Outstanding mark nails down a 63-year success history in Brazil and the world
In October, Marcopolo is celebrating the production of its brand’s 350,000th bus. The vehicle, a 7th generation Paradiso 1800 Double Decker road bus featuring exclusive paintwork referring to the celebration, offers comfort standards and amenities comparable to the first class in international flights to ensure trips are even more pleasant and enjoyable.
According to José Rubens de la Rosa, Marcopolo general director, the number achieved by Marcopolo is proof of the success history the company has built over its 63 years in operation, always focused on innovation and new technologies and processes. The Paradiso 1800 Double Decker was chosen because it is the most sophisticated model made by the company and for the leadership the brand has upheld in the Brazilian road transportation business for many years.
“The success of our 7th generation Paradiso family has greatly helped increase our company’s output. In less than 3 years we have manufactured over 10,000 units of our G7 models, which proves their superior features compared to the other models in the market”, emphasized José Rubens de la Rosa.
The record volume of buses made by Marcopolo also verifies the fast growth the company’s has been experiencing in the past few years, both in Brazil and abroad. “We celebrated 100,000 buses in 1998. Fifteen years later, in 2007, we exceeded 200,000 units, and now, only 5 years after that, we have surpassed the mark of 350,000 vehicles made. That is also the reflex of Marcopolo’s going international and expanding our operations in the main markets across the world, which are expected to manufacture 32,500 units this year alone”, highlighted the executive.
Today, Marcopolo operates factories in nine countries outside Brazil (South Africa, Argentina, Australia, China, Colombia, Egypt, India, Mexico, and Russia), and employs about 22,000 people. In Brazil, the company operates three plants that turn out over 20,000 buses every year and are located in Caxias do Sul (two) and Rio de Janeiro.
Unparalleled sophistication and comfort
Boasting a sophisticated set up, besides the commemorative paintwork, Paradiso 1800 DD has also been fitted with exclusive décor to offer the highest standards available in the domestic and international markets. The vehicle carries 44 passengers on the top deck in partially reclining seats and 9 passengers on the lower deck in fully reclining seats.
Designed based on a survey conducted with users, the seats feature exclusive innovations such as the use of special foams (visco-elastic) in the head and neck area, and new leg and feet supports, besides longer, softer armrests.
The model is built on a Scania K440 8X2 chassis equipped with a rear engine, air suspension, a fridge, and game table – on the lower deck, audio and video system including a DVD player, two 23” LCD screens, and radio/CD player with an MP3 jack. Individual air-conditioning system outlets, earphone plugs, and sound volume control on the seat console are other unique features. Cabin lighting uses indirect LEDs that set up an atmosphere of visual comfort and sophistication. LEDs are also used in the touch-activated reading lights, which also feature individual, built-in audio boosters.