11 October 2024

Otokar Publishes Sustainability Report

Otokar, a Koç Group company, published its 2023 Sustainability Report, providing insights into its sustainability performance guided by the vision of reaching future together.
 
Otokar, the leading automotive and defense industry company of Türkiye, has announced the release of its 2023 Sustainability Report. Otokar upholds the values and principles of Koç Group in all its operations and adopts a people-centered, environmentally conscious approach rooted in universal business ethics, enhancing its global position through its sustainability efforts.
 
Guided by the vision of reaching future together and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Otokar’s sustainability efforts focus on four key pillars. Otokar’s report offers a detailed account of the company’s economic, social, and environmental performance, along with its corporate governance practices, highlighting ongoing progress in these areas to secure a stronger presence on the global stage.
 
ONGOING REDUCTION IN CARBON FOOTPRINT
Aiming to raise future generations’ quality of life through environmentally friendly and innovative products, Otokar leverages technology and digitalization to drive sustainability initiatives. In 2023, the company saved approximately 1,537 MWh of energy and 695 tons of CO2 by through energy efficiency projects at its Sakarya plant. Furthermore, Otokar recycled nearly 150 thousand m³ of water, which was reused in production processes as part of its water conservation efforts.
 
General Manager Aykut Özüner underscored Otokar’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and tackling climate change by implementing business strategies on the path to becoming a global player: “The year 2023 was a major milestone for Otokar, as we proudly celebrated both the centennial of our Republic and the 60th anniversary of our company. By remaining committed to sustainability efforts, we achieved notable reductions in our carbon footprint thanks to renewable energy investments and energy efficiency initiatives. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset and continue to foster an equitable and inclusive work environment that supports their growth.”
 
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FUELING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Otokar remains at the forefront of developing innovative products and solutions to meet future demands. In 2023, the company reinforced its industry leadership through a series of R&D and digital transformation projects. These included the introduction of new commercial and military vehicles and the launch of Kent Hydrogen, a hydrogen fuel cell bus. The company added the Autonomous e-Centro, featuring Level 4 autonomous driving technology, to its commercial vehicle lineup. Expanding its defense portfolio, Otokar introduced Alpar, Türkiye’s first heavy-class unmanned ground vehicle. With a focus on being a pioneer in digitalization, Otokar continued to contribute to the technological transformation of the sector through various projects.
 
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN KOÇ HOLDING’S CARBON TRANSITION PROGRAM
Pointing out the performance of Otokar, which has been listed in the BIST Sustainability Index since 2014, Aykut Özüner said: “During the reporting period, Otokar maintained its leadership as Türkiye’s most preferred bus brand for the 15th consecutive year. Our expansion in Europe also continued with the incorporation of Otokar Italia, further strengthening our commercial vehicle operations on the continent, following our subsidiaries in France and Romania. As we pursue global growth, we are setting more ambitious environmental and social targets. Our long-term goal is to strengthen our position in the global market by driving sustainable growth in green transportation, energy efficiency, digitalization, and social contribution. We are actively participating in the Koç Holding Carbon Transition Program, which aims for carbon neutrality by 2050. Accordingly, we continually review and measure our environmental impact, investing in innovative technologies, green mobility solutions, and energy efficiency advancements.”
 
In addition to contributing to renewable energy through the commissioning of solar panels at its Sakarya plant, Otokar continued to execute employee satisfaction and social responsibility projects. In 2023, the company provided 37,243 hours of occupational health and safety training to its employees. Also investing in youth development, Otokar extended internship opportunities to 177 high school students and 38 vocational school students, supporting their professional growth. Furthermore, the company received the “Environment Award” from the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in recognition of its exemplary environmental practices.