Caio 75 years old. The trajectory of a brand that moves the collective passenger transportation

2020-12-30 The history of Caio brand merges with the evolution of collective passenger transportation. It has been 75 years establishing trends in the segment, making the difference with cutting-edge products and establishing itself as one of the largest urban bus manufacturers in the market, on a global level. Based on solid values, the brand is internationally recognized for its excellence in quality, structural robustness, design and differentiated solutions.

Founded in December 1945, the production of the first bus body, the ``Jardineira`` (gardener), took place on January 10, 1946. The evolution of the company is directly related to the growth of the cities, due to political-economic and segment specific factors. After a tough moment, Caio, in January 2001, was acquired by a new group with strong performance in the transportation market of the city of São Paulo.

20 years of Caio Group
This new history turns 20 in 2021. With firm management and entrepreneurial vision, Caio is currently the mother brand of a conglomerate formed by companies that meet the internal and external demands of different segments. They are: CPA (Centro de Processamento de Alumínio - Aluminum Processing Center); Fiberbus (fiber parts manufacturer); GR3 (Centro de Distribuição de Alumínio - Aluminum Distribution Center); Inbrasp (manufacturer of automotive plastic parts) with three manufacturing units, two in Botucatu, SP, and another in Betim, MG; Tecglass (manufacturer of tempered glass). The Group`s most recent investment is Busscar, one of the most respected brands in the production of road buses in the country.

These companies form the Caio Induscar Group and make a relevant contribution to the economy, generating approximately 5,300 jobs in the states that house their manufacturing units. The employees benefit from a health and dental plan, a restaurant in the company, charter transportation, as well as psychological, social service and physiotherapy support. They are also and will be contemplated by social actions carried out internally, such as the Company Humanization Program (PHE), which meets various social needs such as professional valorization, treatment and psychological follow-up, among others. There are also professional qualification projects for employees, their families and the community, in partnership with institutions.

Caio brand leadership in the urban bus market
The passion for bus is in the DNA of the brand and, for another year, is reflected on market numbers. Caio ends the year 2020 with about 40% share in the sale of urban buses in Brazil, maintaining the leadership in this segment. Since its birth, the brand maintains the leadership in the production of urban buses in the country.

In a hard year, especially for the bus segment, this achievement is a driving force for the brand to continue offering the market innovative products that go beyond public passenger transportation.

Its comprehensive product portfolio includes urban models (standard and articulated), mediums, micros and minis. The Apache VIP, which reaches its 20th anniversary in 2021, is in its fourth generation and is the record-selling urban bus in the country, known for its operational efficiency and easy maintenance. It is also part of the brand`s portfolio, special vehicles to meet the demand of large urban centers. Hybrid and 100% electric vehicles, with low and zero pollutants emission, respectively, and also those used in trolleybus systems, complete the mix of products.

The first bus body manufacturer in Brazil to obtain the ISO 9001 certificate, and maintained to the present day, demonstrates the perennial concern for the quality of its products and processes. This is reflected in Caio`s relationship with its customers, who can count on a team of sales representatives with large experience and know how. In addition, Caio has an agile and efficient technical assistance team at its disposal. Caio also offers the spare parts service, which has a qualified team and, for better service, contemplates a network of representatives in several points of the country.

The brand`s innovation in 2020 was marked by the launch of the Caio Protect biosafety items set, composed of protection items for drivers, collectors and passengers, prioritizing the fight against viruses and bacteria, due to the pandemic situation. Caio Protect has excellent cost-benefit and ease of installation in zero km vehicles and in those already operating. It is the result of partnerships with universities and startups, which allied to Caio, proved that the bus transportation is a biologically safe environment.

For 2021, the word is confidence that better days will come. That the economy will grow again and that all segments, including transport, will have the strength and incentives to evolve.
Caio marks lives and stories. Caio, the brand that moves passenger transportation. For 75 years, with our, passengers, suppliers ... with you. At all times.

An overview of Caio`s 74 years
December 1945: The contract for the official opening of the bus company Caio - Companhia Americana Industrial de Ônibus is signed by two enthusiasts and entrepreneurs who, in January 1946, start the operations of the company with the production of the first bus: “Jardineira”.
In the 1950`s, Caio pioneered the production of electric traction powered buses (trolleybuses), micro-buses and articulated buses. In 1957, the company revolutionized the construction of bus bodies, replacing wood by an entirely metallic structure. Later, common steel sheets were replaced by galvanized ones, then by duralumin.

In 1964, Caio was the largest bus body factory in the country, having manufactured more than 10,000 buses since its foundation and already with a production capacity of 150 units per month. It produced urban, highway and tourism bus bodies, with rear engine, besides models of capacity type.

1970`s. At that time, Caio incorporated the use of fiberglass pieces in the body structures. The material made a new revolution in the production of buses.

Fiberglass and plastic made the vehicles lighter; the floor has also undergone several changes over the years: from heavy wood flooring to plywood and later, aluminum. The whole painting process was done by hand, the bus columns were stamped, the plasterboard floor was riveted and the side was not glued.

In the 80`s, chassis were more suitable for buses, no longer needing adaptations and improvisations to assemble the bodies.

In the 1990s, Caio participated in federal programs to modernize trolleybuses and urban bodies, which gave rise to the standard project, with initiatives that would define the basic technical and dimensional standards that would be met by urban passenger transportation.

On January 25, 2001, Caio is acquired by a new group, with a strong performance in the transportation market of the city of São Paulo. The first product launched, still in the first quarter of 2001, was the Apache Vip, urban bus for chassis with front engine. Other investments were also made in this decade, with the creation of the Caio Induscar Group.

Victories, challenges and many stories to tell are part of Caio, which has been fulfilling its mission of working for intelligent mobility, facilitating the locomotion of millions of people in Brazil and the world. Welcome for the next 75 years.

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