L'autobus autonome e-ATAK de Karsan entre en service pour le transport de passagers au célèbre parc d'attractions d'Efteling

ISTANBUL, August 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Developing cutting-edge transport solutions with the ambition to stay one step ahead of the future of mobility, Karsan is strengthening its global leadership in autonomous public transport with a new flagship project. Within the scope of the project launched at the world-renowned Efteling theme park, Karsan's autonomous e-ATAK bus began transporting passengers on August 12, 2026, connecting Efteling's main public transport hub to the region's hotels, accommodations, and tourist facilities.

Commenting on the project, Karsan CEO Utku Ayyarkın said, “We are extremely proud that Karsan's autonomous e-ATAK has become the first autonomous bus to operate on public roads in the North Brabant region of the Netherlands. Following our project at Rotterdam-The Hague Airport, this second autonomous deployment in the Netherlands further solidifies our position in Europe with a new major reference project. The fact that the autonomous e-ATAK was chosen for Efteling, a world-renowned destination that hosts millions of visitors every year, is an undeniable testament to the maturity of our technology and the trust our partners place in Karsan. At Karsan, we are not just anticipating the future of mobility; we are integrating our cutting-edge technological solutions into daily life. Through autonomous projects conducted in different countries and in various usage contexts, we are making the future of public transport a reality today. We will continue to play a leading role in the widespread adoption of autonomous public transport, particularly in Europe and globally.”

Karsan, one of the pioneering brands transforming electric and autonomous public transport in Europe, adds a new real-world deployment to its portfolio of advanced mobility solutions. The autonomous e-ATAK, which started operating at Efteling, one of the Netherlands' leading tourist destinations, will be used on an approximately 6-kilometer route. The vehicle will transport passengers between the 'Efteling Hoofdingang' and 'Wonderhotel' stops within mixed traffic, thanks to Level 4 autonomous driving technology according to the SAE classification. The service, designed to be accessible to passengers with disabilities and offered free of charge, will connect Efteling's main public transport hub to the surrounding hotels, accommodation facilities, and tourist amenities. The project will thus not only contribute to the advancement of autonomous technology but also promote a more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable approach to mobility.

The official launch ceremony for the project took place at Efteling on August 10, 2026. Representatives from Efteling, Arriva, the Province of North Brabant, the Municipality of Loon op Zand, the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW), and Dutch Automated Mobility were present at the launch ceremony. Covered by the Dutch national and specialized press, this event brought together public authorities, technology companies, and public transport operators to mark a significant milestone in the field of autonomous mobility. Implemented through the collaboration of Karsan, Arriva, the Province of North Brabant, the Municipality of Loon op Zand, SmartwayZ.NL, Dutch Automated Mobility, Applied Autonomy, and ADASTEC, this project is a remarkable example of strong public-private cooperation shaping the future of autonomous mobility in Europe.