As a global leader in bus body manufacturing, Marcopolo S.A. offers more than two decades of industry excellence and innovation in South Africa. Renan Pesente, General Manager, takes the wheel and steers us through the company’s achievements and future plans.
A SUSTAINABLE PROTAGONIST IN MOBILITY SOLUTIONS
Proudly celebrating 25 years in the country, Marcopolo S.A. is a bus body manufacturer serving both the South African market and the broader sub-Saharan Africa region.
Offering a diverse portfolio designed to meet varying transportation needs, the company combines human values, passion, and product excellence to truly set it apart from the rest. Marcopolo – the wider, international organisation – boasts 76 years of experience and is a world reference in manufacturing bus bodies and developing electromobility solutions in line with the most modern concepts of sustainability.
“What sets us apart is, above all, our people. Our founder used to say, “The most important thing is people”, and that remains part of our culture today,” introduces Renan Pesente, General Manager.
“We’re passionate about what we do, embrace challenges, and always willing to go the extra mile. On top of that, Marcopolo brings together over seven decades of tradition, globally recognised design, and strong engineering capability.”
In South Africa (SA), the company employs approximately 300 people – the majority of whom are from the surrounding communities.
Marcopolo S.A.’s urban mobility range includes the Torino, Torino Low Entry, and Gran Viale models. For semi-luxury long-distance travel, it offers the Andare FL and Audace 1050, whilst in the luxury long-distance segment, the company’s portfolio includes the Paradiso G8 1350 and DD 1800.
In addition to its vehicle offering, the company has a strong after-sales support network, with depots in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. These facilities support warranty work and refurbishment projects, ranging from minor repairs to full restorations.
With Marcopolo S.A.’s recent achievement of 25 years in the country, its capabilities and continued growth are more evident than ever.
“Our 25th anniversary in SA is a very important milestone and a strong reflection of Marcopolo’s long-term commitment to the region. It shows our ability to build a sustainable business, stay close to customers, and grow together with the market,” Pesente prides.
“SA is a strategic base for us. By operating locally, we are better positioned to understand customer needs, respond to market challenges, and support partners across the region. At the same time, our Germiston factory contributes to local job creation and supplier development.”
This achievement represents not only the company’s history in the country but also its capability, resilience, and confidence in future growth.
“Our 25th anniversary in SA is a very important milestone and a strong reflection of Marcopolo’s long-term commitment to the region. It shows our ability to build a sustainable business, stay close to customers, and grow together with the market”
Renan Pesente, General Manager, Marcopolo S.A.
LONG-TERM COMMITMENT
A stalwart of the manufacturing industry, Pesente built his career with a strong focus on executive leadership, supported by a technical and business foundation.
“I graduated in mechanical engineering, which gave me the technical knowledge and analytical mindset to understand complex industrial environments. Later, I completed an MBA as well as an executive and international management course abroad, helping me broaden my strategic and global business perspective,” he insights.
Having begun his career in multinational companies, initially specialising in lean manufacturing, Pesente developed deep expertise in operational efficiency, continuous improvement, and performance management. Over time, his responsibilities expanded from technical and operational roles into broader leadership positions, where he transitioned into executive management and quickly found himself leading entire business operations.
“What attracted me to manufacturing was the combination of technical complexity, operational discipline, and business impact. It’s an industry where strategy and execution must work together every day, and I find that extremely motivating,” Pesente expands.
The manufacturing industry is one of the most dynamic and challenging sectors to work in. It is influenced by a wide range of factors, from local economic conditions and political developments to global supply chain distributions, raw material costs, exchange rate fluctuations, and changing customer demand.
What makes it especially exciting is that the environment is constantly evolving.
“You are always learning and adapting, whether that means responding to shifts in the market, managing operational risks, improving productivity, or identifying new growth opportunities. In manufacturing, no two days are the same,” he notes.
