International operations already account for 45% of the bodybuilder's revenue; strategy includes local manufacturing in Europe to face the Chinese
The manufacturer from Rio Grande do Sul, Marcopolo, is reorienting its commercial strategy towards the foreign market as a direct response to the cycle of high interest rates and the consequent cooling of demand for buses in Brazil. With the prospect of a sharper contraction in the domestic market in 2026, the company seeks to consolidate its presence in Europe and in strategic markets in Latin America to maintain financial balance.
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The movement tries to mitigate the impacts of a national scenario where restricted credit – with the Selic rate reaching 14.75% in March – has made it difficult for transport companies to renew fleets. The most recent balance sheets already reflect this inversion: while net revenue in Brazil fell 10%, totaling R$ 4.95 billion, international operations jumped to 45.4% of the company’s total revenue, registering a growth of 9% in the volume of exports.
Countries such as Argentina, Peru, Bolivia and Paraguay have worked as a security “cushion” for the brand’s exports. However, Marcopolo’s ambition goes beyond direct export: the company plans to establish itself as a local manufacturer on the European continent in the long term. The objective is to protect the operation against customs tariffs and increase competitiveness against Chinese rivals such as Yutong and BYD, which already have strong penetration in the region.
To make this expansion possible, Marcopolo signed a strategic agreement with the Volvo Group for the sale of vehicles in France and Italy. The partnership provides that the buses of the Brazilian brand will use the sales network and after-sales support of the Swedish automaker. The expansion schedule also includes Portugal and Spain, with an initial focus on the approval of products for the future installation of a final assembly line on European soil.
