Muscat – Karwa Motors has announced the production of a new bus tailored to public transport requirements, underscoring its efforts to support the growth of the automotive industry in the sultanate while responding to rising demand for efficient and safe transport solutions.
The launch reflects the company’s commitment to supplying practical vehicles that meet the operational needs of government entities and institutions in the local market.
Branded the Karwa Mini Bus, the new model has a seating capacity of 14 passengers and is designed to cater to the daily transport requirements of institutions and organisations, with strong emphasis on operational efficiency, safety and passenger comfort.
Powered by a 2.5ltr Euro III petrol engine, the bus delivers 100kW of power and 300Nm of torque. It features rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, with an automatic gearbox available as an option, offering reliable and economical performance for daily operations.
Passenger comfort has been prioritised through an independent air-conditioning system for both the driver and passengers, ergonomically designed seating and tinted windows, ensuring a more comfortable journey in varying operating conditions.
On the safety front, the Karwa Mini Bus is equipped with essential systems including ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, two airbags, three-point seat belts and rear parking sensors. It also features a full load-bearing body structure, enhancing durability and stability.
Commenting on the launch, Dr Ibrahim bin Ali al Balushi, CEO of Karwa Motors, said the new vehicle marks an important addition to the company’s product portfolio and aligns with its plans to meet growing demand for public transport vehicles in Oman and overseas.
“The production of the Karwa Mini Bus represents a step towards building a robust automotive industry capable of meeting market needs with high efficiency and quality, in line with Oman Vision 2040 and its objectives for economic diversification,” he said.
Balushi added that localising the manufacture of public transport vehicles is a key pillar in providing safe and reliable transport solutions for government entities and institutions, while supporting national industrial development.
“At Karwa, we ensure that our products are designed to suit the operational environment in the sultanate, with strong focus on safety, reliability and efficiency.”
Karwa Motors places strong emphasis on after-sales support through what it describes as the widest service network in Oman. This includes 23 service stations across various governorates, 11 centres operated by Suhail Bahwan Group – five of which are dedicated to large buses – and 12 Pression Tunes service centres, in addition to a central warehouse in Amerat spanning 500sqm.
The company is also expanding its export footprint to more than ten countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Algeria, Iraq, Nigeria and Ethiopia, with plans to enter markets such as Jordan, Egypt and Tanzania. The move reflects the growing competitiveness of Omani-made vehicles and the ability of these to access regional and international markets.
