São Paulo – Minibuses by Volare, the light vehicle arm of the Brazilian bus body maker Marcopolo, are set to arrive this month in the United Arab Emirates. The Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) has purchased 35 units to be used as school buses via a tender in the first half of the year, according to Volare’s commercial manager for foreign markets Rodrigo Bisi.
The first batch of vehicles is in transit with delivery expected before the end of the month, and the remainder should be in the UAE in October. The model is Volver Access Escolar, which is intended for school transportation. “The model by Volare had the perfect size, capacity, and accessibility. The [medium] size was key, since the minibus is smaller than the conventional type, affording increased mobility and maneuverability, plus the fact that it has a low floor and is fully accessible,” Bisi said.
This is the first export of the model, which was launched in 2015. Volver Access Escolar is a rear-engine vehicle with a Full Air pneumatic suspension system for added comfort. According to Volare, the vehicles sold to Dubai are fitted with Euro V engines for reduced emissions.
The Volver Access Escolar also has automatic transmission, a wheelchair-only area and lift, capacity for 31 passengers, large windows flush with the seats, audio and video entertainment system, air conditioning, power steering, etc. The vehicle was adapted to withstand the high temperatures of the United Arab Emirates.
Besides being the first time the model was exported, this was also the company’s first sale ever to the UAE. Volare ships product to Latin America and Africa on a regular basis, as well as making occasional sales to other parts of the world, according to Bisi. He believes the Middle East will be a major market for the Volver Access Escolar. “Any market that requires an accessible, high-technology vehicle of average size (smaller than a conventional bus) are potential buyers and clients,” says Bisi.
Last year, Volare made 2,000 vehicles and exported 10% to 12% of total production, but it plans on expanding, particularly in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The company increased its actions to this end since late last year. “The deal with Dubai is a case in point,” says Bisi. This year, exports account for 31% of total sales.
Volare is the Marcopolo bus body maker’s arm for medium-sized buses. Its flagship product is minibuses, but it also makes custom-made versions, ambulances and escort vehicles.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
