Turkish commercial vehicle producer Karsan was awarded contracts for producing next generation delivery vehicle (NGDV) prototypes by the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Karsan was chosen as one of the six finalists after a review among the 15 prequalified companies that had submitted proposals to develop NGDV prototypes.
According to the USPS, the six prime suppliers together will produce 50 prototype vehicles, as part of the next phase of the NGDV acquisition process.
Along with Turkey's Karsan, Indian Mahindra and the U.S. companies AM General, Oshkosh, Utilimaster and VT Hackney also won the contract.
The contract awards are valued at $37.4 million.
“The suppliers also have the discretion to team or subcontract with additional suppliers, and it is anticipated some will do so to develop the finished prototypes," according to a USPS statement.
“Half of the prototypes will feature hybrid and new technologies, including alternative fuel capabilities. The prototypes will represent a variety of vehicle sizes and drive configurations, in addition to advanced powertrains and a range of hybrid technologies," it said.
“The suppliers will have approximately one year from the contract award time to develop and produce their prototypes. The Postal Service then plans to test the vehicles during a period of approximately six months in a range of different climates, topography, population centers and delivery environments. The tests will help demonstrate the ability of the proposed designs to meet our operational needs, including the need to deliver to mailboxes across the United States," the statement read.
Operating in factories in Turkey's northwestern Bursa province, Karsan mainly produces light commercial vehicles and buses, both using its own designs and as a licensee of South Korean manufacturer Hyundai.
The company has been producing commercial vehicles with 100 percent local capital since 1981 and currently has a capacity to manufacture 18,200 vehicles in one shift.
Karsan was also among the finalists of the new generation taxis to be produced for New York City.
