Kumho Express Fleet Model Analysis

We’re separating out the model information that used to be included in our broader analysis of Kumho Express. This material covers the express-bus fleet only; unfortunately, the intercity-direct segment analysis will have to wait for another time. For reference, Kumho Express’s maker share is roughly Kia 22.0%, Hyundai 37.0%, Daewoo 34.3%, and SsangYong 6.7%.

With that, let’s begin Kumho’s express-bus model analysis.

Planning – BusLife
 Text – Bitgoeul
Editing – BusLife
With cooperation from – Kumho Industrial Co., Ltd., Express Business Division, Customer Satisfaction Team
Date Posted: July 29, 2003

(This information is as of May 31, 2003.)

SsangYong

TRANSTAR H (SB88H)

Depending on the engine, models are fitted with OM401LA or OM441LA, but there’s no difference in exterior or options. This is a notably rare model—only 41 units are operating across Kumho Express. True to “Mercedes-Benz engineering,” the V8 runs with impressive quietness, and—like Daewoo buses—it is equipped with BOSCH ABS and ASR.

(Standard)

Among Kumho’s Transstars there is one standard-express unit, which has prompted plenty of speculation. The standard unit is a 1994 model, while the premium (“Udung”) is 1995. Documentation is scarce now, but given the different model years, the standard may simply look like a premium converted to standard.

(Premium)

It mounts the MERCEDES-BENZ OM442A V8 360 ps turbo engine, and 40 units are dedicated to the Honam corridor. After SsangYong was acquired by Daewoo, the model was discontinued, so no new purchases have been made—making it rarer still. Many wonder why it’s never assigned to the Gyeongbu corridor; because these coaches have always run Honam since delivery, their characteristics are “broken in” to the Honam roadway profile, and keeping them there helps prevent unexpected issues. Since discontinuation, sourcing parts has become difficult, so breakdowns can lead to extended downtime. Even so, when launched it stood out as a sharp-looking coach—the only one with a factory rear spoiler.

TRANSTAR in active service at Kumho Express

Kia

AM949

AM949 (GRANBIRD Sunshine class) – 1st batch: An early model equipped with HINO’s EF-750 V8 engine. Compared with the preceding 939, it had several technical issues, so relatively few were introduced; nevertheless, its full-bodied stance commands attention. About 30 units are in service, most on Honam routes.

KM949 (GRANBIRD Sunshine class) – 2nd batch: Released after Kia was absorbed into Hyundai. The first express coach to use Hyundai’s Q-series inline-6 340 hp intercooled engine, with all units delivered as new in 2000. Some vehicles delivered in 2001 and later were fitted with the next-generation fully electronic intercooled Powertec engine rated at 380 hp (L380EUI / D6CA). Externally it’s unchanged from the 1st batch, but the interior is markedly upgraded. Sharing major components with Hyundai, details like cabin lighting and seats are similar to the new AERO QUEEN. A strong candidate for large-scale procurement at the time.

Hyundai

AERO Series (Express, Queen)

These models feature independent suspension and kneeling suspension that automatically lowers the front end below 5 km/h to ease boarding—delivering a comfortable ride.

(Standard)

AERO QUEEN (premium-to-standard conversion): You might ask why an AERO QUEEN appears in the standard category—it’s because these are conversions. As the early premium units delivered between 1992 and 1994 approached replacement age, they’ve been steadily converted and reassigned to standard service. Recent conversions even use headrest-integrated “overhang” seats from newer models. Interiors are relatively tidy, but age shows: leaks and warm air from the A/C are common complaints. Many have been retired; a few 1994 units remain.

AERO EXPRESS HSX: Among the standard-service models at Kumho, this is the most upscale. A significant number were purchased in 1998, and they now run broadly across the network. Early units mounted the headrest-integrated seats from the older AERO, while later units received overhang seats—overall a quite premium spec.

(Premium)

AERO QUEEN – 1st generation (nicknamed “Ddong-Queen”): The first-generation model introduced with premium service in 1992. It features a flat floor all the way to the last row—no gangway steps—and remains a representative long-lived model that was not converted to standard. Compared with some operators’ offset-gangway 1+2 seating, this later batch adopted a 2+1 layout. Now fully retired.

