chinese bus maker, is expanding in more than 100 countries as demand for electric buses grows.
The company says it has over 10% of the global market, and its overseas revenue exceeded domestic sales for the first time in 2025.
Singapore plans to add 100 Yutong electric buses from late 2026, on top of 20 already in public service.
Customers are also weighing security risks after tests by Norwegian operator Ruter suggested Yutong buses could theoretically be shut down remotely; Yutong denied this was technically possible.
Singapore’s transport authority said its existing Yutong buses cannot be remotely controlled or receive software updates over the air, while a 2026 audit commissioned by Danish agency Movia gave Yutong high marks on several security benchmarks.
Some buyers remain concerned about relying on foreign suppliers for critical transport, as Chinese bus makers gain ground and intensify competition with established manufacturers, particularly in Europe.
Yutong, a Chinese bus maker operating in more than 100 countries, is expanding overseas as some customers weigh security risks alongside its commercial benefits.
In 2025, its overseas revenue surpassed domestic sales for the first time in its 63-year history.
A 2025 test by Norwegian operator Ruter suggested Yutong electric buses could, in theory, be shut down remotely; Yutong rejected that claim.
Singapore’s Land Transport Authority said its existing Yutong fleet cannot be remotely controlled and does not support over-the-air software updates.
Yutong cited a 2026 audit that gave it top marks on several benchmarks, while the company says European vehicle data cannot be accessed without customer authorisation.
- Who
- Yutong, a Chinese bus manufacturer, and customers weighing its buses.
- What
- Yutong is expanding overseas as some customers assess security concerns about relying on a foreign supplier for critical infrastructure.
- When
- Yutong’s overseas revenue surpassed domestic sales in 2025. A security audit was commissioned in September 2026.
- Where
- Yutong is headquartered in Zhengzhou, China, and operates in more than 100 countries.
- Why
- The company is seeking to grow its international business, while some buyers are weighing commercial benefits against security risks.
Yutong
Security-concerned customers and transport operators
Remote access
Yutong
Yutong rejected the claim that its buses could be shut down remotely, calling such an intervention technically impossible.
Security-concerned customers and transport operators
Ruter tests suggested Yutong electric buses could, in theory, be shut down remotely.
Data security
Yutong
Yutong says European vehicle data cannot be accessed without customer authorisation and cites a third-party audit with top marks on several benchmarks.
Security-concerned customers and transport operators
Some customers remain concerned about espionage and data security risks.
Norwegian public transport operator Ruter conducted tests suggesting Yutong electric city buses could, in theory, be shut down remotely.
Singapore’s Land Transport Authority said its existing Yutong fleet does not support over-the-air software updates and cannot be remotely controlled.
A Danish transit agency, Movia, commissioned an audit that gave Yutong top marks across several benchmarks.
Yutong global brand director Jason Huang spoke to The Straits Times at the company’s Zhengzhou headquarters.
One hundred Yutong single-deck electric buses are slated to join Singapore’s public bus fleet progressively.
- Overseas reach
- Yutong buses operate in more than 100 countries
- Global market share
- More than 10%, according to Yutong
- Overseas revenue
- Surpassed domestic sales for the first time in 2025
- Singapore planned buses
- 100 single-deck electric buses slated to join the fleet from the end of 2026
- Existing Singapore public buses
- 20 Yutong electric buses in service
- Ruter fleet
- About 300 Yutong buses
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