Famous Hungarian brand revives, Ikarus returns with electric buses
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Ikarus, a renowned name in the world of buses, has stood the test of time by blending Hungarian design expertise with global partnerships. As Ikarus returns to the forefront, Roland Fehér, the CEO of Ikarus Group, shares insights into the company’s commitment to its Hungarian heritage and its ambitious expansion plans.
Hungarian roots, global vision
Maintaining a delicate balance between tradition and collaboration, Ikarus proudly upholds its Hungarian design legacy. In an interview with Autopro.hu, Roland Fehér emphasises the existence of technological cooperation with Chinese partners. However, he highlights that the buses’ design is always the result of Hungarian specialists’ ingenuity. The unique aspect lies in the customer’s choice, allowing them to decide the proportion of Hungarian influence in the final product.
Capacity and diversification
Ikarus returns not just as a bus manufacturer but as a dynamic entity with an eye on diversification. The current production capacity in Székesfehérvár, with its industrial park and skilled workforce, could theoretically reach up to 300 buses annually. However, Fehér underscores the company’s diversification strategy, venturing into automotive and rail segments. With orders for truck bodies and plans for iron structure production in the rail segment, Ikarus is poised for growth.
Electrifying the future
Ikarus has successfully introduced electric buses to markets like Poland and Germany, with Electrobus Europe Ltd. overseeing sales. Fehér envisions continued focus on these countries, along with plans in the Romanian market, where substantial investments in electric buses are underway. The global vision includes a return to Africa and Asia, where the Ikarus brand has a strong tradition, presenting opportunities in regions like Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Egypt.
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