Busworld is not only about vehicles, many international suppliers and bus builders came to showcase their products and like always the big international names such as Otokar, Karsan, Isuzu, Cummins, Allison Transmission, Voith, etc showcased their latest developments.
Under the given circumstances, the turn up was very satisfying in terms of numbers of visitors and their international character. Busworld welcomed 7,935 visitors coming from 75 countries around the world who were received by 128 exhibitors. The exhibitors expressed their satisfaction about their participation.
Vincent Dewaele, CEO of Busworld International, was delighted with the positive reactions of the exhibitors. “Although the circumstances were not ideal for this edition, it is good to see that Busworld Turkey was a success after all. This gives us all the motivation to start preparing the next edition in 2022.
In total 9 vehicle builders were represented in Busworld Turkey 2020, showing 35 buses, coaches and mini buses. Here are some of them:
OTOKAR
Otokar is the market leader in the Turkish bus market and the pioneer in electric and alternative fuels. They attended the fair with 5 vehicles: Sultan LF, Sultan Mega, Sultan Comfort, Otokar Doruk and last but not least Kent Electra, their latest development. Their strategy is to increase exports and globalization. The share of exports in Otokar’s turnover reached 80 percent in 2019.
Otokar provides millions of passengers comfortable and safe journeys with more than 40,000 buses in 50 countries, including Turkey as well as Spain, Germany, France, and Belgium to name a few.
“OUR LEADERSHIP RECONFIRMED FOR THE 11TH TIME”
Basri Akgül, Assistant General Manager, Otokar spoke about the company’s position in Turkey and international markets at a press conference at Istanbul Expo Center. Akgül noted that the vehicles developed and manufactured with 57 years of experience for public, tourism and personnel transportation are used in 50 countries, “With our engineering capabilities, wide product range and solutions tailored to our customers’ needs, we were able to maintain our position in the market in 2019 as Turkey’s most preferred bus brand. We remained focused on long-term goals without being affected by short-term volatilities despite the uncertainties across the globe and tightening in the domestic market. We determined our strategy as increasing our export volume and becoming a global brand. We continue to take bold steps while maintaining our sustainable growth. Otokar’s 2019 revenues reached TL 2.4 billion with 45 percent increase. Our export volume increased by 78 percent to $340 million as the share of exports in total revenues reached 80 percent.”
Akgül added that the 7-10m small and medium bus and the 12-18m public transportation bus segments in which Otokar operates shrank more than 50 percent in domestic market, “Despite this level of contraction in Turkish bus market, we still closed the year as the leader of our respective segments in total. One out of every three buses sold in Turkey was Otokar branded. With this success, our market leadership has been reconfirmed for the 11th time.”
“ONE OUT OF EVERY THREE BUSES SOLD IN TURKEY BEARS THE OTOKAR BRAND”
Regarding 2019 developments, Akgül said “In 2019 we developed Sultan Comfort –known as Navigo T in export markets- as a versatile vehicle capable of three functions in one for Turkish market. The new vehicle became very popular among tourism, school and personnel shuttle operators. 8,5 meter bus Sultan Mega (known as Navigo T), standing out with its high passenger and luggage capacity, also became the first choice of users in the tourism sector. Otokar ended 2019 as the leader of the small and medium-sized bus market, with one out of every three buses sold in this segment in Turkey also bearing the Otokar brand. In addition to tourism and personnel transportation, we also reinforced the public transport fleets of municipalities across Turkey with our innovative, ecofriendly vehicles. Otokar increased its share in the 12-18m public transportation bus market by 9 points.”
Basri Akgül pointed out that Otokar’s success in the domestic market extends beyond borders as the company increased its bus export volume by 29 percent with Otokar buses currently serving millions of passengers in 50 countries, “In 2019, we continued to represent our country with great success in international markets. Otokar’s bus product park kept growing in a number of countries, especially in Malta, Romania, Italy, Serbia as well as France, which are among our target markets in Europe. The total vehicle park in France alone has now exceeded 2,200 units. We received a fourth order from Malta, where Otokar buses are used widely, bringing the total number of our buses in Malta to over 240. We also completed the deliveries of Bucharest Municipality’s order last year.”
