Linyi-made tricycles make splash in foreign markets

A technician inspects an electric three‑wheeler. [Photo/Dazhong News]

Chinese electric two‑wheelers and three‑wheelers have become hot sellers in overseas markets in recent years. To meet diverse demand, Chinese manufacturers are rapidly upgrading production technologies and expanding product lines.

Linyi‑based Shandong Bus New Energy Vehicle Co Ltd invests over 10 million yuan ($1.5 million) annually in R&D and production line upgrades. With more than 50 operational robots, it now carries out complete vehicle manufacturing, eliminating all visible welds on every exterior surface.

Yet rising overseas orders have brought fresh challenges. The company's enclosed tricycles are bulky, limiting the number of units per container. Soaring international freight costs have further squeezed margins, making it difficult to expand exports. To address these issues, the company decided to ship kits for assembly abroad — but that created another challenge: each country has different regulations governing vehicle parts.

Linyi Customs stepped in to guide the company through early technical upgrades and compliance preparations. It also stepped up policy support in customs declaration, tax relief, and inspection supervision, paving the way for fast clearance and export. The kit approach soon paid off. The company has since built complete e‑tricycle production lines overseas, covering stamping, welding, painting, and assembly — reducing procurement costs for foreign clients while strengthening its own competitive edge.

According to Linyi Customs data, in the first half of this year, the city exported 190-million-yuan worth of electric two‑wheelers and three‑wheelers, a year‑on‑year surge of 142.6 percent.

Editor：韩蒙蒙