JCA announces the purchase of 485 buses worth R$500m and another R$75m in technology

Publish date: June 17, 2023

The purchase is divided into the following Marcopolo models: Paradiso G8 Double-Deck (124), Viaggio 900 (108), Ideale (33), Torino (136) and Micro Senior (84).

Adamo Bazani

On Friday, June 16, 2023, the JCA Group announced the purchase of 485 buses that are supposed to cost around R$500 million.

Just double decker road buses, at this first moment, there will be 124 units.

The group includes companies such as Viação Cometa, 1001, Expresso do Sul, Fast Ribeirão Preto and Catarinense.

In addition to the need for a natural renewal of the fleet, the business group expects revenue growth in the intercity bus segment, by about 19%, which has led to higher purchase volumes.

This new fleet will already follow the current Euro 6 emission restriction standards, in force in Brazil since January this year.

Euro 6 technology can further reduce particulate matter emissions by more than 60% and nearly 80% of nitrogen, compared to vehicles manufactured between 2012 and 2022 (Euro 5).

The group is also working on urban and charter models.

With a Mercedes-Benz chassis, all bodies are from Marco Polo.

Thus, the general fleet of the group revolves around 2,500 buses, of which about 500 are double-deckers.

The companies also promised an investment of R$75 million in technology

See full note to Transport Diary As the group states, the purchase is spread over the following Marcopolo models: Paradiso G8 Double-Deck (124), Viaggio 900 (108), Ideale (33), Torino (136) and Micro Sênior (84).

The JCA Group is investing around R500 million in new solutions to make its fleet safer, more comfortable and more sustainable. The amount corresponds to the purchase of 485 buses, with a new Euro6-compliant engine, Blue Tec 6, from Mercedes-Benz, capable of promoting a reduction of more than 60% in particulate emissions and nearly 80% in nitrogen, when compared to vehicles manufactured between 2012 and 2022. Another difference in the new fleet is the safety packages on board which have been added according to the needs of the operation – urban and road. All vehicles have a Marco Polo chassis.

Safety and comfort linked to sustainability are the pillars of JCA Group’s operations. We planned part of this renewal last year, but we decided to wait for the implementation of the Euro6 standard and chose this purchase with the Mercedes-Benz chassis, already equipped with the new engine, capable of providing a significant reduction in emissions, with the same reliability, durability and performance, to offer the most modern rides in our travels, Marcelo Antunes, JCA Group Director comments.

JCA Group CEO Gustavo Rodriguez notes that the investment was made even as the market continues to recover from times of the pandemic. “We consider this investment essential to improving our customers’ experience. We are not yet at pre-pandemic levels, but this investment in the fleet will be reflected in passenger satisfaction.”

The acquired 485 buses will be used in different services: road, charter and bus. The purchase is divided into the following Marcopolo models: Paradiso G8 Double-Deck (124), Viaggio 900 (108), Ideale (33), Torino (136) and Micro Senior (84). The new vehicles will join the fleet gradually from June onwards and will be distributed to all JCA group companies.

“This significant sale to JCA Group brings us double satisfaction. Firstly, to give us the opportunity once again to serve a group of companies Cometa, 1001 and Catarinense, which are references in road and urban passenger transport in Brazil and which testify, once again, to their reliability in the products of our brand. Secondly, because choosing Mercedes-Benz Buses for the renewal of the large fleet reaffirms the high quality standards that we offer our customers. I particularly highlight the BlueTec 6 technology to meet the stringent Euro 6 emission control standard and the increasingly active safety package, which reinforces our commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible transport,” says Walter Barbosa, Bus Sales and Marketing Manager Mercedes-Benz do Brasil.

Riccardo Portolan, Director of Commercial Operations MI & Marketing at Marcopolo celebrates the acquisition and notes that “we are going through a positive period and we are following the expansion of the business of companies focused on passenger transportation. The increased demand for road trips, the return of people to face-to-face activities and the optimism generated by the end of isolation, are Opportunities to purchase new buses and renew fleets to ensure the comfort and safety of passengers.

Security packages for each process

Safety is a fundamental pillar of the JCA Group’s operations, which is why all new buses have dedicated packages tailored to each model. In all, there are more than 20 technology resources on board to contribute to accident prevention. On the road, the highlight is the emergency braking system (ABAS), the new auxiliary brake system (INTARDER), electronic parking brake (EPB), blind spot assist (SGA), rollover prevention system, electronic stability control (ESP) and cross-traffic warning. Track System (LDWS), among others.

Regarding the emergency braking system, the new models have the fifth generation of technology. Using radar and cameras already installed in the front of the vehicle, the feature now detects, in addition to moving and stationary objects, pedestrians and cyclists in motion. The unit operates in three stages: an audiovisual alert to the driver, partial braking if no action is taken, and full braking if the professional does not put his foot on the brake.

Also new is Blind Spot Assist. With two radar units, the lanes opposite the driver are monitored, covering their entire length and width up to 3.75 m. The sensors are able to detect up to 64 objects simultaneously, individually assessing the risks they present and assisting the driver when changing lanes and cornering maneuvers.

Also worth noting is the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and the anti-roll system. It is an active system that comes into action when the bus reaches 20 km/h, managing speed information, steering and turning angles, as well as the lateral and linear acceleration of the bus, improving drivability and reducing the risk of skidding. When a critical situation is identified, engine torque is electronically reduced and the service brake is activated until the situation is controlled. That is, it is a passive safety element that does not require driver intervention.

Adamo Bazani, transport journalist

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