Serbian bus with Mercedes sign to roll off line by March 13

BELGRADE - The first bus carrying the Mercedes-Benz sign to be produced in Serbia will roll off the assembly line at Belgrade-based Ikarbus factory by March 13, and mass production of that bus will be a huge export opportunity for Serbia, Ikarbus General Director Aleksandar Vicentic has told Tanjug.

The bus prototype production is in its final stage, with over 90 firms from Serbia taking part in it.

Ikarbus and the German automobile giant should sign an agreement on technical and business cooperation by the end of March, an important contract for Ikarbus, which needs a strategic partner.

The new model, IK 112 LE, will be shown off at the upcoming motor show in Belgrade, said Vicentic.

“We are confident that the cooperation with the reputable company such as Mercedes will improve the quality of our products and their placement, not only at home but also abroad,” he said.

Vicentic pointed out that there is already a lot of interest in this bus model both in the country and the region and about 100 new buses are expected to be sold this year.

The new bus production means that at least 150 new jobs should be opened at the Ikarbus factory in Belgrade’s municipality of Zemun, currently employing 280, the company’s general director said.

The bus, meant for drive on commuter routes and bad roads, is cheaper than low-floor models and will be sold for between EUR 130,000 and 140,000.

Photo Tanjug Video