VOLGREN CELEBRATES THE DELIVERY OF ITS 500TH ELECTRIC BUS AND SHOWCASES SOLUTIONS FOR KEY TRANSPORT SEGMENTS AT THE AUSTRALASIA BUS & COACH EXPO 2026

Australia’s leading bus body manufacturer showcases solutions for urban, school, charter and coach operations, combining Volgren’s local expertise with Marcopolo’s global experience

Volgren, Australia’s largest bus body manufacturer and part of Marcopolo since 2011, showcased solutions for the country’s key passenger transport segments at Australasia Bus & Coach Expo 2026. Highlights includes the Paradiso G8 1300, the Audace 1050 and the Volgren Optimus Electric. The event also marked the delivery of Volgren’s 500th zero-emission bus in Australia.

Held on 15–16 July at the Sydney Showground in Sydney Olympic Park, Australasia Bus and Coach Expo brough together operators, government authorities, manufacturers and industry experts to showcase the latest developments in mobility, electrification and passenger transport innovation.

“Australasia Bus & Coach Expo 2026 provided an important opportunity to demonstrate Volgren’s strength as an Australian company committed to supporting local industry, while also highlighting how Marcopolo’s global experience enhances our ability to innovate and develop solutions for operators. This combination enables us to deliver products tailored to the needs of the Australian market while meeting the highest international standards,” said Thiago Deiro, CEO of Volgren.

Volgren showcased a total of five buses at the Expo, including the all-new Marcopolo G8 the Marcopolo Audace 1050 and three battery-electric buses built on the Volgren’s flagship Optimus body.

A Milestone in Public Transport Electrification

One of the key highlights of Volgren’s participation at Expo will was the celebration of the company’s 500th electric bus delivered for zero-emission operations in Australia.

The vehicle feature a special livery during the event to mark the achievement, reinforcing Volgren’s commitment to developing low-emission public transport solutions and supporting the continued evolution of sustainable mobility across the country.

Designed to accommodate multiple hybrid, electric and hydrogen-powered platforms, the Volgren Optimus Electric combines exceptional operational flexibility with a lightweight aluminium body structure that delivers lower weight, improved energy efficiency and enhanced durability. Approximately 73% of the body structure is fully recyclable, further strengthening its environmental credentials, while the vehicle is backed by a 15-year structural warranty.

“The delivery of our 500th electric bus is a significant milestone for Volgren and for the advancement of zero-emission transport in Australia. More than just a number, it reflects the confidence operators place in our solutions and reinforces our commitment to helping drive the transformation of public transport,” Deiro added.

Solutions for Diverse Operating Requirements

Australasia Bus and Coach Expo also provided an opportunity to showcase solutions developed for a broad range of passenger transport applications.

As Marcopolo’s flagship global coach platform, the Paradiso G8 1300 reinforces the company’s growth strategy in the Australian coach market. Developed for long-distance and premium charter operations, the model combines design, comfort, safety, efficiency and technology as part of a product family established across international markets.

Recognised for its innovative concept and the travel experience it delivers to both passengers and operators, the G8 is a key element of Marcopolo’s international strategy and continues to expand its presence across global markets. In Australia, the model is still in the early stages of commercial expansion, making the expo a strategic opportunity to increase visibility among local operators.

The Audace 1050 complements the portfolio on display. The model was developed to combine comfort, operational efficiency, a high level of customisation and outstanding value for money for school and charter applications.

During Australia Bus Expo, Volgren also hosted a presentations at its stand, highlighting the company’s history and the evolution of its product portfolio.

Local Leadership, Global Experience

With nearly 50 years of operation in Australia, three manufacturing facilities, five service centres, 550 employees and more than 10,500 buses delivered, Volgren has established itself as the country’s leading bus body manufacturer, holding approximately 70% market share in the urban segment.

The company stands out through its strong local presence, proprietary aluminium body technology, customisation capabilities and close relationships with operators and transport authorities. This approach enables Volgren to develop solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Australian market while contributing to local employment, strengthening domestic manufacturing and supporting the ongoing evolution of mobility.

The combination of Volgren’s local expertise and Marcopolo’s global experience enhances the company’s ability to develop solutions that address the evolving needs of operators and the challenges of modern mobility.

About Volgren

A Marcopolo company since 2011, Volgren is Australia’s largest bus body manufacturer, with manufacturing and after-sales operations across the country. The company built its first bus in 1979 and today designs and manufactures buses for a wide range of applications and technologies, including zero-emission vehicles.

About Marcopolo

Founded 76 years ago in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, Marcopolo is one of the world’s leading bus body manufacturers and a benchmark for quality, technology and innovation. With manufacturing facilities across five continents, Marcopolo vehicles operate in more than 140 countries. Committed to advancing mobility, the company continuously invests in the development of new solutions for passenger transportation.

Image credit: Marcopolo Disclosure