RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Automakers are preparing over 40 new product launches for this year, among national and imported models. The industry’s bet on SUVs continues to be the prime mover in this market.
The segment is already the second-largest in sales in the country, with 600,100 units in 2019, behind only hatch models, with 753,800 units.
In this category, there are two important innovations. One is Nivus, by Volkswagen, developed in Brazil and which will also be produced in Spain.
To prepare the plant in São Bernardo do Campo (SP) for the start of the Nivus production, the company has recently placed 1,200 workers on lay-off (suspension of contracts) for a period of five months.
The drop in exports to Argentina also contributed to this decision, according to the ABC Metalworkers’ Union.
The German brand has three other confirmed launches, the last of the 20 novelties program started in 2016.
In addition to the Nivus, the GTS versions of Polo and Virtus models and possibly the Tarok pickup will reach the market.
New shift
Another novelty among SUVs is the Tracker, from General Motors, the first of the brand to be made in Brazil.
Produced in Mexico until last year, the new generation of the model is currently in its production stage for tests at the São Caetano do Sul plant, in ABC São Paulo, and led the assembler to assess the resumption of a third work shift at the plant, closed in late 2014, according to the São Caetano Metalworkers Union. GM announced seven launches for 2020.
Ford is preparing eight new products, but the only one so far confirmed is the imported Territory, an SUV that will initially come from China and then may be produced in Argentina.
The company is negotiating with the Camaçari Metalworkers Union measures to reduce costs that could render the production of three new vehicles at the Bahia plant feasible.
The company started the year with no definition of the sale of the ABC plant, closed in October.
Fiat has not disclosed its future number of launches, but the new Pick Ups Strada and Toro are among its bets.
In addition to these novelties, specialized publications mention as promises the new Q3 and the electric e-tron (Audi), the new Duster and the new electric Zoe (Renault), the C5 Aircross and the replacement of C3 (Citroën), the new 208 (Peugeot), the new generation of Fit and Accord hybrid (Honda) and the new Versa (Nissan), among others. From the Chinese Chery, the new Arrizo 6, new Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 will come soon.
Among imported models are the Mercedes-Benz GLA, GLB 35 and the electric SUV EQC, Porsche Taycan, Jeep’s Wrangler Gladiator, the Land Rover Defender, the Kia Rio, and the electric JAC iEV20.