Marcopolo will build complete coaches on Volvo chassis for Italy and France

Marcopolo has announced a strategic partnership with Volvo Buses for the commercialization of complete buses in the French and Italian markets. Under the agreement, Marcopolo will manufacture a European version of the Paradiso G8 1200 coach model on the Volvo Buses B13R chassis, in 4×2 and 6×2 configurations, with adaptations for local operators.

Volvo Buses, the Brasilian company states, will act as main contractor, providing sales and aftersales support through its existing network for buses and trucks.

Marcopolo has announced its intention to enter the European coach market and is currently joining Busworld Europe 2025 in Brussels.

First deliveries are planned by the end of 2026. From the same year also the 9700 range by Volvo Buses should be on delivery again in Europe, built in the group’s premises in Mexico, following the deal with Sunsundegui and the subsequent halt of this cooperation followed by pre-bankruptcy proceedings of the Spanish bodybuilder. Deliveries will begin by end 2026, as Thomas Nylund, Volvo Buses’ Vice President Europe – Business Unit Chassis, told Sustainable Bus in an interview released in April.

Volvo Buses – Marcopolo for the Italian and French markets

The European version of the Paradiso G8 1200 is designed to meet local regulatory requirements and operational standards, Marcopolo states. The model is currently undergoing homologation and will comply with regulations on vehicle safety, cybersecurity, and comfort.

Since the launch of Generation 8, more than 5,000 units have been produced, including around 1,500 for export markets, establishing the line as a global mobility platform.

Marcopolo’s Generation 8 coaches are produced in Brazil, China, Colombia, and Mexico. The company says it has conducted a detailed assessment of the European market and initiated testing and validation processes to meet homologation requirements, including cybersecurity, flammability, and surface treatment standards. Generation 8 models are already operating in South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, with the recent presentation in Australia marking entry into the region.

“The partnership with Volvo Buses is fully aligned with our strategy for the European market. We have identified a concrete opportunity to offer customized solutions, with a product developed to meet the specific demands of France and Italy”, commented André Armaganijan, CEO of Marcopolo.

“This partnership with Marcopolo further strengthens our offering to customers in France and Italy, and later in other European countries,” says Thomas Nylund, Head of Europe at Volvo Buses. “MarcopoIo is already a trusted partner in several markets, and together we can now provide a premium coach that combines Volvo Buses’ renowned chassis technology with Marcopolo’s modern design. The partnership with Marcopolo will give us even more flexibility to respond to the various needs of our customers.”