R&D SPENDING IN 2019 REACHED TL 136 MILLION
Akgül also spoke about Otokar’s pioneering work in product design and development, and the important achievements in alternative-fueled vehicles, “As we implement our growth strategy in global markets, we also integrate the latest technologies and applications into our products. In 2019, our R&D spending amounted to TL 136 million. Otokar’s R&D spending in the last 10 years exceeded TL 1.1 billion.”
OTOKAR BUSES SHOWCASED AT BUSWORLD
Otokar, which aims to maintain its leadership in the Turkish bus market this year while introducing pioneering developments, exhibited the following vehicles at Busworld Turkey 2020 on 5-7 March.
Kent Electra: 12 meter electric bus Kent Electra, known as e-KENT C in export markets, was exhibited at Busworld. Otokar aims to contribute to the sustainable development of cities with its new electric bus which stands apart with its innovative design and technologies. With a capacity of up to 95 passengers, the bus is designed to contribute to a cleaner environment, quieter traffic, lower operating costs and higher efficiency. Kent Electra, with its dynamic, elegant and modern design, offers improved visibility and comfort for its passengers with its spacious interior volume.
Sultan LF: Sultan LF, known as AGILO C in export markets, is a reflection of Otokar’s innovative design philosophy. Sultan LF offers power and efficiency with high engine power and lightweight frame, bringing a modern solution for cities with narrow streets with its 8.3-meter length, high torque value at low speeds, wide front and rear doors, and full low-floor design.
Sultan Mega: 8,5 meter Sultan Mega, known as Navigo T in export markets, offers high power and comfort for its users and passengers, as well as a total capacity of 35+1+1 people. Sultan Mega, which is widely popular in Turkey’s tourism transportation, stands apart with special equipment for the tourism, offering a pleasant ride with its flat and wide passenger corridor, wide-spaced seats and high luggage volume.
Sultan Comfort: 7,2 meter Sultan Comfort, known as Navigo T in export markets, is renewed for Turkish market as a versatile bus that serves three purposes in one vehicle with its new features. The new Sultan Comfort, updated for tourism, school and personnel shuttle operators, stands out with its 29+1 passenger capacity, low operating costs, excellent performance and durability.
Doruk T: 10 meter Doruk T, known as Ulyso T in export markets, comes with standard 39+1+1 and optional 43+1+1 passenger capacity versions in Turkish market. The vehicle, with features like high luggage capacity, spacious interior and passenger comfort in the forefront, offers safety systems such as full dry-air disc braking system, ABS, and EBS, as well as driver assist technologies including lane departure warning system (LDWS), advanced AEBS braking system, ASR, and ESP as standard.
Karsan Attended the Busworld Fair Turkey with its Electric Models
Celebrating its 53rd anniversary this year in the Turkish automotive industry, Karsan has been manufacturing at its modern facilities its own vehicles, as well as parts for the world’s prominent brands in the commercial vehicles sector. The company has been engaged in commercial vehicle production since 1981, and its factory in Hasanağa in Bursa has the capacity to manufacture up to 18,200 vehicles a year on a single shift. The Hasanağa factory is a flexible installation which can manufacture all kinds of vehicles in the same facilities from passenger cars and heavy trucks to minivans and buses. It is located 30 km from the Bursa city center and has been established on an area of 207,000 sqm, 91,000 sqm of which is closed space.
Karsan has been the only independent multi-brand vehicle manufacturer in Turkey for more than 50 years and the next phase for the company, powered and enabled by its business partners and licensers, is to develop bespoke versions of new and existing vehicles in order to extend its presence to all segments of cargo and passenger transportation. Working to “develop innovative products and services from the idea to the market” and to cater to every market segment, Karsan primarily aims to strengthen its Main Manufacturer/OEM business line. Karsan manages its whole automotive value chain from R&D and manufacturing to marketing, sales and after sales activities.
Currently the company manufactures the new H350 light commercial vehicles for Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), 10-12-18 m buses for Menarinibus and its own Jest, Atak and Star models. It also produces full electric vehicles, its much-celebrated Jest Electric and Atak Electric line, in partnership with the world giant BMW. Besides vehicle manufacturing, Karsan also provides a range of industrial services in its Organized Industrial Zone factory.
