The strength and innovation of the brand keeps Caio in a leading position in the urban bus market

2018-12-27 During the more than 72 years of its history, Caio has followed moments of significant development of the country and the segment, as well as numerous political-economic crises, factors that have had a direct impact on the evolution of the company. These different phases, according to the industrial director of Caio, Mr. Maurício Lourenço da Cunha, were of great learning. ``The adversities fostered new ideas and strategies, so that we could cross them safely, keeping the company healthy and as many jobs as possible. At the height of the Brazilian crisis, in 2015, we had to take firm measures, but they were fundamental in order for Caio to have the strength to remain competitive in the market.``

The strong management, coupled with the tradition of the brand, which is synonymous with quality, durability and commitment to the needs of the customer, make the recent history of Caio, a case of success. Even in the period of low demand for buses, mainly in the domestic market, Caio kept its share in a prominent position in the urban bus segment, a result that was possible due to the complete mix of brand solutions, the engagement of the team of collaborators, partnerships with suppliers, as well as focus on anticipating trends, and needs of the client and the market.

The product portfolio covers urban bus models (standard and articulated), midis, micro, minis and charter. ``Caio`s know-how for customizations has the advantage of tailoring products according to each client`s operation needs, also benefiting the end user, who has access to comfortable, safe and accessible transportation. Another of our differentials is the personalized service, carried out by sales representatives in Brazil and abroad, and by the after sales team, that join forces so that the purchase experience of a Caio brand product is the best possible,`` details the industrial director.

The most commercialized model by Caio, the urban Apache Vip, is in its fourth generation and even after almost 20 years of its first version, continues to stand out for the design, robustness and low maintenance cost, obtaining excellent acceptance by the market. Currently, Apache Vip represents 61% of sales compared to our urban portfolio.

In order to efficiently meet the demand of large urban centers, Millennium presents itself in the standard and BRT versions (Feeder, Articulated and Superarticulated). The model is also offered in an electric version, with batteries that have autonomy of 250 km by recharging and integral air suspension. The bilateral lowering system (ECAS) enables the lowering of the suspension, resulting in more comfort and safety in passenger access to the bus.

Another success of the brand, the micro F2400, launched at the beginning of the second half of 2017, is offered in urban, rural and executive versions. The vehicle was designed with the aim of facilitating the maintenance and replacement of items. In all versions, the bold and modern design, with rounded and aerodynamic shapes of the front and rear, gives the F2400 the imposing and strong characteristics of the products of the Caio brand.

The F2400 is also the model used in schools. At the beginning of the month of December, 102 ORE2 units were delivered to serve the municipalities of the state of São Paulo. The model, which has the capacity to carry 44 seated students plus the driver, is equipped with a locking axle, larger entrance and exit angles, mixed tires facilitating access to rural areas, as well as DPM (Mobile Armchair Device) that allow transportation of up to two people with disabilities.

The entire Caio product family can be known through the company`s website www.caio.com.br,launched in the second half of 2018. On the site you can also access information related to the sale of buses and parts, latest news, job vacancies, internship programs, among other things.

In addition to serving the national market, Caio is present in more than 50 countries, especially in Latin America, Asia, Africa, in addition to the United States. One of the biggest sales to the foreign market in 2018 was in early August, of more than 500 urban buses to Nigeria.

These factors, coupled with the 72 years of tradition, make the brand reliable and that there is customer loyalty. As a reflection of this, Caio closed 2017 as a leader in urban production in Brazil, with a share of around 60%. Until November 2018, the share of the brand was 46%, keeping Caio in the leading position in the urban market, also reflecting the improvement in the demand for buses in the market.

This positive moment is also reflected in the reopening of jobs in Grupo Caio, especially in the second half of 2018, during which time new hirings took place. Caio is the company in the region of Botucatu, which most hired in 2018, with the admission of 842 employees, which, together with other companies of Grupo, resulted in 1,285 new jobs generated. Currently, Grupo has 4,310 employees, of which 3,161 belong to Caio.

The passion for producing buses is the driving force for Caio Induscar to continue to overcome challenges, focused on its vision of remaining one of the largest bus manufacturers on a global level.