JAPAN
Turkish manufacturer Karsan, has expanded its reach to Japan with its e-Jest minibus. The move is notable as Karsan’s first ever right-hand drive vehicle. At a ceremony held at the Turkish Embassy in Japan, Karsan marked the start of its operation in the country with local distributor Altech.
Karsan CEO Okan Baş said: “We are now adding the Japanese market to our successes in Europe and the rapid expansion of our vehicle parc in the North American market. We are transforming public transport across the world with our vision of being One Step Ahead in the Future of Mobility. This transformation began with the 6-metre electric e-Jest minibus at the end of 2018. We aim to close this year by reaching 1,000 electric vehicles in 22 countries. Karsan’s e-Jest model, having recently entered Canada and North America as the first electric minibus there, has managed to be Europe’s most preferred vehicle in its segment for the last three years. Through this launch, we, as Karsan, have become the first European e-bus brand to enter Japan. In addition, we have found an opportunity to serve in a broad geography from Canada to Japan. We aim to sell 100 units in the Japanese market next year.”