Intercape Becomes Marcopolo’s First Customer for 4-Axle Double Decker Bus in Africa

Brazilian bus manufacturer Marcopolo has launched a 4-axle double-decker bus for the African market. This bus is also the first in the world built by Marcopolo with a 4-axle configuration and Right Hand Drive (RHD). The delivery of the bus to South African bus operator Intercape was announced by Marcopolo in a statement released on Thursday (2/4/26).

The Paradiso G8 1800 Double Decker bus also marks the first sale of the 4-axle double-decker model in South Africa. Intercape has ordered 21 units of this model, which will be used on international routes in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as inter-provincial routes.

“Once again, Marcopolo is innovating and expanding its range of transport solutions for the African continent. The Paradiso G8 1800 DD RHD is the first 4-axle model on the market, where three-axle vehicles have been used until now, and the only one with a capacity of 80 passengers and a wider range, thanks to an 800-liter fuel tank,” said Marcopolo South Africa General Manager, Renan Pesente.

Marcopolo had never previously built a Right Hand Drive version of the Paradiso G8 1800 Double Decker 4-axle (8x2) bus. The bus is built on a Volvo B510R Euro 6 chassis with an 8x2 axle configuration and can carry up to 80 people. Marcopolo stated that the bus also features a new interior layout and an 800-liter fuel tank. The bus already meets the technical requirements and regulations of the South African market according to Intercape’s operational needs.

According to Marcopolo, South Africa plays an important role in their international strategy, further strengthening the region as one of Marcopolo’s main markets in Africa. In 2025, Marcopolo produced 449 units for South Africa, equivalent to 16.5 percent of its international production.