AERO QUEEN – 2nd generation: Released around 1994 after the “Ddong-Queen.” A step was added at the last-row seats, creating a subtle distinction. Kumho acquired many and still operates them. With its angular styling, many same-year units have been converted to standard, but large numbers remain in premium. Deployed broadly across all routes.

AERO QUEEN – 3rd generation: The first streamlined model, launched in 1996, which gave a fresh jolt to the industry. It inherited major mechanisms from its predecessor but gained striking looks, becoming a popular choice. Many were delivered and run system-wide; none have yet been converted to standard.

AERO QUEEN – 4th generation: Launched in 2000 with a 6-cylinder engine. When Kumho purchased these (July 2000), Powertec had not yet been released, so they were fitted with the same Q-series inline-6 340 hp intercooled engine as the 2nd-batch Granbird. Five units are in service.

Hi-Class

Hyundai has recently upgraded exterior and interior trims on its standard platforms and markets them as “Hi-Class.” Accordingly, Kumho has shifted from purchasing the conventional QUEEN to the QUEEN Hi-Class.

AERO QUEEN Hi-Class: In 2002, Hyundai enhanced the AERO QUEEN’s interior and added an external spoiler and black garnish. Powertrain and systems are identical to the base QUEEN; the differences are the added spoiler and higher-grade interior materials. With the Hi-Class launch, Kumho began taking this spec in place of the previous one. It mounts Hyundai’s flagship electronically controlled Powertec engine. Kumho deploys it in both premium and standard service.

AERO EXPRESS Hi-Class: The Hi-Class version of the EXPRESS HSX. It also uses the Powertec engine and is assigned entirely to standard service.

Daewoo

BH120 Series

A steadfast best-seller in the express-bus market, deployed broadly on both the Honam and Gyeongbu corridors. It’s well regarded by the company, customers, and crews alike, and that feedback is reflected in procurement—more than 20 units per purchase cycle have been added consistently. Because of its popularity, even relatively old units are often retained in premium service rather than converted to standard. Further detail omitted here.

Left: 2001 BH120F, Right: 2002 BH120F

(Standard)

After deliveries of five units in 1994 and one unit in 1996, there were no new standard-service coaches for several years. So how did Kumho maintain a standard fleet? By converting premium coaches to standard. Most conversions were pre-1995 units—older interiors and A/C leaks became common customer complaints. Many expected the industry’s general move to reduce standard services to accelerate conversions; however, roughly 40 new standard-service units were delivered in 2001–2002.

(Premium)

Alongside the AERO QUEEN, this forms one of Kumho’s two premium pillars and is the most numerous premium model in the company. Widely known as the “Royal Cruiser,” it has been a long-running staple since premium service began in 1992. A spacious cabin and Daewoo’s famed, powerful air-conditioning are standout strengths, and the new version introduced in late 1999 (with vertically stacked rear lamps) has steadily grown its share. It operates system-wide, and certain model years featured BOSCH ABS and a “Hwa-in Sütrak” air-conditioning setup—another point of pride alongside its robust suspension.

Kumho’s express routes are allocated as described above. As noted earlier, the Honam corridor—including Seoul–Gwangju—is Kumho’s largest market, so it receives the highest concentration of new vehicles. A nice perk of the Seoul–Gwangju run is that you can usually try every new coach model released domestically. Spotting aircraft-style overhead bins in a standard coach that once ran premium can be a small, nostalgic delight.

One important note when riding Kumho Express: except for temporary substitutions, the same route is always assigned the same model type. For example, a SsangYong TRANSTAR assigned to Seoul–Gwangju will never be sent to a Gyeongbu corridor run like Seoul–Busan (so don’t go looking for a Transstar on Seoul–Busan). This policy helps extend vehicle life: engines have finite “lives,” and a different road environment can quickly increase fatigue.

Another hallmark of Kumho’s express fleet—unlike intercity buses—is the license plate format “Jeonnam 74 Sa,” with premium coaches numbered in the 1XXX series, standard coaches in the 2XXX series, and standard coaches wearing white bumpers.

There are also 3XXX-series vehicles, but they mostly run Gwangju–Jeonju and are rarely seen in Seoul.