Bespoke bus and coach designs key to success in the Middle East for over 30 years, says VWCO
By Jose Secco - 12th November 2023
VWCO-Marcopolo bespoke coach design with removeable roof for transport of pilgrims during the Hajj
Brazil / Saudi Arabia - Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus Ltda of Resende, Brazil, which has been supplying buses and coaches to the Middle East region for 30 years, says vehicle customization together with body partner, Marcopolo SA, has been key to its success in the Middle Eastern region. For instance, between 2001 and 2004, it exported over 700 specially adapted coaches to Tamimi & Saihaati Transport Company – TASECO in Saudi Arabia. The vehicles were tailor-made for the Middle East market and eighty units of the coach bodies on the Volksbus 17.240 OT chassis were equipped with a removable roof.
In partnership with Marcopolo, the bodywork solution was designed for Muslims undertaking the annual pilgrimage to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, the ritual known as the ‘Hajj.’ During this journey, pilgrims are not permitted to have a barrier between their heads and the sky.
