MARACAIBO, Venezuela -- When national soccer teams from throughout the Western Hemisphere descended on Venezuela last month for the CopaAmerica tournament, the new motorcoaches used to transport the teams to nine Venezuelan cities were exclusively outfitted with audio-video equipment supplied by Radio Engineering Industries of Brazil Ltd.

The National Urban Transit Foundation in Venezuela purchased the 100 buses from Brazilian manufacturer Marcopolo and specified the REI equipment. The coaches were being converted to daily service after the tournament, which was won by Brazil in a 3-0 match with Argentina.

REIs international director, Chris Sweeden, said that having REI 'systems on these Fútbol buses was a great distinction, and one for which I take great personal pride.'

Omaha, Neb.-based REI began expanding into South America three years ago, using São Paulo, Brazil as its Latin American headquarters.

'From the very outset, REI Brazils philosophy has been to provide extraordinary service after the sale, and since these coaches will remain in Venezuela, I believe this demonstrates Marcopolos confidence in our ability to provide that level of service, not only in Brazil, but throughout Latin America,' Sweeden said.

REI Brazil has even developed products that are specific to the South American market, including monitors, amplifiers and voltage converters. And it is planning several new product launches over the next few months, says Sweeden.

South American sales are expected to exceed $5 million (U.S.) this year, and REI anticipates continuing to increase its market share throughout the region. Besides Marcopolo, REI Brazil supplies video systems to such OEMs as Busscar and CAIO, as well as end users across the continent.

In addition to having sales/service locations in Brazil, REI also has sales and service centers in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela.