It’s a known product in Chile, which is a huge mining centre, where we have these buses operating as charter buses. 'I think there’s huge potential for this product to start operating. 'The company is particularly focused on Western Australia,' said Tessari. The Audace isn’t new to the mining market outside our shores, but it is hoping to be a new player in the Australian industry. The customisations will also make the Audace applicable to the mining industry. The operator uses the term ‘affordable luxury’ and I think that description really sums up the Audace.' They chose the Audace so they could offer a service delivering tourists in style and comfort. 'They have four Audaces in operation for tourists between Townsville and Cairns they do pick-ups and drop-offs for the tour boats. He references Quicksilver Tours in North Queensland as a prime example of how capable the Audace is in this segment. 'We, of course, understand that the charter and long-distance sector has been unfortunately suffering, but we really believe when it picks up again the Audace will be here and ready.' 'With the reclining-seat version, we are ready to go,' Tessari added. Traditionally, the school bus market has been the mainstay of the Audace but, with the changes to the new model and the flexibility of customisation, new markets are in the Audace’s sights. 'It’s all about meeting the needs of the operators.' So, we can add another door, a toilet, a wheelchair lift or we can we can build with only 20 seats to allow for optimum comfort for a private, exclusive type of operation. 'We build with 57 fixed seats or 53 reclining seats, but we can basically do whatever is required. 'I believe, from an operator perspective, the customisations available gives huge flexibility. It’s important for our business to be able to deliver whatever the customer requires,' he explained. 'This has become the core of our business worldwide. Tessari says it was the flexibility and customisation possibilities that he was most proud of. They usually have been part of the journey and process to get the vehicle as shown here in ABC magazine for others there are key features that they know will be major selling points they really love.

Talking with bus builders and sales people, it’s good to get their feedback about what features make them proud of the vehicle we are test driving. I think that says the product is still at the top of its life cycle.' The factory can do whatever modifications that customers ask. 'It’s also now flexible in customisation and this is a huge positive change. The product concept remains the same, but the look is all new. I think it looks completely different from the previous model. Often, when a vehicle is popular, companies are hesitant to alter a recognisable appearance.Įxplaining why the time was right for this overhaul, Tessari said: 'We’d been getting feedback and questions from the market as to when we were going revise it. Regarding changes to the seating options, there is a version of the Audace 1050 with reclining seats and retractable armrests, aimed at long-distance operators who want to offer passengers extra comfort, he added.

With the exterior you’ll see a lot of changes and I believe the changes make it really competitive with other vehicles available on the market.' 'We had to adapt the vehicle in different ways to suit the Australian market and, once we started this process, we decided to totally redesign it. 'The 1050 had been designed for Australia and will be launched exclusively for the local market. 'It’s also an incredibly versatile bus that can be used in a range of applications from school runs to charter, mining and long-distance trips. It’s a high-quality, flexible bus on a top-class European chassis and it offers plenty of passenger comfort while being competitively priced. 'The Marcopolo Audace is a proven performer, with more than 450 units sold globally each year. 'The Audace 1050 has been designed for Australia and it’s been launched as exclusive to our market at this stage,' said Tessari. Volgren’s national sales manager Yuri Tessari says the changes range from major design and wholesale seating modifications to bodywork modifications. Powered by the Volvo B8R, this model has had key updates and changes implemented to broaden its appeal and create new opportunities in new markets. Making its debut on the Australian market at the 2013 Australian Bus and Coach Show, the Marcopolo Audace isn’t a new name to our industry, but today we test drive the 1050 – the first redesign of the product since its local launch. “We have a product that is in the price range of a complete Chinese vehicle, but has a European chassis with a Marcopolo-designed body on it,' said Volgren national sales manager Yuri Tessari.

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