Volgren is an Australian bus and coach body manufacturer.
History
Volgren was formed in 1977 by Melbourne bus operator Grenda Corporation in Dandenong, Victoria.[1] Because Grenda held the Volvo Buses dealership in Victoria, only chassis from this manufacturer were bodied until 1989 when the dealership was relinquished.[2]
The name is a portmanteau of the two original investors, Volvo and Grenda.
In 1981, a plant was established in Acacia Ridge, Queensland by Grenda Corporation, Hornibrook Bus Lines's Geoff Mountjoy, Greyhound Northern and Stateliner. It bodied some Volvo B59 and B10Rs for Hornibrook Bus Lines and Surfside Buslines before concentrating on Twin and Double Deck Volvo B10M coaches.[3][4] This closed in the late 1980s.
In December 2011, Brazilian bus manufacturer Marcopolo acquired a 75% shareholding.[5] In April 2014 this was increased to 100%.[6]
Manufacturing facilities
Current factories:
Dandenong, Victoria (VG) completed Volgren's first bus in October 1979[7]
Malaysia, a substantial number of buses were fitted with the Volgren bodywork as well. Examples can be found in the capital Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam and Johor Bahru, state capital of Johor.
Nishi-Nippon Railroad bus, Toei Bus, Niigata Kotsu and Nara Kotsu currently operates Scania K360UA6×2/2LB with Optimus body. The body of these buses is 5 centimeters narrower than normal ones.