São Paulo – Comil, one of Brazil’s leading manufacturers of buses, is sending two coach buses to the UAE to be tested in the transportation of employees of oil companies. The units were developed following special configuration to run under the intense heat of the Middle East.
"We followed the guidelines given to us by our local agent. The buses are being built with details that are unique," says Eduardo Duro Garcia, export manager. For one year, Comil has had a company in Emirates as their representative. That resulted in the opportunity to showcase their vehicles there.
Among the details in the model, called Campione 3.45, are a high-powered air-conditioner, double glazing, seats with three-point seatbelts and a fuel tank made of stainless steel. The vehicles also feature a full bar, plus audio system and integrated video.
The buses should be ready in September and should then head to Abu Dhabi. According to Garcia, the company intends that the vehicles be tested by the greatest possible number of potential customers, so that they may learn about the units and generate future orders, as these buyers constantly renew their fleets, says the executive.
"The idea is for the buses to continue on demonstration for three to six months. Hopefully, in early 2014 we will already have the results of these tests and hence the first orders," says Garcia. According to the manager at Comil, potential customers for the Campione result in demand of 80-100 units.
However, he points out that this number may be even greater. "Nothing stops the buses also being used by customers that operate in other branches (not just oil).This opens quite a significant possibility," he says. Campione 3.45 can carry up to 44 passengers, plus the driver. The cost for purchase of the vehicle from the factory is about US$ 230,000.
Regarding other potential businesses in the region, Garcia says that in addition to the other emirates, like Sharjah and Dubai, Comil is also interested in reaching the Saudi market. In the past, the Brazilian company sold both to the Saudi and the Qatari market, but it is not currently exporting to Arab countries.
According to him, the entry of Chinese vehicles, with their low prices, reduced the competitiveness of Brazilian buses in the Middle East, but the situation seems to be changing. "Many did not like the change and are now returning to the Brazilian product, which has a tradition of sturdiness and quality finishing," he points out.
Today, says Garcia, Comil exports to all countries in Latin America. "From Argentina to Mexico," says the executive. Mexico, in fact, is home to the only Comil plant outside Brazil. The Mexican factory has been operating since 2002. In Brazil, Comil headquarters are in Erechim, Rio Grande do Sul
Last year, Comil exports totalled R$ 126 million (US$ 56 million). The figure represents around 30% of the company’s total revenues in 2012.
Contact
Comil
Tel: (+55 54) 3520-8700
Site: www.comilonibus.com.br
*Translated by Mark Ament
