With the rise of China's consumer culture, it has become common for households to delay purchasing homes and cars. The promotion of the "Olympic economy" has also turned passenger vehicles—once considered production materials—into early "consumer goods." According to official data, in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Beijing municipal government invested over 4.1 billion yuan in subsidies for the renewal and operation of Olympic buses. From 2003 to 2007, nearly 10,000 buses were updated ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, similar vehicle renewal efforts are also underway in Shanghai for the World Expo, which is often called the "economic Olympics."
This large-scale update has generated enthusiasm among bus operators and manufacturers. Some believe both buyers and sellers have benefited from this shift. However, behind the excitement, many are questioning whether these early-adopted "consumer goods" tied to the Olympics represent a sustainable business model.
For manufacturers, the challenge lies in balancing the market while capitalizing on the opportunity. The "Olympic Economy" has been ranked as one of the top commercial trends in China by the China Business Confederation. While many associate it with the massive infrastructure investment of 280 billion yuan, an equally important need is building a robust public transport system to support the growing number of visitors.
Beijing’s previous bus fleet was outdated and in poor condition, prompting a major upgrade. After the update, Beijing buses now feature Euro IV engines and low-floor designs, bringing public transport technology to the forefront of the country. With international athletes and tourists expected, the Olympic Games also brought significant opportunities for the tourist bus market. The International Olympic Committee confirmed the purchase of 955 tour coaches, provided by several local companies, leading to large-scale procurement by firms like Beiqi Leasing and Beijing Xinyue Automobile.
While the scale of the opportunity is tempting, bus manufacturers remain cautious. A marketing officer from a bus company admitted that while they welcome the demand, the concentrated orders may be an "overdraft" on the regional market. In his view, it’s just a matter of when the cake is eaten.
The same concern extends to operating companies. Normally, they follow a balanced vehicle renewal cycle, replacing a portion of their fleet every two years. However, the Olympics disrupted this rhythm. A company representative noted that after the Games, the surplus of new vehicles could lead to a drop in sales, not due to poor performance, but because of market imbalance. Still, they believe other markets can help offset this loss.
Looking ahead, the question remains: what happens after the Olympics? The life cycle of a tourist bus is about ten years, and the recent large-scale purchase may delay future renewals. As new models are constantly introduced, companies face the dilemma of keeping up without overextending themselves. “We want to serve the Olympics, but we don’t want to lose our competitive edge in the process,†one executive said. This reflects the broader challenge of balancing short-term gains with long-term sustainability in a rapidly evolving market.
Solid Solution Powders Of Tungsten-titanium-tantalum Carbide
Solid Solution Powders Of Tungsten-Titanium-Tantalum Carbide,Tungsten Titanium Tantalum Carbide,Tungsten Titanium Tantalum Carbide Powder,Tungsten Titanium Tantalum Carbide Used For Insert
zhuzhou haokun hard materials CO.,LTD , https://www.hkmetalpowder.com