{"id":5723,"date":"2026-04-20T10:45:59","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T08:45:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getsmart.cz\/en\/?p=5723"},"modified":"2026-04-20T10:48:49","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T08:48:49","slug":"interview-with-gregor-czaika","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getsmart.cz\/en\/interview-with-gregor-czaika\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with Gregor Czaika"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Daimler Buses Czech Republic is one of the most important and technologically advanced manufacturing companies in the region and the entire Czech Republic. The company is a key pillar of European production of Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses and is also a globally respected center of excellence within Daimler Truck AG, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of commercial vehicles and buses. On April 1, 2025, Gregor Czaika became the new CEO of Daimler Buses Czech Republic. He holds also his previous position as director of the manufacturing plant in Hol\u00fd\u0161ov in the Pilsen Region, one of Daimler Buses’ most modern production plants in Europe.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The manufacturing plant in Hol\u00fd\u0161ov is one of the most modern Daimler Buses production factories in Europe. What does the phrase “one of the most modern production factories” actually mean? And why Hol\u00fd\u0161ov? <\/strong><\/p>\n

When we speak about one of the most modern plants, we do not mean just new buildings or machinery. Today, modernity primarily represents the smart integration of technologies, digitalized production processes, and a high level of professional expertise. In Hol\u00fd\u0161ov, we work with state-of-the-art machines and equipment, but the key role is played by our employees \u2013 for example, much of the welding is still carried out manually, requiring maximum precision, experience, and craftsmanship.<\/p>\n

A modern plant is therefore not only about technology, but about the combination of cutting-edge equipment, digital production planning, strict quality standardization, and a highly skilled team capable of handling very demanding technological processes.<\/p>\n

Hol\u00fd\u0161ov became part of the group thanks to the region\u2019s strong industrial tradition, its qualified workforce, and its strategic location in the heart of Europe. Today, the Hol\u00fd\u0161ov plant is a key part of the production network of Daimler Buses Western Europe and an important pillar of Daimler Truck AG.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The company’s website states that this factory, with a production area of 65,870 m\u00b2, employs more than 1,350 professionals who ensure production at the highest technological level. Can you comment on these figures in any way, or perhaps add a comparison?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A production area of nearly 66,000 m\u00b2 represents a scale comparable to an independent industrial complex. However, it is not only about size, but above all about the complexity of production. In Hol\u00fd\u0161ov, we manufacture both segments for city buses and complete coach body shells \u2013 a technologically demanding and highly precise production with strict requirements for quality and the coordination of individual processes.<\/p>\n

A team of 1,450 employees provides a strong and stable base of professionals across a wide range of professions \u2013 from welders and painters to technology specialists, quality engineers, logistics experts, and production planners. Within the Czech Republic, we rank among the most significant manufacturing plants in bus production, and within the European production network of Daimler Buses, Hol\u00fd\u0161ov represents one of the key centers for body manufacturing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The figure of 1,450 professionals makes me wonder how difficult it was to find them, or am I mistaken?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes, and it still is. The labor market has been tight for a long time, particularly in technical professions. That is why we systematically focus on cooperation with schools, support vocational training programs, and invest in the further education and development of our employees.<\/p>\n

Our advantage lies in the stability of an international group, a strong brand, and a long-term perspective. People know they work for a manufacturer of premium buses under the Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands, which for many of them is a matter of professional pride.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What kind of employees will find employment in your company?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Opportunities with us are available both to skilled blue-collar workers in metal production, welding, and painting, as well as to technicians, design engineers, quality specialists, logistics experts, and industrial engineers. What matters to us is not only formal education, but also the willingness to learn, high motivation and to work as part of a team.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

