Published: December 11 2023
Ikarus, a renowned bus manufacturer with Hungarian roots, is making a comeback in Budapest. The company is celebrating its Hungarian design legacy while expanding its operations and embracing global partnerships. CEO Roland Fehér shares insights into the company's commitment to its heritage and ambitious plans for the future.
Hungarian Design Legacy and Global Collaboration
Ikarus proudly upholds its Hungarian design legacy while collaborating with global partners. The buses' design is the result of Hungarian specialists' ingenuity, with the customer having the choice to determine the proportion of Hungarian influence. Technological cooperation with Chinese partners also contributes to the company's success.
Expanding Capacities and Diversification
Ikarus is not just a bus manufacturer. The company is diversifying its operations and exploring opportunities in the automotive and rail segments. With its production capacity in Székesfehérvár and a skilled workforce, Ikarus has the potential to manufacture up to 300 buses annually. Additionally, the company has plans for truck bodies and iron structure production in the rail segment.
Electrification Efforts and Global Market Expansion
Ikarus has successfully introduced electric buses to markets in Poland and Germany. The company's focus on electric buses will continue, with plans to enter the Romanian market and explore opportunities in Africa and Asia. The introduction of the 8.5-meter midibus and future plans for a 12-meter solo bus and an 18-meter articulated model demonstrate Ikarus's commitment to sustainable and innovative transportation solutions.
Preserving Heritage in Global Alliances
Ikarus recognizes the importance of global collaboration in the automotive industry. The company has partnered with CRRC, ensuring that technical specifications originate from Ikarus and allowing customers to determine the level of Hungarian and European added value in their buses. Regardless of the percentage, every Ikarus bus will bear the Hungarian design fingerprint.
Questions & Answers
What is Ikarus? Ikarus is a renowned bus manufacturer with Hungarian roots that has blended Hungarian design expertise with global partnerships.
Does Ikarus collaborate with Chinese partners? Yes, Ikarus maintains technological cooperation with Chinese partners, but the design of their buses is the result of Hungarian specialists' ingenuity.
What is the current production capacity of Ikarus in Székesfehérvár? The current production capacity in Székesfehérvár is capable of reaching up to 300 buses annually.
Is Ikarus planning to diversify its business? Yes, Ikarus is venturing into the automotive and rail segments as part of its diversification strategy.
Where has Ikarus introduced electric buses? Ikarus has successfully introduced electric buses in markets such as Poland and Germany.
What is Ikarus's vision for the future of electric buses? Ikarus aims to unveil a 12-meter pure electric bus in 2024, followed by an 18-meter articulated model.
Does Ikarus retain its design competencies in global collaborations? Yes, Ikarus ensures that any bus bearing the Ikarus logo will have a Hungarian design fingerprint, even in partnerships with other companies.
What is Ikarus's plan for the midibus in Budapest? Ikarus plans to introduce the 8.5-meter midibus in Budapest, specifically tailored for European city centers with narrow streets.
Where have official tests for Ikarus's midibus taken place? Official tests for Ikarus's midibus have already taken place near Buda Castle in Budapest.
When can the public expect to see the solo bus and articulated model from Ikarus? The solo electric bus is expected to be unveiled by the first quarter of 2024, while the articulated model is expected to be revealed by Christmas 2024.
What is the role of the partnership with CRRC in Ikarus's business? The partnership with CRRC provides technical specifications for Ikarus buses, allowing customers to determine the percentage of Hungarian and European added value in their buses.
