Power Systems Research South America is the leading source of information on engines and power equipment in this dynamic and growing region. We have the broadest and deepest knowledge of South American power product markets available, which provides our customers with the best opportunity for growth. Our local team of industry professionals is supported by our analysts in key markets around the world. Whether you need detailed global data, forecasts or customized local market studies, we can provide you with Powerful Possibilities. Let’s start today.
Volvo has received authorization from the Ministry of Transportation to begin testing its heavy electric trucks in Brazil. The vehicles will be part of a study and will be able to operate in urban areas, metropolitan regions, and short to medium-distance intercity transportation, aiming to evaluate their performance and impact on pavement in this type of operation.
The transport companies ReiterLog and Ritmo Logística will be the first to operate the Volvo electric trucks. Preliminary results from the study, led by Senatran (National Traffic Department), with technical coordination from Inprotran (National Institute of Traffic and Safety Projects), in partnership with Volvo, Prometeon, UNB, and UFRGS, indicate benefits of operating zero-emission CO2 vehicles, such as high energy efficiency, absence of noise, low vibration levels, and increased driver comfort.
In the past three months, the aggregate investments announced by automotive manufacturers in Brazil have reached a total of US$ 14.3 billion. The largest individual investment came from Stellantis, committing US$ 6 billion to the country between 2025 and 2030, marking a record sum among major vehicle manufacturers operating within the nation. A significant portion of this investment will be directed towards the development of flex-hybrid models.
This investment influx began in December, with Renault earmarking US$ 500 million for the production of a new SUV in Paraná, featuring engine variants that blend ethanol, gasoline, and electricity. In January this year, General Motors (GM) unveiled investments totaling US$ 1.4 billion aimed at product rejuvenation.
The agricultural and construction equipment sectors in Brazil are poised for significant growth in coming years, according to data compiled by Anfavea (National Association of Automotive Vehicle Manufacturers) in conjunction with the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics).
A comprehensive survey identified 5.1 million agricultural establishments nationwide, of which 14.5% possessed tractors and 2.4% had harvesters, indicating substantial potential for expansion provided farmers have access to both public and private financing avenues for equipment acquisition.
The Heavy Duty Trailers market has started the year 2024 with a record-breaking January, boasting 7,075 registrations of trailers and semi-trailers. This achievement reflects an impressive 8% surge compared to January 2023.
The exceptional performance of road implements at the outset of the year is predominantly attributed to the agribusiness sector.
PSR Analysis. Notably, the initial months of the year coincide with critical harvest periods for key agribusiness commodities such as soybeans, corn, and sugarcane. Consequently, categories experiencing the most substantial growth in year-on-year comparisons include sugarcane farmers, with an increase of nearly 470%, and bulk carriers, which witnessed a notable uptick of 53%. Optimism pervades the road equipment segment for all of 2024, propelled by favorable forecasts for the industry’s trajectory.PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director Business Development South Americafor Power Systems Research
Cummins Brazil has announced the introduction of the new QSF 4.5 engine, boasting 210 horsepower at 2300 revolutions per minute (rpm), specifically tailored for the Off-Highway segment.
This 4-cylinder engine represents the pinnacle of power density in the Brazilian market. Start of production at the Guarulhos plant is scheduled to begin this April. The QSF 4.5 is a homegrown project designed by Brazilian engineers to cater to domestic market demands. It is derived from the F 4.5 engine used in the automotive sector by Cummins.
Volkswagen announced Feb. 4, 2024, that it plans to invest US$ 250 million in Argentina by 2026. Primarily, the funds will facilitate the ongoing production of the Amarok medium pickup truck, coinciding with the imminent launch of its new generation. Additionally, resources will be allocated towards sustaining the production of the Taos SUV.
At the same time, a new stamping line will be established in Pacheco. The investment also will enable the commencement of Ducati Motorcycle production at the Córdoba unit, which currently focuses on Volkswagen transmissions.
BYD is negotiating to acquire Sigma Lithium, the largest lithium mining entity in Brazil, according to the Financial Times. The potential agreement could be valued at US$ 5 billion (R$ 14.3 billion). Sigma Lithium operates a lithium mining facility in the Jequitinhonha Valley in the state of Minas Gerais. The strategic intent behind this acquisition by the Chinese manufacturer is to secure a stable supply of raw materials essential for the production of batteries to power its electric vehicles.
BYD has expanded its presence in Brazil through the acquisition of the Ford plant in Camaçari (BA). This facility is earmarked for the production of light vehicles. Additionally, BYD operates a manufacturing plant in Campinas (SP), specializing in the production of bus chassis and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PhEV) panels.
PSR Analysis. After Tesla demonstrated interest in the same company, BYD advances its negotiations. It is in line with BYD’s strategy of verticalization and helps to solve one of the strategic bottlenecks of EV production, minerals availability and price. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director Business Development South America for Power Systems Research
In a recent interview with EPBR News Agency, the Chinese carmaker BYD announced its strategic initiative to comprehensively verticalize its electric vehicle production operations in Brazil. This encompasses the entire value chain, ranging from lithium exploration and processing to battery manufacturing, culminating in the production of both buses and automobiles.
Volkswagen Trucks and Bus announced that it will return in January from collective vacations to resume production in two full shifts, marking a return to a pre-April status.
Since April, alternating worker groups have managed the production line and remote work, with workers undergoing training courses during off-duty periods. This measure was essential due to a 37.8% decline in truck production and a 35.2% decrease in bus chassis production from January to October.
From January onwards, production will resume at full capacity, assuming positive market expectations.
Agricultural machinery sales totaled 49,500 units through October, down 11.8% from the same period last year. In October, 4,900 units were sold, a 25.8% decline from 2022 and 17.7% below September.
Year-to-date, 25,400 machines were sold, a 24.2% decrease from 2022. October sales were 2,300 units, down 31.6% from October 2022 and 13.8% from September.
Agricultural machinery exports through October were 7,600 units, down 13.1% from 2022. October shipments totaled 733 units, a 37.4% decrease from the previous year but a 7% increase from September.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Performance cookies are used to adjust the rate of analytic and advertisement tracking (if enabled) to avoid slowing our site down during high traffic times.
Cookies used to track your Internet use and tailor advertisements to your interests and provide the ability to share and like pages on our site with your friends on social media.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.