From 300 deliveries in Italy to 300 in France: Otokar outlines European growth at Busworld 2025

Growth in Europe, continued investment in electrification and autonomous technologies, and a strategic ambition to strengthen its position among the top five bus manufacturers in Europe. These are the pillars outlined by Otokar during its press conference on the first day of Busworld Europe 2025.

The company showcased seven vehicles: e-Centro, Navigo U Giga, Ulyso, e-Kent, and e-Territo, with particular emphasis on electrification and autonomous driving. Two prototypes — the autonomous e-Centro and autonomous e-Territo — highlighted the company’s research and development in automation, while the 10.9-meter e-Kent made its debut.

The company closed 2024 with a turnover of USD 962 million, with 64% of revenues coming from exports, confirming its role as both a leading Turkish bus manufacturer — a position it has held for 16 consecutive years — and an increasingly significant player in Europe, as outlined by Kerem Erman, Head of Otokar Commercial Vehicles. More than 68,000 Otokar buses are now in operation in over 60 countries, with Spain, France, and Italy representing its largest European markets. Last year, Otokar delivered 300 buses in Italy; in 2025, deliveries in France will exceed the same threshold, as the company now sets its sights on Germany and the Nordic countries, as mentioned by Otokar Italia head Umberto Mauri.

Industrial capability is a cornerstone of this strategy. Otokar today operates what it calls Europe’s most modern integrated bus manufacturing plant, not only producing its own buses but also manufacturing for other OEMs. The partnership with Iveco Bus has now passed two and a half years, and production for Daimler Buses has recently begun with the Conecto city bus. This dual role — as both a competitive brand and a manufacturing partner — underlines Otokar’s industrial flexibility and credibility in the global marketplace.

With this industrial base, a growing footprint in Europe, and a portfolio that now spans diesel, CNG, electric, and autonomous solutions, Otokar’s appearance at Busworld reinforces its strategy of combining domestic leadership with international expansion.

Kerem Erman, Head of Commercial Vehicles: “Otokar is making strong progress toward its three goals of becoming one of Europe’s most modern and integrated bus manufacturing campus; strengthening sustainable growth in the European market; and modernizing its product range with a focus on electrification. As Turkiye’s first bus manufacturer, we have a 60-year legacy of excellence in bus manufacturing. Our expertise, production capabilities, and production technology have propelled us to become one of the top five bus manufacturers in Europe. In addition to the Otokar brand, our factory in Sakarya manufacture buses for two other global brands. Our current position demonstrates our quality and capabilities in production. We are ready for new partnerships thanks to our advanced technology, production capacity, and qualified human resources.”

Umberto Mauri, Co-Director of Otokar Italia: “Today, more than 66,500 Otokar buses are on the road all around the world. We have made significant market gain in Europe recently. In line with our strategy we are continuing our growth. Our three largest markets in Europe are Italy, Spain, and France. It is also worth to mention that in Belgium which is home for Busworld we are enjoying a very strong market presence. We are intensively continuing our efforts to strengthen our presence in Germany and the Scandinavian countries. In parallel with the rapid growth in Europe, we have also reorganized our after-sales service structure.”

Denis Toublanc, Marketing & Customer Service Director of Otokar Europe: “We have shaped our strategies by taking customer expectations and supply risks into account. We offer different battery options for our electric vehicles. The electrification of our portfolio will continue in line with market expectations. On the other hand, we are continuing to increase our investments in autonomous technologies, which we have been researching and developing intensively for a long time. Our Autonomous e-CENTRO vehicle, developed entirely with our own engineering and software capabilities, has successfully passed TÜV Rheinland tests. We aim to be a pioneer in autonomous technologies in public transportation.”