São Paulo – Visitors of Dubai Safari Park, which is set to open in the next few weeks in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates will be transported around the premises by minibuses made in Caxias do Sul, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Volare, which is owned by the Marcopolo group, supplied 14 units of its V8L 4X4 light vehicle to the park in Dubai. It was its second deal in the Arab country.
The first one was delivered last year: 35 school minibuses for Dubai Taxi Company (DTC), the local transport operator. The sale accounted for 8% of total exports last year, which amounted to 445 units – an all-time high.
“We are expanding our international business, and the Middle East is a important region for Volare,” says export manager Rodrigo Bisi. “Currently we are bidding in other tenders around the region, in the UAE, Jordan, Qatar and even Saudi Arabia.”
Volare is aiming for a 20% overall increase in exports this year. The plan, according to Bisi, is to have the Middle East account for 10% of all foreign sales. “That is why we’re taking an aggressive approach to the region. It requires large amounts and a very high level of specialization, which is a good thing for our business,” he says.
The minibuses were structurally reinforced to operate in the Dubai Safari Park, which emulates an African savannah, complete with local animals. The chassis was raised and protections were added to the front and rear wheels, and special film was applied to the windows.
The units supplied include three different internal configurations: ten of the units can carry up to 23 passengers each; two units are 14-seaters with two seats for disabled persons, including wheelchair lifts; and two units are 15-seaters with a game table. All units include a seat for the tour guide.
Dubai Safari Park’s opening date is yet to be confirmed – it was set to launch last year, but a few issues led to the postponing of activities. Arabian Business has reported that over 1,000 species of animals will live in the 119 hectare area, including 350 species which are rare or threatened with extinction. The park saw USD 272 million in investment.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
