Volkswagen Truck & Bus has wrapped up negotiations for the initial units shipped under the Caminho da Escola (‘Road to Education’) program in 2025. In all, 550 buses -- 300 Volksbus models 8.180 ORE 1 and 250 8.160 OD Onurea PA -- were sold to the Department of Education and Sports for the state of Pernambuco, renewing and expanding the number of available school buses and guaranteeing students are given access to high-quality transportation.
Vehicles are custom-designed for school transport, significantly reduce emissions levels and offer a high level of on-board comfort. VWTB’s buses are equipped with air conditioning, traction control, a hill start assist (HSA) system and specific operational configurations and will drastically improve conditions at local schools. “We consistently make the best vehicles available for the Caminho da Escola program. Volkswagen’s buses are in high demand among municipalities due to their durability, high-level of quality, rapid delivery and excellent field services from our dealers throughout Brazil, who time and time again deliver the best conditions for our customers" affirmed Cecconello, Government Sales Manager at Volkswagen Truck & Bus,.
To date, VWTB has negotiated the sale of approximately 29,000 vehicles as part of the program. In the 17 years in which Volkswagen has been part of Caminho da Escola, more than 27 million students have benefited from expanded school transport. Under the program, vehicles are distributed across more than five thousand municipalities. “We are steadily achieving our goal of offering sustainable transport solutions for all. We are nearing the mark of 30 thousand units provided under the program and we are planning to take the program even further,” concluded Adriana .
Caminho da Escola
Operated under the National Education Development Fund (FNDE), the Caminho da Escola program was created in 2007 and seeks to renew and expand available school transport, guarantee safe and high-quality student transportation and contribute to reducing dropout rates, expanding access and attendance among students enrolled in state and municipal basic education programs in rural areas. The program also standardizes vehicles used for student transport, helps lower vehicle prices, and increases the level of transparency in procurement processes. Program leadership is a key strategic area at VWTB, which remains firm in its commitment to offering sustainable transport solutions to all.
About the Volksbus 8.180 E ORE 1
Volksbus 8.180 ORE 1 is the best-selling school bus under the Caminho da Escola program, as well the vehicle most commonly requested by the government as part of efforts to make education more accessible in Brazil. Designed to meet mobility demands, the Volksbus 8.180 ORE 1 is ideal for off-road applications. The bus’s new 3.8-liter engine delivers 180 hp of power and 600 N.m of torque to guarantee a high-level performance in any setting.
Additionally, the vehicle’s configuration includes a suspension system that is reinforced and elevated relative to the ground for improved performance in off-road applications. The Volksbus 8.180 ORE 1’s rear axle is also fitted with an automatic locking differential, which allows the vehicle to break through rugged and slippery terrain with ease.
About the 8.160 OD (Onurea PA)
VWTB’s 8.160 OD is ideal for use in school transportation and guarantees a high level of comfort and safety. The vehicle has the capacity to transport up to 29 students and one school monitor. The 8.160 OD has a 3,900 mm wheelbase and a GVWR of 8,500 kg. It is also fitted with a hill start assist system, stability and traction control, platform lift accessibility features and air conditioning.