Oman’s Karwa Motors Eyes Expansion in EVs, New Export Markets

Karwa Motors is exploring opportunities to expand into the electric vehicle (EV) segment and green hydrogen applications in transportation, in collaboration with its international partners, according to the company’s CEO.

In an interview featured in the latest edition of Duqm Economist, a quarterly publication by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), Dr Ibrahim bin Ali al Balushi, CEO of Karwa Motors, revealed that the company is moving ahead with ambitious strategic plans for the next five years. These plans aim to strengthen Karwa’s presence in existing markets and facilitate expansion into new ones across the region.

Dr Balushi highlighted that the company is actively exploring EV and green hydrogen applications opportunities through partnerships with international collaborators.

“The demand for electric buses has increased in recent years, and we anticipate further growth as Oman continues to implement its Oman Vision 2040 strategy,” he said. “We are ready to expand in this sector, provided there is substantial market demand.”

He added that Karwa Motors is also targeting new markets and developing advanced transport solutions to meet the evolving needs of different regions. The company has devised a strategic plan to boost its exports to GCC countries, wider Arab markets, and international destinations.

Dr Balushi noted that the United States is a key target market, alongside Africa, which presents considerable growth potential.

“Karwa Motors seeks to build strategic partnerships with technology and energy firms to create innovative and sustainable solutions. At the same time, we are placing strong emphasis on localisation within the automotive industry, investing in national talent development and maintaining our commitment to social and environmental responsibility,” he said.

He further explained that Karwa Motors is dedicated to delivering comprehensive transport solutions that address diverse customer needs. The company is focusing on developing new bus models aligned with market demands to enhance its competitiveness both regionally and globally.

Dr Balushi emphasised that Karwa Motors has established a robust production infrastructure, incorporating advanced technologies and adhering to international quality standards – enhancing its ability to meet growing demand. The company has also invested in training Omani talent, resulting in a highly skilled national workforce in the field of bus manufacturing.

“At Karwa Motors, innovation and sustainability are at the heart of our operations. We have adopted advanced manufacturing techniques and sustainable materials. Our partnerships with international firms have enabled the transfer of technical expertise and support the development of production processes in line with global benchmarks,” he said.

Dr Balushi informed that the company is preparing to launch its first Omani-designed and fully Omani-manufactured bus in the coming months.

He reiterated that Karwa Motors is continuously expanding its production capacity, including a commitment to manufacture 1,000 school buses annually for the Ministry of Education. The company is also producing Hajj transport buses, worker transport buses, and small to medium-sized models.

He further reaffirmed Karwa Motors’ focus on developing innovative transport solutions, particularly by enhancing AI-driven bus systems, exploring clean energy technologies, and improving manufacturing efficiency to align with global market demands.

“We are dedicated to transforming the transport sector by prioritising innovation, quality, and sustainability,” he said. “This commitment reinforces Karwa Motors’ position as a leading provider of integrated transport solutions.”