With the 22.260 chassis model, Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus (VWCO) expanded its Brazilian Volksbus range with a highly distinctive chassis designed primarily for high-capacity buses operating on urban and suburban routes. The model was developed specifically for use in metropolitan areas with particularly high passenger volumes, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors running on segregated rights-of-way. Its most striking feature is the unusual axle arrangement, comprising two steered front axles and a single driven rear axle (6×2), enabling a high axle load without relying on a conventional trailing-axle configuration. Volkswagen accordingly markets the 22.260 “Super Ômnibus” as a potential alternative to articulated buses.
The buses are powered by a front-mounted MAN D08 diesel engine producing 260 hp (191 kW), meeting the applicable emissions standards of the respective production year and market (Euro III to Euro V or the corresponding PROCONVE regulations). The chassis has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 22 tonnes. Depending on the body specification, either automated or fully automatic transmissions supplied by Allison or ZF are fitted. Designed for intensive urban operation, the chassis features an air-suspended rear axle and a reinforced frame capable of carrying high payloads. Its forward-control cab layout also facilitates engine maintenance. Access to the high-floor buses is provided either by two entrance steps or by raised doorways—optionally on both sides of the vehicle—allowing level boarding from the elevated platforms commonly found on BRT systems.
As is common practice throughout South America, Volkswagen supplies only the chassis, while the bodies are produced by specialised coachbuilders. Principal partners include Caio Induscar with its Apache VIP and Millennium ranges, Marcopolo with the Torino and Viale BRT models, Mascarello (GranVia), Comil (Svelto), Neobus (Mega) and Busscar. This approach enables the chassis to be adapted to a wide variety of urban, BRT and interurban applications.
The Volksbus 22.260 chassis is aimed primarily at major public transport operators in Brazil and other Latin American countries. Its principal users include municipal transport authorities and private concessionaires in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Recife and Fortaleza, where the chassis is employed on both conventional bus routes and BRT systems. In addition, vehicles based on the 22.260 chassis have been exported to Chile, Colombia, Peru, Mexico and several other South American markets.
With the 22.260, Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus reaffirmed its strategy of expanding the Volksbus range with high-performance chassis for high-capacity bus systems. The model combines robust truck engineering with the chassis-and-body construction method that remains the standard throughout much of Latin America.