Karsan, has attended 8th Busworld Fair Turkey with its full range of electrical products. At the fair, the brand showcased its 100% electric public transport vehicles, Jest Electric and Atak Electric, that it developed within one year and made ready for mass production. Visitors to the Busworld fair also had the opportunity to test the Jest Electric vehicle. Deputy GM of Karsan Commercial Affairs, Muzaffer Arpacıoğlu said “In as short a time as one year, we sold 68 Jest Electric vehicles to eight different countries, while also signing contracts for the sale of 18 Atak Electric vehicles in a very short period of time. For a clean future and a sustainable world, we will continue to offer modern transportation vehicles of the future to the global markets”.
Offering transportation solutions from its factory in Turkey for the mobility needs of our age, Karsan exhibited its range of electrical products at Busworld Turkey International Bus Industry and Sub-Industry Specialization Fair which is held for the eighth time this year. At the fair, which takes place at Istanbul Expo Center, Jest Electric and Atak Electric vehicles were put on display for visitors. Karsan also provided a testing event for Jest Electric, which has become very popular in Turkey for its sales success abroad, just outside the fairground. This gave visitors to Busworld Turkey the chance to closely examine the high performance Jest Electric vehicle boasting a 100% electric eco-friendly engine and superior technology.
Approximately 100 electric cars were exported
During the press conference at Busworld, the Deputy GM of Karsan Commercial Affairs, Muzaffer Arpacıoğlu stated that Karsan would continue its efforts in the field of electric and connected vehicles and continued, “Right after launching Jest Electric in November 2018, we introduced Atak Electric in Germany, the heart of the automotive Industry, to the global community in June 2019. In as short a time as one year, we sold 68 Jest Electric vehicles to eight different countries, while also signing contracts for the sale of 18 Atak Electric vehicles in a very short period of time. For a clean future and a sustainable world, we will continue to offer the transportation vehicles of the future to the global markets.
Jest Electric: Fast and Agile
The 6-meter low-floored Jest Electric is equipped with a BMW electric motor producing 125kW power and 290 Nm torque with optional 44 or 88 kWh batteries produced by BMW. Offering the best performance in its class with a range of up to 210 km, the Jest Electric also boasts a regenerative braking system which provides energy recovery by enabling the batteries to self-recharge at a rate of 25%. It can be charged in 8 hours with 7.4kW charging option and with AC charging units, while just in an hour with fast charging units. Standing out with its high maneuverability, large interior space, agility on narrow streets thanks to its compact size, dynamic design, and unparalleled climbing performance, Karsan’s Jest Electric is ready to carry you to the future in a quiet journey. Decorated with a 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen, fully digital dashboard, keyless go, and USB ports as well as an optional WiFi compatible infrastructure, Karsan’s Jest Electric does not come short in terms of comfort compared to passenger cars thanks to its 4-wheel independent suspension system.
Atak Electric offers a range of 300 km
Atak Electric comes with brand-new and dynamic front and rear lines, and creates a striking look with its LED daytime running lamps. The motor at the heart of the Atak Electric vehicle generates 230 kW engine power and 2.400 Nm torque, providing users with a high performance driving experience. Running on a total 220 kWh capacity with five 44-kWh batteries developed by BMW, the 8-meter Atak Electric boasts a unique 300 km range to outpace its rivals. The vehicle’s batteries can be charged in 5 hours with AC charging, and in 3 hours with fast-charging units. A regenerative braking system also recycles power which enables the batteries to self-recharge up to 25%. The model comes with two seating layout options, 18+4 or 21+4 foldable for a capacity of 52 passengers.
Anadolu Isuzu exhibited the public transportation trends of the future at Busworld Turkey
Anadolu Isuzu, Turkey’s commercial vehicle manufacturer, exhibited four vehicles at Busworld Turkey on March 5-7, 2020 in Istanbul. Anadolu Isuzu presented its ecofriendly vehicles Citiport 12 CNG, Novociti Life, Novociti Volt (Electric), and Novo Lux, shedding light on the public transportation trends of the future.
Turkey’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer Anadolu Isuzu exhibited four vehicles at its booth in Busworld Turkey 2020, where the international bus industry and supply industry meet. Anadolu Isuzu presented its ecofriendly vehicles Citiport 12 CNG (powered by compressed natural gas), Novociti Life, Novo Lux, and all-electric Novociti Volt, developed by considering the requirements of the company’s existing and target markets, shedding light on the public transportation trends of the future.
