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.
After a slowdown in October, Argentina’s vehicle production rebounded in November, reaching 56,500 units—an 8.9% increase from the previous month and 6% higher than November 2022.
Yearly production stands at 573,700vehicles, up 14.8% from the same period last year.
Exports rose 1.5% in the eleven months of this year, totaling 304,000 units. November’s 30,300 shipments increased by 6.4% from October but decreased by 3.1% compared to November 2022.
Registrations for the year reached 430,600, a 10.9% increase over 2022. In November, 35,7,00 units marked a 15% decrease from October but a 15.6% increase from November last year.
PSR Analysis: Although the market is demanding more than in 2022, part of the growth in November is related to more working days, totaling 21, compared to October. The new government in Argentina also helps to improve the popular optimism which impacts positively on the decision to buy a new vehicle. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development-South America, for Power Systems Research
XCMG has signed a letter of intent to invest in Pouso Alegre, in the south of the state. XCMG also plans to invest in the creation of a research and development center in the state.
PSR Analysis: The letter of intent reaffirms the intention of XCMG to gain market share in Brazil, not only on the Off Highway Electric Truck segment, but also in Brazil’s On Highway Truck segment they entered in May 2023. XCMG, the world’s third largest CE producer, threatens CAT, Komatsu and Volvo in the OH Tuck segment and plans to become a player in the On Highway market. It should be noted that XCMG already has a 500,000 square meter plant in Pouso Alegre and probably has enough space to make the investment only for equipment and tools for assembly. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development South America, for Power Systems Research
During the first 10 months of 2023, Brazilian On Highway Vehicle production faced challenges, with an increase in imports of approximately 58,000 units from January to October and a simultaneous drop in exports by more than 52,000 vehicles. The outcome was a stagnation in production, as only 1,950,000 passenger cars, Minivans and SUVs, light commercial vehicles, trucks, and bus chassis were produced. This marked a decrease of 0.6%, equivalent to almost 12,000 vehicles, compared to the same period in 2022, as reported by Anfavea on Nov. 8, 2023.
With a capacity of 53 passengers, Marcopolo’s model, the Audace Fuel Cell, is a road unit. The version of the product made in China that has been exhibited and already approved for Europe, carries the cylinders in the luggage rack. Kent Phang, the Sales Director of Allenbus, partner of Marcopolo on the FC vehicle, says there is also an option to place the hydrogen cylinders over the body. With four cylinders, the vehicle exceeds 500 kilometers, according to the company. With six cylinders it is possible to reach 900 kilometers.
Volkswagen has announced plans to introduce a pickup truck at its São José dos Pinhais plant in Paraná, Brazil, currently dedicated to assembling the T-Cross SUV. This new model, referred to internally as Project Udara, is part of the automaker’s €1 billion investment cycle in the country extending until 2028.
In addition to the pickup, the investment includes the development of two flex-hybrid vehicles, a new SUV, and a new engine, slated for production at the Brazilian assembly lines in São Bernardo do Campo and São Carlos.
The forthcoming pickup, larger than the existing Saveiro model produced in São Bernardo do Campo, is expected to feature a flex-fuel engine, with potential hybrid variants. Project Udara is set to be constructed on the MQB platform, and its launch is expected in early 2026.
Mercedes is exhibiting its electric bus chassis eO500U at Busworld in Brussels targeting other markets where the body is assembled over the bus chassis. Traditionally, the exports of Mercedes from Brazil are over 50% of the total production and it targets to expand this percentage with the new BEV, that has WEG drives, BorgWarner batteries assembled in Brazil with imported battery supplies.
PSR Analysis: While the push from São Paulo city to buy only BEV buses in the near future jeopardizes current chassis manufacturers business, it boos the development of BEV chassis and allow exports to other countries. Mercedes runs against the clock to compete with players like BYD and Higher with BEV chassis already developed. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director-Business Development South Americafor Power Systems Research
The Azure A12 BR electric bus, from China’s TEVX Higer, has started operating in the South Zone of São Paulo. The vehicle has been put into use by Transwolff. According to the company, the 12-meter-long vehicle was made especially for the Brazilian market. It has a low floor and a suspension “kneeling” system. This feature provides more safety, comfort, and ease when boarding and disembarking passengers.
The bus has wide aisles and an access ramp at the central door. Thus, there is more accessibility for people with special needs related to reduced mobility.
Initially scheduled to begin Sept. 12, 2023, the auction of the federal program “Caminhos da Escola” was postponed indefinitely. A new date has not been set. The new stage, which provides for the purchase of 163,000 buses was eagerly awaited by chassis and body manufacturers, would have been delayed until 2024 because of the time needed for the production.
The reason is technical: according to the bidding notice published at the end of last month, important chassis manufacturers as Volvo and Merecedes would be excluded from the bidding process due to new certification demanded.
Gerdau, Vamos and Volkswagen Caminhões have formed a partnership to support the national fleet renewal program, aimed at removing from roads vehicles more than 20 years old.
The fleet renewal program provides for the purchase of low emission and more efficient vehicles by self-employed drivers and other operations. Under the plan, 140 acquired vehicles were sent to Gerdau’s headquarters in Araçariguama, which is responsible for their destruction and recycling.
At the same time, an extension for the incentives program of up to 1 Billion Reais, (US$ 200 M) was announced.
PSR Analysis: The total of resources and mechanisms to allow the access to the resources still are not sufficient for the program to impact the market significantly. However, the small inroads demonstrate the desire of Government and private entities to make changes and should impact the market going forward. More deployments and adjustments in the program should come in the medium term. We will keep monitoring and adjusting our short-medium term forecast as it progresses. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director-Business Development South Americafor Power Systems Research
In the first seven months of 2023, manufacturers affiliated with Abraciclo assembled 887,000 motorcycles, up 14.3% over the same period in 2022. Registrations totaled 903,200, up 21.4%, including imports and sales from automakers not yet linked to the association, such as India’s Bajaj and Royal Enfield, which began production in Brazil at the end of last year. The entity’s expectations for 2023 are for expansion of 10.4% (1.56 million units) in production and 10.9% (1.51 million motorcycles) in licensing.
PSR Analysis: In 2011, Brazil produced 2 million units, its best year in the history of the segment. However, this year was the beginning of consecutive annual declines that reduced production to 890,000 motorcycles in 2016. The start of the rebound in 2018 was interrupted in 2020 by the shutdown of factories brought on by the pandemic. The industry finally looked to the future again in 2023 and expects to reach a volume of 2 million motorcycles within five years. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director-Business Development South Americafor Power Systems Research
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.
