Logo 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.

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2 years ago
Wheels&Tracks

1966 – Karsan’s adventure began in 1966 with 269 independent entrepreneurs.

1966-81 – In the first 15 years, it manufactured bus bodyworks in various sizes for automotive companies.

1979 – The majority of shares purchased by Koç Holding.

1981 – Karsan began manufacturing J9 minibuses with a Peugeot license agreement. Production of the J series continued for 30 years.

1997 – Karsan began manufacturing the first minivan (Partner) of Turkey in collaboration with Peugeot.

1999 – Karsan's factory, located in Hasanağa, Bursa, Turkey, having 90.000 m2 of indoor space on a total area of 200.000 m2, has a capacity of manufacturing 65.000 vehicles/year.

2006 – Karsan manufactured J9 Premier, which was completely its own product. In the following year, it established strategic alliances with Hyundai, Renault and Citroen.

2007 – Hyundai HD light trucks production began.

2008 – 100.000th j9 produced. Renault Trucks Premium production began. Citroen Berlingo production began.

2009 – In line with its vision updated in 2009 as "Limitless Transportation Solutions", Karsan developed the V1 project in response to New York's Taxi of Tomorrow tender. Karsan Pazarlama Established. Renault Trucks Premium Lander and Kerax presented.

2011 – Starting to manufacture buses in 2011, Karsan manufactured the first big bus for Rome Municipality.

2012 – Agreement signed with IETT for 450 units of buses (later increased to 540).

2013 – Karsan re-developed its product portfolio with its own vehicles, named Jest, Atak and Star.

2014 – 40 18m articulated CNG buses delivered to Konya, Turkey Metropolitan Municipality. ATAK and STAR presented in Busworld Turkey. Karsan Pazarlama became the exclusive Turkish distributor of Hyundai light commercial vehicles.

2015 – Hyundai H350 production began.

2016 – Karsan was pre-qualified in the US Postal Service's (USPS) new generation delivery vehicle tender which was opened on 25 May 2015, placing Karsan among 6 companies to produce prototypes for testing.

2017 – Jest+ was relaunched with an esthetic look and enhanced features.

2018 – Karsan’s first electric vehicle e-JEST, which is electrified by BMW i, was launched in Munich, in cooperation with BMW.

2019 – Karsan now manufactures e-ATAK for sustainable future and to preserve natural resources of historical cities.

2021 – Karsan signed a 5-year contract with Oyak Renault for the production of Megane Sedan models. Karsan introduced Autonomous e-ATAK, the first serial-production Level 4 Automated bus of Europe and America. Karsan launched e-ATA series of 10m, 12m, and 18m fully electric buses and became the first and unique European brand with its full e-range from 6m to 18m.

2023 – Karsan has become the first European electric bus brand to enter the Japanese market with its new right-hand drive e-JEST model.

https://www.karsan.com/en/corporate/about-karsan/timeline

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