To date, Karsan has played leading role in transforming transportation Europe’s with its electric and driverless vehicles. Now, Karsan is looking to expand into North America, another top market. Recently, they signed a distributorship agreement with one of Canada’s leading bus companies, Damera Bus Sales Canada Corp. Shortly thereafter, Karsan delivered six e-JEST buses to Saint John’s, Newfoundland, whose public transit system became the first in Canada to feature low-floor electric minibuses. Now, they have delivered fifteen more e-JEST vehicles to another major Canadian city, Oakville, Ontario, via Damera Bus.
Quiet, and perfect for narrow streets
Karsan e-JEST is still thriving in Europe, as it has become the continent’s top best-selling electric minibus for three years in a row. They hope to achieve the same in North America, too. Deemed the most liveable city in Canada, Oakville is famous for having particularly narrow streets. E-JEST buses are expected to replace all of the city’s diesel buses, therefore contributing helping the region stay clam and heavenly. Anita Anand (Canada’s Minister of Defence / Oakville MP) welcomed the move: “The first group of zero-emission, battery-electric, specialized buses arriving in Oakville is an exciting milestone for our community that will bring us one step closer to a net-zero emissions future by 2050.”
We’re going to win North America’s heart
Karsan CEO Okan Baş has big dreams for e-JEST in North America, given its success in Europe. “E-JEST has taken Europe by storm for three years running; now its beginning to blossom in North America, too, as its first ever electric minibus. Our vehicles are quiet and eco friendly, and that matches Oakville’s vision of being Canada’s “most liveable city.” We’re proud to play a pivotal role in the city’s switch to electric transit by delivering them their first zero-emission vehicles.”
Mr. Baş reminded everybody that they launched themselves on the Canadian market with just six vehicles delivered to Saint John’s. Adding to that, he stated: “We’re kicking things up a notch and launching our first electric minibuses in North America. We have high hopes, and plan to expand our e-JEST deliveries throughout other parts of Canada in the near future. We’ve so far done well in Europe, now its time to grow in Canada and the rest of North America.”