What was your path to Daimler Buses Czech Republic?<\/strong><\/p>\n

My professional career has been closely linked to the manufacturing environment, where I have developed both my technical expertise and leadership skills over the years. I have been with Daimler Buses since 2011, then still operating under the name EvoBus. Throughout my career, I have gained experience in a variety of different roles. Most recently, I worked as Head of Production in the paint shop at the Neu-Ulm plant.Gradually, I took over the management of the Hol\u00fd\u0161ov plant and, as of April 2025, also assumed the role of CEO of the company.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As recently as last spring, you were the director of the Hol\u00fd\u0161ov factory. Since April 2025, you have also been the CEO of Daimler Buses Czech Republic. How has your agenda changed?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The role of CEO brings a broader strategic responsibility. While, as the plant manager, I was primarily focused on the operational management of production, I now oversee the company\u2019s strategic development, long-term investments, relationships with partners, and representation of the company at both national and international levels.<\/p>\n

I still remain very close to production, as it is the heart of the entire company.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"What do you enjoy the most about your job?<\/strong><\/p>\n

What I enjoy most is the combination of technology and people. Modern manufacturing is fascinating, but it could not function without a motivated team. I take great satisfaction in seeing our processes advance while at the same time developing our employees and their full potential.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Daimler Buses Czech Republic focuses primarily on the production of segments and complete bodies for city and coach buses of the premium brands Mercedes-Benz and Setra. Every day, more than 17 sets of segments for city buses and 13 complete coach bodies leave the production factory, heading to Ligny, Mannheim, and Neu-Ulm, where they are assembled. Where does the company have the largest sales?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our production is primarily directed to key European manufacturing plants \u2013 for example, Mannheim, Ligny, and Neu-Ulm \u2013 where the final assembly of buses takes place. Our largest markets are consistently in Western Europe, particularly in Germany, France, Italy, Austria and the Nordic countries.<\/p>\n

City buses respond to the growing demand for zero-emission transport, while coaches follow the recovering tourism sector.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Who is the company biggest competitor?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The competition is strong and global. On the European market, major players come from Germany, Spain, Poland, and Turkey. Our competitive advantage lies in premium quality, technological sophistication, and the strong backing of the Daimler Truck AG group.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The website states that DB CZ combines international know-how with local craftsmanship and is synonymous with high quality, innovation, and sustainable mobility solutions. I am particularly interested in those innovations. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Innovation today is not just about the powertrain \u2013 that is, electromobility or alternative fuels \u2013 but also about production processes. We are implementing greater digitalization, real-time data management, modern quality control methods, and the automation of selected operations.<\/p>\n

We also place strong emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint of our production and improving the plant\u2019s energy efficiency.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How has the market for city and coach buses changed in recent years? I remember when I was little, my parents used to take me to the seaside and we spent a whole day and night on a bus…<\/strong><\/p>\n

The market has changed significantly. In city buses, there is now a strong focus on zero-emission operation \u2013 electric and hydrogen-powered technologies. For coaches, the emphasis is on comfort, safety systems, and digitalization.<\/p>\n

At the same time, the way people travel has evolved \u2013 companies like FlixBus have fundamentally transformed long-distance travel in Europe. Today, the bus is not just a cheap alternative, but a modern, comfortable, and environmentally friendly way to travel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do you have a professional bias that makes you watch buses in the city and think about manufacturing?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes, I admit it. When I see a bus, I automatically notice the details of the bodywork, the precision of the joints, and the structural design. It\u2019s a professional habit \u2013 but also a genuine pleasure to see the results of our team\u2019s work in everyday operation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When was the last time you sat on a bus?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Quite recently \u2013 either during work-related visits to our plants or privately while traveling across Europe. For me, it is important to experience a bus not just as a product, but as a means of transport that serves thousands of people every day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Interview with Gregor Czaika, new CEO of Daimler Buses Czech Republic, one of the most important and technologically advanced manufacturing companies in the region and the entire Czech Republic.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":5728,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[31,25,38],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getsmart.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5723"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getsmart.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getsmart.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getsmart.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getsmart.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5723"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.getsmart.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5723\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getsmart.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5728"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getsmart.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5723"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getsmart.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5723"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getsmart.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5723"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}