KASHENG

KASHENG is a Chinese automotive coachbuilder and customisation marque under Zhejiang Carlsson Automobile Co., Ltd., headquartered in Linjiang Industrial Park, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. As one of China's earliest compliant coachbuilders officially certified by German marque Mercedes-Benz, KASHENG specialises in bespoke executive commercial vehicles, special-purpose vehicles, and motorhomes. Backed by Carlsson Germany's custom-engineered assembly lines and a professional Italian design team, it has established a market-leading presence in terms of scale and build quality within China's luxury commercial vehicle conversion segment. The KASHENG badge features a gradient blue roundel encased in a metallic frame, centered with a white star; the circle denotes a global vision, while the blue gradient represents the boundless horizons of the ocean and sky.

Development History

The roots of Zhejiang Carlsson Automobile Co., Ltd. trace back to its inception in April 2003. Setting up its base in Xiaoshan Linjiang Industrial Park, Hangzhou, the company leveraged the automotive cluster across the Yangtze River Delta to focus on special-purpose vehicle and bespoke coachbuilding operations. On 26 April 2006, Zhejiang Carlsson Automobile Co., Ltd. (formerly Zhejiang Zhongyu Automobile Co., Ltd.) was formally incorporated with the Zhejiang Administration for Industry and Commerce with a registered capital of RM100,000,000, marking its transition into a fully regulated corporate entity with standardized governance.

The year 2012 proved to be a pivotal milestone for the brand. On 26 April, Zhongsheng Group—one of Asia's Fab 50 listed companies—executed a strategic restructuring of Zhejiang Carlsson to secure certified special-purpose vehicle modification qualifications. Post-restructuring, the manufacturing setup was thoroughly upgraded with two dedicated apron-chain assembly lines engineered by Carlsson Germany, complemented by comprehensive vehicle and component testing facilities. New vehicle R&D and engineering expertise were primarily drawn from the dedicated German Mercedes-Benz tuner and an Italian design team. Following the restructuring, the company officially took the name Zhejiang Carlsson Automobile Co., Ltd., marketing its complete vehicles under the "KASHENG" marque with a focus on executive luxury conversions; the former corporate name "Zhejiang Zhongyu Automobile Co., Ltd." was formally retired in May 2013.

Thereafter, KASHENG established multiple industry benchmarks across China's conversion sector, becoming the first National High-Tech Enterprise and the first provincial-level technical R&D centre in the field, as well as the first certified coachbuilder to obtain dual authorization from both Mercedes-Benz Germany and Fujian Benz. In 2017, KASHENG clinched the top design accolade from the China Industrial Design Association for its styling innovations. On 19 December 2025, the firm once again secured its National High-Tech Enterprise accreditation, maintaining its consecutive high-tech status.

Brand Matrix & Product Lineup

With executive vehicle conversions serving as its core business, KASHENG's product portfolio spans three major segments: luxury executive MPVs, special-purpose vehicles, and motorhomes. Its executive range encompasses 7 model series, led by KASHENG V-Class, KASHENG Vito, KASHENG T6, and KASHENG C10.

KASHENG V-Class serves as the brand's flagship MPV, extensively customised based on the long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz V-Class, with indicative pricing ranging from RM1,180,000 to RM1,380,000. Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine integrated with a 48V mild-hybrid system, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT). It features a sleek high-roof conversion that raises overall height by 210 mm over the stock vehicle, fitted with twin powered sliding doors, dual-tone alloy wheels, and plush Nappa leather upholstery tailored for corporate VIP transport and private luxury commuting.

KASHENG Vito is another large luxury MPV conversion based on the Mercedes-Benz Vito, priced from RM1,080,000. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo engine churning out 211 hp and 350 Nm of peak torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic gearbox. The cabin showcases a dual-tone red-and-black theme, a starlight headliner, and a 2+2+3 seven-seater layout, where the second-row captain seats feature leg rests and massage functions, complemented by ceiling-mounted entertainment screens and privacy curtains for an elevated executive travel experience.

