Volgren celebrates 500th zero-emission bus, alongside showcasing Marcopolo coach models, at Australasia Bus & Coach Expo 2026

Marcopolo-owned Australian bus bodybuilder Volgren celebrated the delivery of its 500th electric bus in Australia while presenting its latest bus and coach portfolio at Australasia Bus & Coach Expo 2026.

In recent years Volgren has expanded its zero-emission portfolio through electric bus projects with BYD, Volvo Buses and Scania, alongside a hydrogen bus developed with Wrightbus.

Volgren marks 500th electric bus delivery in Australia

Volgren celebrated the delivery of its 500th electric bus during the Australasia Bus & Coach Expo 2026, held on 15–16 July at the Sydney Showground in Sydney Olympic Park. The Australian bus body manufacturer, part of Marcopolo since 2011, used the exhibition to present vehicles for urban, school, charter and coach operations, including the Paradiso G8 1300, the Audace 1050 and three battery-electric buses based on its Optimus Electric platform.

The company’s 500th electric bus was displayed with a dedicated commemorative livery during the exhibition.

Optimus Electric and coach portfolio on display

Volgren’s Optimus Electric body is designed to accommodate battery-electric, hybrid and hydrogen-powered chassis. The manufacturer states that the vehicle features a lightweight aluminium body structure, with approximately 73% of the body fully recyclable, and is supplied with a 15-year structural warranty.

Alongside the Optimus Electric, Volgren displayed Marcopolo’s Paradiso G8 1300 coach, intended for long-distance and premium charter operations. The manufacturer describes the model as the flagship of Marcopolo’s global coach portfolio and notes that it is in the early stages of commercial expansion in the Australian market.

The exhibition also featured the Marcopolo Audace 1050, developed for school and charter operations. According to the company, the model combines passenger comfort, operational efficiency and a high level of customisation for these applications.

Volgren highlights Australian manufacturing footprint

Volgren states that it has operated in Australia for nearly 50 years and currently has three manufacturing facilities, five service centres and approximately 550 employees. The company reports having delivered more than 10,500 buses and holding around 70% of the Australian urban bus body market.

In brief

• What milestone did Volgren celebrate? The company marked the delivery of its 500th electric bus for operation in Australia.
• Which vehicles were displayed at the expo? The Paradiso G8 1300, Audace 1050 and three Optimus Electric battery-electric buses.
• What powertrains can the Optimus Electric accommodate? Battery-electric, hybrid and hydrogen-powered platforms.
• What is Volgren’s manufacturing presence in Australia? The company operates three manufacturing facilities, five service centres and employs around 550 people.

“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.

“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.