Karsan '08.1966–pr.

“Karsan” is a portmanteau of “karoseri” and “sanayi” (i.e., “vehicle body industry”).

It was established as a bodybuilder in 1966 and built up a reputation in this field until 1981, when it was licensed by Peugeot to make J9 minibuses. Karsan produced these for a quarter of a century before rebadging them as the “Karsan J9 Premier” in 2006, the very first vehicle made by the company to carry its name. It was replaced by the Karsan J10, which was built between 2010 and 2013.

Over 58 years in the Turkish automotive history, Karsan has been manufacturing commercial vehicles for the world's leading brands and its own brand at modern facilities. 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 59790 vehicles a year in 3 shifts. The Hasanağa factory is a flexible installation that 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 200132 square meters total, 89412 square meters of which is indoors.

Karsan manages the entire automotive value chain, from R&D to production, from marketing to sales and after-sales activities. Karsan produces Jest and Atak models under its own brand. In addition, Karsan produces and sells 100% electric buses e-Jest and e-Atak models within the framework of the cooperation with the global giant BMW. Karsan also produces 10-12-18 meter sized 100% electric e-ATA buses, and the 12 meter e-ATA Hydrogen. With the technology company ADASTEC, Karsan produces Level 4 driverless Autonomous e-Atak bus model, which is the first driverless bus carrying passengers across Europe and America. Karsan also manufactures 10-12-18 meter buses for Menarinibus. Within the frame of the strategic partnership formed with Oyak Renault in 2021, Karsan has been manufacturing Renault Megane sedan vehicles in its Bursa plant since the end of 2022. In addition to vehicle production, Karsan also provides industrial services at its factory located in the Organized Industrial Zone.