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Maribor, Slovenia, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Giant trailers carrying electric airport buses drove out of the factory gate of TAM European Commercial Vehicle R&D and Manufacturing Company, starting the road to "service" at Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport. This is the scene that the reporter saw a few days ago in the suburbs of Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia, and Chinese technology helped the Slovenia national brand car company to pursue the dream of the Paris Olympics.
The 24 electric buses ordered by Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport will be put into operation during the Olympic Games, which open on July 26, to ensure the efficient operation of the airport during the Games.
"It means a lot to us." Ma Fuxiong, CEO of the company, told Xinhua News Agency that this is not only a high recognition of the company's product quality, but also reflects the regional influence of the brand, which plays a positive role in the company's further expansion of the international market in the future.
This is a production line for electric buses photographed at TAM Europe's commercial vehicle R&D and manufacturing plant on the outskirts of Maribor, Slovenia, on June 14. Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Zeliko · Stefanich)
Founded in 1947, the predecessor of TAM European Commercial Vehicle R&D and Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Maribor Automobile Factory, was a well-known local manufacturer of trucks, trailers and military vehicles, and was a pillar enterprise in the city of Maribor. However, with market changes and economic transformation, the company faced more challenges, underwent several restructuring and changed hands, and finally declared bankruptcy in 2011.
Gorazd · Bubic, the company's head of production technology, has worked here for 30 years and remembers the company's troubles more than a decade ago. "I was stressed and worried. Later, a Chinese company took over the business, and I was glad to see the brand go further. Over the years, we have worked hard, and now the TAM brand has a bright future. ”
The company was taken over by a Chinese company, retained its original trademark, resumed production in 2013 and is now a major player in the commercial vehicle industry. "The Chinese have breathed life into the brand." Bubic said.
Workers work on an electric bus production line at TAM Europe's commercial vehicle R&D and manufacturing company plant on the outskirts of Maribor, Slovenia, June 14. Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Zeliko · Stefanich)
The company regularly sends local employees to the Chinese factory to learn new technologies, and Chinese technicians also regularly visit the Slovenia factory for on-site guidance. Bubitch traveled to China several times to participate in training, and grew from an assembly line leader to the current head of the production technology department.
At the same time, he also deeply felt the friendship of the Chinese people, and he said that he has always cooperated well with his Chinese colleagues. "It was a pleasure to associate with them and they were very respectful. I have a lot of Chinese friends. He said.
Talking about the company's technological upgrades and transformations, Bubich said that in the past, the company made internal combustion engine buses, but now it is focusing on green solutions, such as electric buses and hydrogen-fueled buses, as well as "oil-to-electric" buses.
Ma Fuxiong said: "The environmental upgrade is an important reason why we get the order from Paris airports. In addition, the company's successful experience in cooperating with more than 100 international airports, as well as the high-quality after-sales service of more than 40 repair centers in the European Union, are important factors in winning the Olympic order.
Ma Fuxiong said that in the field of new energy, there are shortcomings in the European supply chain. "We help local auto parts suppliers produce parts that meet our automotive standards by providing technical support." In the past, China introduced European technology, and now Chinese technology is also promoting the upgrading of the local industrial chain.
The company also maintains close contact with local schools, organizations and communities, and cooperates deeply with industrial worker training programs to cultivate local professional and technical talents, increase employment, and improve the level of local management of enterprises.
As for the company's future, Bubic expressed optimism. "Our brand awareness is growing," he said. Our users are not only in Europe, but also in Africa, the Middle East and other regions. (Reporter: Zhou Yue; Editor: Wang Xinqian (intern); Editors: Xu Chao, Chen Dan)
Source: Xinhua News Agency