The delegation was welcomed by Mr. Shuki Miller, who presented an overview of Israel’s economy and the specifics of its bus market. With 4% GDP growth, low inflation, and growing population density, Israel is actively investing in public transport infrastructure and presents clear opportunities for foreign suppliers and manufacturers.

Position in the Israeli Market

The Israeli bus fleet includes approximately 25,000 vehicles, 91% of which are diesel-powered. European brands supply 60% of imported buses, while Chinese manufacturers account for 40%—a share that is growing rapidly due to the rise of electric buses. Merkavim represents about 15% of the national fleet, with 496 units assembled in 2024 alone.

Merkavim: Local Leader with Global Reach

Founded in 1946 and assembling buses since 1952, Merkavim is jointly owned by the Mayer Group and Volvo (which holds a 26.5% stake). The company exports to markets such as Sweden, Greece, and Norway, and offers a range of city, intercity, coach, armored buses, and fire trucks.

In 2019, Merkavim began producing electric buses based on chassis from brands like Golden Dragon and BYD. In 2023, the company implemented takt-time production methods to streamline its assembly process, with ambitions to increase output to 800–1,200 buses per year.

With 55 suppliers—62% domestic and 38% international—Merkavim relies on a steady flow of quality components to maintain production. As an assembler, the company requires a large number of parts that must always be available, making supplier reliability and flexibility critical. All logistics are handled by sea or air, and Merkavim is actively looking to expand its network of partners.

 

Key supply needs include:

Bus passenger seats

Tempered glass and sliding hopper windows

ABS/PVC modules

Electrical wiring and devices

Bus refrigerators

Insulation and soundproofing materials

Aluminium and stainless steel sheets

 

Factory Tour and Business Exchange

Following the presentation, Czech companies had the opportunity to introduce their technologies and explore potential cooperation. The visit continued with a guided tour of Merkavim’s production facility, where delegates observed the company’s assembly lines in action. The scale of operations, reliance on component sourcing, and demand for consistent supply highlighted strong potential for Czech suppliers.

Great connections made — looking forward to future cooperation!