Mascarello has carried out a complete renewal of its line of microbuses, presenting the S Family, composed of models S2, S3, and S4. This new collection fully updates the portfolio in the segment and will be exhibited for the first time on the market during Lat.Bus 2026, a sectorial passenger transport event that will take place from August 11 to 13 at São Paulo Expo, located in the capital of São Paulo.
The distinction between the three versions of the family is defined by the intended type of operation. The S2 model was designed to serve urban routes, corporate transport services, and chartering. The S3 is positioned in the intermediate category, seeking a balance between efficiency and comfort. Finally, the S4 is intended for the high-end segment, focusing on executive transport, tourism, and intermunicipal operations.
A less noticeable, but of great interest to fleet companies, change lies in the new structural platform. This platform incorporates what the manufacturer calls intelligent component commonization, characterized by the standardization of parts across the three models, which results in simplification of both assembly and repair processes.
In terms of materials, Mascarello used external components made of DCPD, an injection-molded polymer used in body panels, in addition to a hybrid roof with aluminum application. According to the company, this combination contributes to reducing the body weight and increases corrosion resistance, positively impacting consumption and decreasing vehicle downtime in the garage.
All vehicles in the line are factory-equipped with full LED lighting and have their own light signature. The optical units were designed with a symmetric and modular architecture, allowing only the faulty module to be replaced, which assists companies in managing their spare parts inventory. Additionally, the S Family includes the SmartBrake system, which, according to the manufacturer, makes the braking signal more visible to vehicles traveling behind.
The driver's cabin received a revamped dashboard, ergonomic improvements, and a new control layout. In the passenger saloon, the brand promises to offer more spacious seats, internal LED lighting, new upholstery, and greater baggage storage capacity.
The new visual identity follows the work line initiated in the Horizon project, which was Mascarello's first urban electric bus and was launched this February. Both projects carry the signature of designer João Paulo Cunha Melo, who also collaborated on the development of the Marcopolo G8. Mascarello, founded in 2003 and established in Cascavel (PR), was the first coachbuilder installed in the state. The company did not disclose information about prices nor specify which chassis will receive these new bodies.
Accel India IV (Mauritius) executed the sale of 1.3 percent of its stake in the home services platform Urban Company through an open market transaction.
According to the report filed with the stock exchanges, the Mauritian entity sold 200,000,000 (200 million) shares of the company.
Prior to this transaction, Accel held 94,713,868 shares, representing a 6.14 percent stake in the firm. Following the sale, the company's stake was reduced to 4.84 percent, or 74,713,868 shares.
The disclosure indicated that the share sale took place on August 13, 2026, via the open market. Urban Company's total share capital is 1,542,180,603 shares with a nominal value of 1 rupee each.
An initial investment of $900 million (equivalent to R$ 4.6 billion), made by Alphabet in SpaceX in 2015, reached a value of $94.2 billion (R$ 483.2 billion) by the end of June. This stake made the Google owner the largest individual institutional shareholder in the space company.
According to Reuters, at the close of the second quarter, Alphabet held 551.2 million shares of SpaceX. Even with a subsequent decline in share price, this holding was still valued at $77.9 billion (R$ 399.9 billion), representing about 86.5 times the initially invested amount.
Alphabet had disclosed the original contribution in 2015. Given the value of this investment, the current stake allows for measurement of how much this bet has grown over a decade.
On June 30th, each SpaceX share cost $170.86 (R$ 876.5). At this price, Alphabet's holding reached $94.2 billion (R$ 483.2 billion). However, the following Thursday saw a drop in price, reducing the stake's value to approximately $77.9 billion (R$ 399.9 billion).
SpaceX's IPO also revealed the presence of other major investors. Among the five largest reported institutional holders, besides Alphabet, were the Public Investment Fund from Saudi Arabia, which declared 154.1 million shares, valued at $26.3 billion (R$ 134.9 billion) at the end of June. Hancock Prospecting, controlled by Australian businesswoman Gina Rinehart, reported owning 8 million shares, valued at $1.4 billion (R$ 7.2 billion).
SpaceX was listed on the Stock Exchange on June 12th, with shares trading at $135 (R$ 692.6). On Thursday, the stocks closed at $141.29 (R$ 725.1), registering an increase of 4.7% over the IPO price, but remaining 17.3% below the June 30th closing.
Steve Sosnick, market strategist at Interactive Brokers, commented to Reuters that it is extremely difficult to determine which institutions held shares before the IPO. Sosnick also noted that SpaceX remains among the most actively traded stocks by the broker's clients, receiving a new boost in purchases the previous week after fears related to the end of the first selling restriction period were not confirmed.
In the retail segment, the behavior was distinct. Data provided by Vanda Research indicated that individual investors made net sales of $4.5 million (R$ 23.1 million) on Friday. This marked the first session of net sales for this group since the IPO.
Thus, Alphabet's stake serves as a notable example of the appreciation achieved by an investment made in the early stages of SpaceX.
Representatives from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan held discussions on measures aimed at strengthening cooperation in the field of transport and logistics, as well as improving conditions for carriers.
The meeting took place on August 13th and was attended by a representative from Uzbekistan from the transport and logistics sector. Participants included Bekzod Kholmatov, Director of the Center for Studying Transport and Logistics Development, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Association of International Road Carriers of Uzbekistan, national carriers, and cargo forwarding companies.
One of the central issues was the simplification of procedures for drivers and carriers. The parties considered the possibility of introducing electronic visas for drivers, optimizing payment processes, and improving operations at the Farab-Alat border crossing.
Participants also discussed ways to reduce waiting times and decrease queues at the border. Special attention was paid to the development of transport corridors. Proposals were put forward to create a separate corridor for perishable goods, build a second bridge in the neutral zone, and increase the volume of road and rail transport through the Turkmenbashi port.
Furthermore, the parties reviewed the need to revise restrictions on weight and dimensions, as well as the resumption of direct air connections between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
The Turkmen side expressed readiness to consider the submitted proposals and forward them to the relevant state bodies. Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to continue joint work for the further development of transport and logistics links and the creation of more favorable conditions for carriers from both countries.
