FIAA MARKS A NEW CHAPTER IN MARCOPOLO’S STRATEGY FOR EUROPE
Paradiso G8 developed for the European market to be showcased in its production version
First sales already secured in Italy, France and Portugal, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027
Marcopolo, Brazil’s leading bus body manufacturer and a global reference in mobility solutions, is taking another step forward in its European expansion strategy at FIAA (Feria Internacional del Autobús y del Autocar), held from September 22 to 24 in Madrid, Spain. The event will mark the presentation of the production version of the Paradiso G8, built on a Volvo chassis and developed to meet the operational, engineering and homologation requirements of the European market.
The Paradiso G8 is also among the finalists of the Sustainable Bus Award 2027, one of the most prestigious awards in the European bus industry. The winners will be announced during FIAA, further reinforcing the importance of the event within Marcopolo’s strategy for the region.
"We have a long-term strategy for Europe, supported by our global experience and a portfolio recognized for quality, technology, comfort and manufacturing flexibility. Our goal is to establish a permanent and structured presence in the region, working closely with customers and partners while gradually expanding our operations," says André Armaganijan, CEO of Marcopolo.
The presentation of the Paradiso G8 is part of a broader expansion plan for Marcopolo in Europe. The company is already working on the gradual expansion of its product portfolio in the region, covering vehicles ranging from 12 to 15 meters in length and available in 4x2 and 6x2 configurations. The initial focus is on Spain, Italy, France and Portugal, with prospects for expansion into additional European markets.
Following FIAA 2026, Marcopolo will continue expanding its presence in the region through participation in key industry events, in cooperation with partners such as Volvo Buses. These include the IBE Intermobility & Bus Expo, held in Rimini, Italy, from November 24 to 26, and Autocar Expo, taking place in Lyon, France, from December 1 to 4.
Developed for the European Market
Global experience and dedicated engineering designed to meet regional needs
Drawing on its global experience and the maturity of the G8 platform, Marcopolo developed a vehicle tailored to the specific needs of the European market. The G8 family has already surpassed 10,000 units sold in more than 20 countries worldwide.
According to Rodrigo Bisi, Marcopolo’s Commercial Operations Manager for Europe, the vehicle’s presentation at Busworld 2025 represented an important validation milestone for the company’s proposal in the region.
"The vehicle showcased at Busworld served as an important market validation milestone. Following the event, we conducted demonstrations in Italy, France and Portugal. The positive response from operators confirmed the product’s potential and strengthened customer confidence in the development of a solid, long-term operation in Europe," says Bisi.
Presented at FIAA in its production configuration, Marcopolo selected the well-known Volvo B13R chassis and driveline. The model incorporates engineering, homologation and operational adaptations specifically developed to meet European requirements.
"European operators have shown strong confidence in our proposal. We have already secured our first sales to customers in Italy, France and Portugal, and deliveries will begin in 2027. This result demonstrates the product’s alignment with the needs of European operators and reinforces our strategy for sustainable growth in the region," adds Bisi.
Among the main differentiators of the Paradiso G8 are its design, highly valued by European operators, its high energy efficiency and its potential to reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
During the development process, Marcopolo’s engineering team carried out extensive structural optimization, resulting in a significant weight reduction compared with the Brazilian version. This achievement was made possible through a lighter and stronger body structure, aerodynamic improvements, and the adoption of components and interior finishes supplied by European partners.
Local Structure and Customer Support
Marcopolo is implementing its own commercial structure in Europe, along with a support network that will become operational later this year, ensuring customer assistance even before the first vehicles are delivered.
In Italy and France, the company operates in cooperation with Volvo Buses, which supplies the chassis and is responsible for commercializing the complete vehicle through its dealer network. Technical assistance and after-sales support will be provided through the Volvo Trucks and Buses service network.
In Spain and Portugal, Marcopolo will operate in partnership with chassis manufacturers such as Volvo and Scania, while also acting as an independent body manufacturer. Sales will be managed by Marcopolo’s European commercial structure, while after-sales services will be handled by specialized partners with extensive regional coverage.
Marcopolo, a Global Leader in Bus Bodies
For 77 years, Marcopolo has been helping shape passenger mobility. The company is the world’s largest bus body manufacturer and one of the leading global references in the industry. Marcopolo operates industrial facilities in eight countries, has a production capacity of up to 120 units per day, employs more than 15,500 people, and has supplied over 500,000 vehicles to approximately 140 countries.
Marcopolo’s global strength combines industrial scale, engineering expertise, financial solidity and responsiveness. Among its competitive advantages is its ability to offer delivery lead times significantly shorter than those traditionally practiced in the European market.
With the goal of developing increasingly efficient and sustainable solutions, the company maintains five engineering centers dedicated to the continuous evolution of its products. Initiatives include the growing use of lightweight, high-tech materials, ongoing optimization of manufacturing processes, and joint development programs with chassis manufacturers to integrate platforms with lower emissions and higher energy efficiency, including hybrid and electrified technologies.
Image credit: Marcopolo
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