LEADING ROLE IN MOBILITY SOLUTIONS
Marcopolo S.A. has experienced exponential growth over the course of the past three years, alongside cementing its status as a leader within the sector. To achieve these monumental accomplishments on a daily basis, the company ensures its success is built on three primary pillars.
The first is its people, as the company places great importance on transparency, teamwork, and shared responsibility. It fosters a culture where everyone understands that one person’s challenge is a challenge for the whole team.
“We also believe strongly in empowering people, giving them responsibility, and creating opportunities for growth within the company,” details Pesente.
Marcopolo S.A.’s second pillar is its products; it works to understand customers’ needs, identify necessary improvements, and develop new solutions that add operational value. Staying close to the market and listening to clients is essential to maintaining its leadership position.
The company’s final pillar comprises its processes, as it constantly looks for better, more efficient ways of doing things. Continuous improvement is part of the company’s daily mindset, helping it strengthen quality, productivity, and competitiveness.
“I believe the combination of these three elements has enabled us to grow strongly in recent years and consolidate our position as a sector leader,” Pesente asserts.
Marcopolo S.A.’s success can be directly seen in its recent endeavours. Specifically, over the past few years, the company has made significant investments in its product portfolio, facilities, and manufacturing capabilities, reinforcing its leadership position.
In 2024, it officially launched the right-hand drive (RHD) version of the Paradiso G8 1350, alongside the facelifted Gran Viale. The following year, the company introduced the new Torino Low Entry, began production of the Torino on an Isuzu chassis – marking its first bus body built on an Isuzu platform – and launched the Audace 1050, supported by a national roadshow to present this new semi-luxury long-distance solution to the market.
“This year, we just released the new four-axle Paradiso G8 1800 DD – the first double-decker, four-axle, Euro 6, RHD coach of its kind in SA,” Pesente reveals.
“Additionally, we continue investing in our current facilities and new machinery to strengthen production efficiency, quality, and our ability to support future growth.”
“We’re passionate about what we do, embrace challenges, and always willing to go the extra mile. On top of that, Marcopolo brings together over seven decades of tradition, globally recognised design, and strong engineering capability”
Renan Pesente, General Manager, Marcopolo S.A.
DRIVING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
Marcopolo S.A. has worked diligently to play a leading role in sustainable mobility solutions. For the company, sustainability is not limited to a single technology or approach; rather, there are multiple paths towards more sustainable transport, with its strategy reflecting that broader vision.
“We developed our fully electric mobility solution several years ago and recently launched a 28-metre bi-articulated electric bus – one of the largest vehicles of its kind – in partnership with Volvo. This is a clear example of our commitment to innovating and reducing environmental impact in public transport,” acclaims Pesente.
At the same time, the company understands that different markets require different solutions, hence its investment in alternative technologies beyond electrification.
For example, Marcopolo S.A. recently released the first hybrid minibus powered by ethanol. It is also working in partnership with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and affiliates that are developing sustainable alternatives, as well as the company’s natural gas articulated vehicle.
“When we speak about being a sustainable protagonist in mobility, we mean leading the transition through innovation, strategic partnerships, and a portfolio of solutions that can respond to the realities of different markets whilst contributing to a lower-carbon future,” explains Pesente.
As Marcopolo S.A. continues to look ahead to its future in SA, the company’s main priority is to keep offering customers the best products and services. As a market leader, it is always working on new projects and solutions to meet changing customer needs.
“Already, we have launched the new Paradiso G8 1800 DD RHD coach, which is an important milestone. At the same time, our engineering team is developing new projects, and business expansion remains a part of our strategic discussions with the board. Whilst some of these initiatives are still confidential, we are actively planning important steps for the future,” Pesente concludes.
This company profile was produced by the editorial team at Africa Outlook, a publication within the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
Outlook Publishing showcases organisations and leadership teams shaping sectors including manufacturing, mining, construction, healthcare, supply chains, food production, and sustainability.
Africa Outlook highlights organisations driving growth, innovation, and investment across Africa’s evolving business landscape.
