CHICAGO — Api Dogan, founder and chief executive of Infinity Transportation Management, is one of the first U.S. operators to add a fleet of Marcopolo shuttles. The move marks the Brazilian manufacturer’s latest effort to expand its presence in the American market.
Infinity, based in Chicago, recently received 10 Marcopolo Grand Executive 32-passenger buses built on the Ford F-59 chassis. The vehicles use gas engines instead of diesel, which Dogan said will make maintenance easier and improve efficiency for mid-size group travel.
“With these new Marcopolo buses, we’re redefining what modern charter travel can look like,” Dogan said. “The move to gas engines reduces downtime, maintenance, and emissions while giving passengers a smoother ride.”
Dogan’s company runs more than 50 vehicles across the Midwest. He says more operators are moving toward mid-size buses that can carry smaller groups such as businesses, schools, and private travelers without the higher costs of large coaches.
Infinity first became known for operating 57-passenger SuperCoach XL buses. Dogan said customer demand has shifted toward a smaller option that still offers comfort and safety.
“When you operate with the right two bus sizes — 57-passenger and 32-passenger — you can run a smoother operation and build a stronger, more recognizable brand,” he said. “It allows you to train drivers efficiently, manage interchangeable parts, and maintain consistent quality.”
The new buses will mainly serve the greater Chicago area and nearby states, adding flexibility and faster turnaround times to Infinity’s routes.
Brazilian manufacturer expands reach
Founded 76 years ago in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, Marcopolo S.A. is one of the world’s largest bus manufacturers, with vehicles running in more than 140 countries. The company builds the Grand Executive model in Monterrey, Mexico, using components from Mexico and the United States to comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) rules.
“We are thrilled to see Infinity Transportation Management take this important step with us,” said Lucas Gabardo, managing director for Marcopolo Mexico and the company’s U.S. representative. “Infinity’s trust in Marcopolo is not only an honor but also a sign of where the U.S. charter market is heading — toward smarter, more sustainable and more adaptable fleets.”
Gabardo said Marcopolo’s North American strategy centers on working with established operators to understand local rules and service needs.
“Marcopolo is very committed to the U.S. market,” he said. “We want to learn from operators, listen to their needs and meet every customer expectation. Flexibility and quality are part of who we are. If a client needs a 20-seater with more luggage space, we can build it.”
The Grand Executive comes in two versions, executive and shuttle. Both are built on the Ford F-59 chassis, so they can be serviced at Ford dealerships across the country. Marcopolo is also developing versions on Freightliner Custom Chassis platforms.
Gabardo said the model was designed to handle different weather and road conditions.
“In northern areas you need strong heating, in the south you need robust air conditioning,” he said. “We test our buses in different environments to make sure they perform reliably across the country.”
Unlike cutaway buses that attach a passenger body to a separate cab, the Grand Executive uses Marcopolo’s integrated body design. The result, Gabardo said, is stronger construction and a quieter cabin.
Establishing presence in the U.S.
To sell and support the new buses in the United States, Marcopolo partnered with Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, formerly Creative Bus Sales. The Indianapolis-based company is the nation’s largest commercial vehicle dealer, with more than 25 locations and a nationwide service network.
“We’re proud to partner with Marcopolo in bringing the Grand Executive series to North America,” said Zach Switalski, vice president of national account sales at Model 1. “Working with operators like Api Dogan and Infinity shows how the right products, backed by a strong dealership network, can improve fleet efficiency and customer satisfaction.”
Marcopolo also has after-sales offices in Dallas and a workshop in Duncan, Oklahoma, where new buses are inspected before distribution. “We make sure each unit arrives in perfect condition, ready for service,” Gabardo said.
The partnership between Infinity and Marcopolo reflects a growing effort by global bus builders to work with U.S. companies as they respond to environmental and business changes in transportation.
Gabardo noted that Marcopolo owns 10% of the New Flyer Group, parent to brands such as MCI and ARBOC, which helps it understand North American manufacturing and service systems. “We expect greater cooperation in the future between Marcopolo, MCI and New Flyer as we share technology and experience,” he said.
Finding keys to growth
Dogan said the relationship fits naturally with his company’s growth plans. “Our customers want comfort, reliability and efficiency — and they want it all in one package,” he said. “With the Grand Executive, we can deliver that while strengthening our own operations.”
Industry analysts say companies like Infinity help test new bus models before wider U.S. use. By operating the Grand Executive in a major metro area, Infinity will establish performance data and service practices for other fleets considering the design.
Dogan said he will keep listening to customer feedback as transportation evolves. “Transportation is changing quickly,” he said. “If you pay attention to what people need — cleaner vehicles, comfortable interiors, dependable service — you can stay ahead of those changes.”
As Marcopolo expands its presence in the U.S., Dogan said he expects continued collaboration between American and international operators.
“Infinity is proud to be part of that process,” he said. “We’re learning together and helping raise the standard for group travel in this market.”
