Marcopolo, one of the world’s leading developers of mobility solutions, continues to expand its global presence by announcing the arrival of the Generation 8 road vehicles in South Africa. Over 30 units are already in production to meet the growing demand in the region.
In recent years, Marcopolo has made significant sales of New G7 models to companies in South Africa. Now, the company is launching the G8 to expand its share in the road vehicle segment. “In recent years, we have made important sales of New G7 models to companies in the region. To continue our growth and offer the most advanced models available, we are launching the G8 to expand our share in the road vehicle segment,” says José Luis Moraes Goes, Director of International Operations and Commercial External Market at Marcopolo.
Africa is Marcopolo’s second-largest market, surpassed only by Latin America. In 2023, the company achieved a market share of 48% in South Africa, a significant increase compared to 2020, when the market share was 24%. Last year, Marcopolo South Africa (MASA) delivered 362 units, and the forecast for 2024 is more than 400 vehicles.
The first Generation 8 model to arrive in the African market is the Paradiso 1350. Imported from Brazil, the vehicle is 15 meters long and has a capacity for 60 passengers in semi-sleeper seats. The Paradiso 1350 is adapted for driving in South Africa, with right-hand steering, and is equipped with air conditioning, heating, a toilet, USB-C chargers, a coffee maker, and full LED headlights. Additionally, the model meets ECE R66.02/SABS standards, ensuring greater passenger safety.
Since 2018, Marcopolo has held the ECE R66.02 certification, granted by the British agency VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency) and valid in more than 30 countries. This international standard ensures that the structure of the buses has greater resistance to overturning, providing more safety for passengers.
To mark the arrival of the G8 in South Africa, Marcopolo held a launch event on July 17. The event was attended by companies from various African countries, including Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, which already operate Marcopolo vehicles.
Marcopolo is constantly seeking new expansion opportunities. “We are always looking for ways to expand our business. We conduct various studies to identify potential new areas of operation, always focused on providing mobility solutions that bring benefits to users and operators,” emphasizes Goes.
The introduction of Generation 8 in South Africa is an example of this strategy. The new buses are designed to offer maximum comfort and safety, meeting the needs of both passengers and operators. The company believes that the combination of advanced technology, innovative design, and robustness will make the G8 a success in the African market.
Marcopolo has stood out for incorporating advanced technologies in its vehicles, promoting sustainable and efficient solutions. The new Generation 8 is no exception. In addition to comfort and safety features, the vehicles are designed to be more fuel-efficient and easier to maintain.
The full LED headlights, for instance, not only improve visibility and safety but are also more durable and consume less energy. The inclusion of USB-C chargers at each seat reflects Marcopolo’s attention to the needs of modern passengers, who increasingly rely on electronic devices during their journeys.
The arrival of Marcopolo’s Generation 8 road vehicles in South Africa marks an important step in the company’s global expansion. With a growing market share and a strong presence on the African continent, Marcopolo is well-positioned to continue its growth and innovate in the passenger transport sector. The combination of advanced technology, comfort, and safety makes the new buses an attractive choice for operators and passengers, reinforcing Marcopolo’s reputation as a world leader in mobility solutions.
Images: Publicity/Marcopolo
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