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.
Introduction of the Ikarus midibus
The introduction of the 8.5-meter midibus marks the debut of Ikarus’s V4 family, tailored for European city centre with narrow streets. Fehér expresses confidence in the midibus’ positive reception in Budapest, emphasising its suitability for downtown areas. Official tests have already taken place near Buda Castle, receiving acclaim for size, quality and fuel efficiency. Further tests are planned in other European cities in the coming year.
Future visions: articulated electric buses
Looking ahead, Ikarus aims to unveil a 12-meter pure electric bus in 2024, followed by an 18-meter articulated model. Fehér remains tight-lipped about specific dates for business reasons but assures the public of a glimpse into the solo bus by the first quarter of the year and the articulated model by Christmas 2024.
Preserving heritage in global alliance
Addressing the crucial partnership with CRRC, Fehér highlights the inevitability of global collaboration in the automotive industry. The key, however, lies in Ikarus retaining its design competencies. Any bus with the Ikarus logo, Fehér insists, will bear the Hungarian design fingerprint. The partnership ensures that technical specifications originate from Ikarus, providing flexibility for customers to determine the percentage of Hungarian and European added value in their buses. Whether it’s ten or fifty percent, Ikarus is ready for the challenge.
Source: Daily News Hungary
