Karsan, which has become one of the world's leading technology-focused brands in next-generation public transportation, has set its sights on the top amidst the major transformation in the automotive world. Operating with the vision of "One Step Ahead in the Future of Mobility," the brand left 2025 behind with record growth figures and has drawn up an ambitious roadmap for 2026, encompassing everything from autonomous driving to new market targets. Blending 60 years of automotive experience with high technology, Karsan is completing its transformation from a mere vehicle manufacturer to a global mobility technology company.
2025 Financial Report Card: Record Revenue Achieved by Electric Vehicles
Karsan experienced one of the brightest periods in its history financially in 2025. The company increased its total turnover by 11 percent compared to the previous year. 330 million euros It has brought it to this level. The most remarkable aspect of this success is the quality of the turnover. 220 million Euros, or approximately 67 percent, of the total revenue was generated from electric vehicle sales.
Karsan CEO Okan Baş summarizes this situation with the following words:
“We increased our turnover from €296 million in 2024 to €330 million. The 37% growth we experienced in our electric vehicle turnover is proof of how well our strategy is working. Furthermore, we increased our export turnover by 43% to €197 million, and our EBITDA to €54 million.”
Europe's Enduring Leaders: e-JEST and e-ATAK
Karsan's success in the European market is no longer a coincidence, it has become a tradition. Especially e-JEST ve e-ATTACK These models leave no chance for their competitors in their segments. The e-JEST, with a 30% share of the European electric van market, has maintained its leadership for six consecutive years. In the midibus class, the e-ATAK retains its top position with a 25% share.
In addition, in 2025, the e-ATA 10m model became the leader in Europe's 10-meter class of electric buses with a 26% market share. By 2025, Karsan increased its market share in the European urban electric public transport market to 5%, rising to 7th place in the overall ranking.
Export Target: To Increase Export's Share of Revenue to 70%
Turkey is at the heart of European bus and minibus production. In this ecosystem, where one out of every two buses in Europe is produced in Türkiye, Karsan plays a leading role in electric vehicle exports. Between 2019 and 2025, Karsan will account for the entirety of electric minibuses and buses exported from Türkiye to Europe. 80 percent It bears the Karsan signature.
While the brand's current export rate is at 60 percent of total turnover, Okan Baş states that they aim to increase this rate to over 70 percent within the next three years. Karsan, which is a market leader with a 34 percent market share in Romania and a 50 percent market share in Croatia, is also among the top three brands in countries such as Italy, Luxembourg, France, and Portugal.
Autonomous Mobility: The Era of Driverless Operations Begins
Karsan is revolutionizing not only electric vehicles but also software and autonomous technologies. It is the world's first Level-4 autonomous bus to carry ticketed passengers. Autonomous e-ATTACKIt has been featured in 16 different projects in 12 countries to date. This technology, which has accumulated a total of 160 kilometers of road experience and transported 60 passengers, will be taken to the next level in 2026.
The strategic goals in autonomous technologies are as follows:
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Fully Driverless Operation: The plan is to begin fully driverless operation without a safety driver in Stavanger, Norway, in the third quarter of 2026.
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Type Approval: The goal is to obtain official type approval for autonomous driving in the first half of 2027.
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New Models: The 8-meter autonomous e-ATAK will focus on the European market, while the 6-meter autonomous e-JEST will target the American market.
Autonomous e-JEST on the Road to the World Cup
Karsan's success in exporting technology has extended overseas. A shipment of 10 units arrived from the United States. Autonomous e-GES The order proved the brand's autonomous capabilities. These vehicles, to be delivered in the second half of 2026, will serve in the World Cup, one of the world's largest sporting events. This project signifies the global showcase of Turkish engineering in the field of autonomous driving.
Strategy for 2026: Nordic Countries and New Markets
Karsan is preparing to enter challenging markets where it does not yet have a presence in order to continue its growth in Europe. Countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Germany will be the focus in 2026.
Okan Baş explains the new market strategies with the following words:
“We need to go beyond existing markets. We will begin our expansion into some of Europe’s most challenging markets, such as the Netherlands and the Scandinavian countries. We will strengthen our presence in Spain and Poland. Our target for 2026 is to sell 700 electric vehicles and increase our total fleet in Europe to over 2,800 units.”
Hydrogen and New Product Range
In addition to electric and autonomous vehicles, Karsan is also investing in hydrogen technology, which is seen as the energy of the future. As part of a strategic collaboration with Toyota, the brand is developing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and has made its first deliveries to Italy. Okan Baş predicts that hydrogen will have a 10% share in the public transportation market and emphasizes that Karsan is ready in this field as well.
Furthermore, Karsan will add a completely new electric vehicle to its product range by the end of 2026. This move will reinforce both the brand's product diversity and its leadership in technology.
From Classic Automotive to Technology Company
Karsan is building the future with its massive team of 2,500 people. The company's greatest strength lies in the "brainpower" of its employees, focused on a common goal, and its visionary management approach. Evolving from a traditional automotive manufacturer into a technology company producing software, autonomous driving systems, and clean energy solutions, Karsan is confidently moving towards its goal of becoming one of Europe's top 5 players within the next five years.
The 2026 order portfolio, 65% of which is already filled, is the clearest indication of the trust that cities around the world place in Karsan technology. 2026 will not only be a year of growth for Karsan, but also a historic year in which driverless transportation becomes a reality.
