Josip Ninić
Episode · #311
MOTORI RASTA Josip Ninić
Guest Josip NinićHosted by Boris ŽivkovićMay 3, 2026
Josip Ninić
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
Končar Electrical Vehicles has spent over half a century building the backbone of public transport, first in Croatia, then beyond. What began in 1970 by producing electric locomotives under license, quickly evolved into a commitment to proprietary development, often navigating significant national challenges. Josip Ninić, the company's CEO, details how this long view — prioritizing internal innovation over external dependencies — has allowed Končar to not only secure major domestic contracts but also to compete successfully on international tenders. His perspective offers a look at how an established industrial player can maintain relevance and growth by staying focused on market needs and a disciplined approach to R&D, even when surrounded by the allure of advanced, yet often unfeasible, technologies.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Končar Electrical Vehicles began in 1970, producing electric locomotives based on an ASEA license. Starting with licensed technology can provide a strong foundation, but the strategic move to proprietary development is what creates lasting competitive advantage and the flexibility to adapt.
02
In the late 1980s, Končar developed its own advanced thyristor locomotive solution, which Josip Ninić notes "only a few companies in the world could produce." Investing in deep, proprietary technological development, even in a specialized field, can position a company among a select global few, creating significant market differentiation.
03
After a development pause during the Croatian War of Independence, Končar re-established its product line by developing trams in 2000, signing a contract for 142 low-floor trams for Zagreb in 2003. Significant external disruptions can be followed by strategic pivots into new product lines, demonstrating a company's resilience and its capacity to find new growth after challenging periods.
04
Josip Ninić emphasizes that Končar has "always insisted that the products we put on the market are the result of our own development." A fundamental commitment to internal R&D over external licenses provides the flexibility to adapt to specific customer demands and avoids the limitations of third-party intellectual property.
05
Končar's products are the "result of synergistic joint work" involving a significant number of other Končar Group companies. An internal ecosystem of specialized group companies can act as a powerful force multiplier, ensuring that complex product development benefits from deep, integrated expertise and shared knowledge.
06
Josip Ninić states that Končar's "development is defined by market needs and what we can sell," rather than pursuing purely technological feats. For industrial manufacturing, commercial viability should always guide R&D; don't build a product if there isn't a clear, existing market demand that you can meet.
07
Končar secured major domestic contracts on international tenders before successfully exporting low-floor trams to Latvia, a project funded by EU cohesion funds. Proving technical and commercial competitiveness against global players on home-market international tenders is a credible precursor to successful export, especially when European funding is involved.
08
While magnetic levitation trains exist, Končar focuses on conventional vehicles (up to 160 km/h) because "all manufacturers of vehicles for urban, suburban, and regional transport in Europe produce vehicles for speeds of 160 kilometers per hour." The pursuit of hyper-advanced technology can be a distraction; a pragmatic focus on conventional speeds and existing infrastructure often aligns better with the practical needs of the largest market segment.
09
The 100% low-floor design of Končar's trams and trains allows "direct, straight entry without any steps," significantly improving access for people with reduced mobility, those in wheelchairs, and parents with strollers. Designing for universal accessibility isn't just a social imperative; it expands the user base, broadens market appeal, and makes public transport genuinely public.
10
Končar currently shares maintenance activities for Zagreb's tram fleet with ZET's workshops, with each party handling tasks "in which it is well-equipped and has enough experience." Post-sale support can be structured as a cooperative partnership, where specialized expertise from both vendor and customer ensures high operational availability for critical infrastructure.