Tuğrul Arıkan, General Manager at Anadolu Isuzu, spoke at the press conference and noted that they identify the needs of their target markets accurately to offer the right products and services. “Our export figures continue to rise with every firm step we take as we further strengthen our brand worldwide. Our aggressive growth performance in exports in the recent years also served as a leverage for us to manage our risks better while ensuring healthy growth. We are currently exporting to 42 countries, with plans to exceed 60 by 2023. We have maintained our position as the midibus export champion for 15 years. We see great interest from European municipalities for our vehicles, which are developed by Turkish engineers and have a local content ratio above 70%. We became a highly sought-after brand in public transportation tenders in Europe last year.” Arıkan added that Anadolu Isuzu entered Poland, Italy, Greece, France and most recently Georgia with Isuzu Novociti Life, informing that the company realized the biggest midi-bus export in the Turkish automotive history with the delivery of midibuses worth €16.9 million to the Tbilisi Municipality last year. Arıkan said, “We are excited to be in Busworld, where some of the top bus manufacturers are also present, with our ecofriendly, comfortable vehicles Citiport 12 CNG, Novociti Life, Novociti Volt, and Novo Lux, all designed by anticipating the future needs and trends of public transportation.”
Isuzu Novociti Life, the favorite of Europe
The new Isuzu Novociti Life, with its low-floor design, was born as a solution to the changing market requirements. As a bus concept with smaller dimensions than large and medium-sized buses, Novociti Life also targets cities with narrow streets and supports integration of people with disabilities and the elderly more into social life with its low-floor design. Novociti Life, which has the look of a regular bus in smaller dimensions, creates a new segment of its own in Anadolu Isuzu’s bus line-up with its 8-meter length, between the 9.5-meter Citibus and the 7.5-meter Novociti models. FPT-branded NEF4 engine, positioned at the rear to fit Novociti Life’s low-floor design, generates 186 horsepower and 680 Nm torque. FPT’s no-EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) engine technology meets Euro 6D emission norms while enabling high energy efficiency and low fuel consumption as features that European municipalities seek. Isuzu Novociti Life, thoughtfully designed to ensure the comfort of passengers as well as easy and quick serviceability, is the winner of three awards in a year from Turkey, Poland and Italy.
All-electric Isuzu Novociti Volt made its mark on Busworld
Isuzu Novociti Volt, designed as an all-electric midibus for a world where emission rules are getting increasingly stricter, made its mark on Busworld Turkey. Novociti Volt, the electric version of the multiple award-winning diesel Novociti Life, is an ecofriendly midibus with an all-electric drive system with minimal noise and zero emission. Thanks to AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems), Novociti Volt generates an artificial engine sound for pedestrian safety without causing noise pollution and enables pedestrians to notice the vehicle, thus preventing risky situations.
Novociti Volt is offered with two different battery pack options, with the 140 KWh version delivering a range of up to 210 km while the 268 kWh version’s range reaches 400 km. With these options, Novociti Volt provides flexibility for different requirements and meets clients’ needs. With the battery packs placed on the roof, the vehicle can be easily customized to increase or decrease the range. The electric motor, located in the rear of the vehicle, comes with 255 kW engine power and 2355 Nm torque. As part of the warranty, battery life is guaranteed not to decrease below 70% for 5 years or 250,000 km.
Citiport 12 CNG, a low-cost, ecofriendly bus
The low-cost, ecofriendly, CNG-powered Citiport 12 CNG, developed to respond to the rising trend of cutting down emission levels and promoting ecofriendly vehicles in cities across the world, was received with great interest at the exhibition. Citiport 12 CNG offers lower operating costs thanks to its CNG system (compressed natural gas) and reduces environmental impact compared to regular public transportation vehicles.
Novo Lux, the choice of personnel shuttle and tourism operators for its superior level of comfort
Novo Lux, built on the same platform as Novo S, delivers heightened comfort with its interior design and standard features. Novo Lux comes with a number of variants with different trim levels, a special accessible version for people with disabilities, and a 2+1 seating layout option, offering versatility for personnel shuttle and tourism operators that aim to provide a more comfortable travel experience for their passengers.
