Otokar Wins the Contract to Deliver 100 Articulated City Buses to Istanbul
Turkish bus market leader Otokar, which provides maximum comfort and safety for millions of passengers in more than 50 countries with its modern buses, will manufacture 21 meter buses with 200-passenger capacity to serve the people of Istanbul. Otokar, the winner of the tender, will also provide IETT after-sales services for three years.
Otokar, a Koç Group company and Turkey’s leading bus manufacturer received a letter of invitation to sign the agreement for 100 articulated buses, which the IETT General Directorate (Istanbul Electric Tramway and Tunnel Establishments) will procure. The agreement worth TL 606 million and is going to be signed in the next ten days. The new bus to serve the people of Istanbul would be KENT C, a 21 meter articulated city bus with a 200-passenger capacity. Otokar will also provide IETT after-sales services for three years. The plan is to complete the delivery of the buses in lots within 2022.
Otokar, whose buses are in use in more than 50 countries including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Romania, are also preferred by many metropolitan municipalities in Turkey in recent years. General Manager Serdar Görgüç noted that Otokar is uniquely positioned in Istanbul with long years of serving the city and global experience in public transportation.
General Manager, Serdar Görgüç, said:More than 1,000 public transportation buses of Otokar are in service of IETT since 2012. As Turkey's leading bus manufacturer, we very well know the conditions and public transportation challenges of Istanbul, one of the largest cities in the world. We are aware of the responsibility that Istanbul's public transit requires. We brought our experience to our product development. We designed and developed the 21 meter version of articulated KENT C, which provides safe rides for millions of passengers every day in Turkey and around the world, accordingly.
“We Aim to Set the Bar Higher in Transportation”
Serdar Görgüç explained that the buses are developed to elevate comfort in public transportation.
Serdar Görgüç, said:At Otokar, we are proud to serve IETT once again. As part of the previous contracts, we had provided after-sales services for our vehicles in the IETT fleet for five years and contributed to lowering the operating costs. Thanks to the infrastructure built at the time, the service rate, including periodic maintenance, was 99%. In other words, KENT buses regularly operated every day and continued to serve the people of Istanbul without interruption. This rate is still much higher than the world average. Serving a mega city like Istanbul is a great reference for all manufacturers. For us, Istanbul is a great success story and an important reference. We are honored that IETT has awarded this contract to us. We developed the ideal articulated bus to meet the conditions in Istanbul. We aim to set the bar higher in public transportation with our vehicles, which we will also support with after-sales services.
High Passenger Capacity, Easy Access
Otokar provides comfortable and safe journeys for millions of passengers in more than 50 countries with its innovative buses. The latest addition to Otokar’s vehicle lineup, the new 21 meter articulated KENT C, with a 200-passenger capacity, is designed with features to meet big cities’ growing public transportation needs. KENT C, built on the know-how and experience drawn from KENT buses used in Turkey and worldwide, will turn a new page in public transportation with its efficient performance, durability, low fuel consumption, and high safety and comfort. The vehicle’s outward opening doors will allow the passengers to get on and off the metrobus safely and quickly, while the no-step design and conveniently positioned seats will enhance accessibility. With a high roof, spacious interior, and powerful air conditioning, KENT C promises pleasant journeys in public transportation. The vehicle also stands apart with high heat and sound insulation.
Low Operating Costs, High Safety
21 meter articulated KENT C comes with next-generation features and a powerful engine that delivers high torque. The vehicle’s Super Eco drive mode optimizes gear range and reduces fuel consumption. The bus is developed by considering the inclines, road systems, and weather conditions in different cities. It is also equipped with alert systems that sense its surroundings, detect pedestrians and bicycles, blind spots, and warn drivers in risky situations. 21 meter KENT C offers high passenger capacity and spacious interiors. The 4th axle with steerable independent suspension gives the vehicle a low turning radius, ensuring high maneuverability compatible with the BRT line route. The 21 meter KENT C also features an electronic management system that controls the articulated part of the bus, preventing swaying in corners and automatically limiting the engine’s power and torque to ensure high safety.
This article was originally published by Otokar.
