Marina Sarruf
São Paulo – Marcopolo S.A., the largest Brazilian producer in the sector of highway, city, and small bus bodies, based in the city of Caxias do Sul (in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul), is commemorating its 55 years in operation with an increase in foreign sales. Exports in the first half of this year represented 48.4% of company revenues, which corresponds to US$ 119.2 million (figures calculated using the exchange rate of August 18, 2004). The Middle Eastern countries are the second largest export destination for company products.
According to Carlos Zignani, the Marcopolo corporate and investor relations director intends to reach over US$ 334 million in revenues up to the end of they year, 50% of the value due to foreign trade.
In the first half of 2004, the company had a 27.9% increase in net revenues with regard to the same period last year, i.e., from US$ 192.4 million they rose to US$ 246.0 million. Bus production in the country between January and June 2003 was 1,400 units and in the same period this year has already exceeded 2,000, a growth of 40.7%.
From 1997, when the company started its program for expansion on the foreign market, to 2003, Marcopolo had a growth of over 270%. In the last five years, the company has produced over 165,000 vehicles. In 50 years existence, up to 1999, a total of 110,000 units were produced.
"Of the 15,000 units to be produced up to the end of the year, over 6,000 should be sold on the foreign market," stated Zignani.
Middle East
According to Carlos Zignani, the Middle East is a strong market for Marcopolo buses, losing only to Latin America. "We have constant presence on the Arab market," he stated. The director believes that the establishment of a Marcopolo office in Dubai, including spare parts sales and technical service departments, provides greater guarantees to buyers in the region.
"In the last two years there has been a certain regularity in Arab import," he said.
The buses most commonly imported by the Arab countries are for use on highways, for travels, and for urban use. Zignani commented that in 2002 and 2003 a businessman from Saudi Arabia purchased 120 special highway buses with removable roofs, for use during pilgrimage travels.
Among the Arab countries to which Marcopolo exports are the Untied Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan.
Apart from the five factories in Brazil, the company also counts on five assembly lines in Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Portugal, and South Africa, and also possesses an alliance for the sale of technology to China, including the assembly of urban, highway, and small buses. In all, the company exports to over 80 countries.
Contact
Marcopolo S.A office in Dubai
RA 08, BC 05 – Jebel Ali Free Zone
Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Telephone: (+971) 4 883 3680