KASHENG T6 is an MPV conversion based on the Volkswagen T6 series, carrying an official retail price of RM718,000 to RM778,000, which was phased out around 2025 and is now marked as a discontinued variant under the KASHENG portfolio. Additionally, KASHENG manufactures over 98 types of special-purpose vehicles, covering a wide range of applications including ambulances, motorhomes (RVs), satellite emergency communications vehicles, road inspection units, mobile command centres, and mobile testing rigs.

Market Performance

KASHENG commands a leading presence in China's high-end executive conversion segment, ranking as one of the largest and highest-quality coachbuilders in the commercial Mercedes-Benz conversion space. Leveraging the nationwide dealership network of its parent company, Zhongsheng Group, KASHENG integrates custom vehicle sales, after-sales support, and spare parts supply into a streamlined, one-stop commercial vehicle ecosystem. On the digital marketing front, KASHENG engages target buyers via CRM platforms, B2C retail channels, mini-programs, and established automotive portals (such as Bitauto and Autohome), alongside live-stream marketing on Douyin and Kuaishou.

In terms of market positioning, both KASHENG V-Class and KASHENG Vito sit firmly in the seven-figure luxury bracket, competing head-to-head against flagship luxury saloons and tier-one executive MPVs, aimed squarely at corporate elites, C-suite executives, and premium VIP hospitality fleets. Between September 2022 and December 2023, Zhejiang Carlsson carried out recalls involving 230 KASHENG commercial vehicles, underscoring its rigorous focus on quality traceability and safety defect management.

Core Technologies

KASHENG's engineering competencies are anchored by three core pillars: complete vehicle customisation, cabin interior integration, and proprietary patent developments. In terms of platform architecture, KASHENG's flagship models are re-engineered atop OEM rolling chassis, with technical development and engineering inputs supported by the Carlsson Germany tuning ecosystem and Italian design houses.

On the powertrain front, KASHENG V-Class runs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 170 kW and 370 Nm, paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system that enhances fuel efficiency while mitigating low-end turbo lag. KASHENG Vito utilizes a similar 2.0-litre turbocharged unit featuring an all-aluminium cylinder head and block with direct fuel injection, balancing lightweight construction with fuel economy.

In terms of chassis dynamics, KASHENG Vito adopts a monocoque body structure with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) layout; the RWD setup simplifies steering linkages and facilitates maintenance. The front MacPherson strut independent suspension works in tandem with an adaptive air suspension system that actively modulates damping and stiffness according to road conditions, delivering superior ride comfort and high-speed stability worthy of a luxury cruiser.

On the intellectual property front, Zhejiang Carlsson held 88 patents as of end-2025, covering vital conversion components such as high-roof structural designs, seat mounting mechanisms, and roof thermal management systems. In 2024 alone, the firm was granted 5 invention patents and 8 registered trademarks. It also possesses 11 software copyrights and 91 statutory accreditations, highlighting its technical prowess built over years of dedicated coachbuilding R&D.

Overseas Footprint

Zhejiang Carlsson holds full import and export trading rights, with business operations spanning international trade and automotive components distribution. KASHENG maintains deep technical synergy with Carlsson Germany, benefiting from European engineering and design standards while delivering world-class bespoke vehicles for domestic corporate clients. Notably, KASHENG made history as China's first domestic coachbuilder to acquire a world-renowned European tuning house and exhibit at major international motor shows, cementing its global brand prestige and specialized engineering pedigree.

Future Outlook

Driven by its corporate vision of "building the world's largest and most vibrant commercial vehicle coachbuilding hub", KASHENG upholds its brand ethos of "German Heritage, Uncompromised Quality", remaining deeply dedicated to the premium executive conversion segment. By ramping up R&D investments and deepening technical tie-ups with Carlsson Germany and Italian styling houses, the brand continues to push the envelope in bespoke mobility. Looking ahead amidst the rapid growth of the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, KASHENG is poised to expand its electrified conversion lineup, actively integrating 48V mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains into its commercial conversions. Concurrently, bespoke special-purpose vehicles—such as motorhomes, mobile communications hubs, and specialized medical vehicles—are set to serve as key growth catalysts. Backed by Zhongsheng Group's extensive dealership network and its "National High-Tech Enterprise" credentials, this homegrown marque will continue to chart a distinctive path in the luxury commercial and coachbuilt vehicle sector, reinforcing its competitive edge and industry leadership.