According to Serbian Economist, the Czech Škoda Group has confirmed plans to localize the production of both trains and trams in Serbia, with MIND Park in Kragujevac being considered as the site for such a project. The company announced this in a comment to N1 following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with MIND Group.
Škoda stated that its strategy in the Serbian market is geared toward a long-term presence in the sustainable transport segment and includes not only the supply of rolling stock but also maintenance, as well as long-term availability of spare parts. To strengthen its local presence, the company has decided to transfer part of the production of solutions for the Serbian market to its partner’s site—the MIND Group.
The company clarified that it intends to localize the production of both trams and trains. This includes, in particular, trams that could be manufactured to Belgrade’s specifications, as well as electric trains for suburban, regional, and cross-border service on the Serbian railway network.
Škoda explains that the localization of the full production cycle depends on the volume of orders and investments. At the same time, the company explicitly states that Serbia is viewed as a priority market in the Western Balkans, particularly due to a large-scale investment program in railway infrastructure. The company also confirmed that it is in contact with the Serbian Development Agency regarding investment incentives.
The issue is particularly relevant for Belgrade amid protracted procurement processes for new urban rolling stock. Tenders for new trams in recent years have either been suspended or faced complaints from bidders. At the same time, Škoda stated that it is reviewing the recently announced tender for the procurement of 60 new trolleybuses, although it is not commenting on ongoing commercial negotiations.
The Škoda Group is one of the largest Czech manufacturers of rail transport and urban mobility solutions. The company produces trams, electric trains, trolleybuses, and related transport technologies; in 2024, it secured new orders worth €1.7 billion and significantly increased its EBITDA while continuing to expand in European markets.
MIND Group is a Serbian industrial group developing the MIND Park industrial zone in Kragujevac as a cluster for mechanical engineering, logistics, and high-tech manufacturing. The partnership with Škoda aims to strengthen the park’s position as a hub for the localization of complex transportation industry operations in Serbia.
