Brazil Auto Sector Accelerates: February Production Hits Five-Year High

Brazil’s automotive industry reached a significant milestone as vehicle production surged 14.6% in February compared to the same month last year.

The National Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (Anfavea) reported total production of 217,400 vehicles last month, marking the highest February output since 2019.

Production jumped 23.8% from January 2025 levels, showing strong momentum in the sector. The impressive growth partly stems from calendar differences, as Carnival celebrations fell in February last year but shifted to March this year.

This shift provided manufacturers with more operational days in February 2025. The first two months of 2025 saw cumulative production rise to 392,900 vehicles, a robust 14.8% increase from the same period in 2024.

Anfavea projects a 7.8% growth for the entire year, targeting approximately 2.75 million vehicles manufactured nationwide. Vehicle sales also showed healthy gains, reaching 185,000 units in February.

This represents an 11.9% increase compared to February 2024 and an 8% rise from January figures. Total sales for January and February reached 356,200 vehicles, 9% above last year’s figures.

Exports demonstrated even stronger growth, surging 56.4% year-over-year in February. The month-to-month increase proved equally impressive at 67.4% above January levels. The first two months saw 76,700 vehicles exported, a remarkable 54.9% jump from early 2024.

The sector created 528 new jobs in February, bringing total employment to 108,700 workers. This growth contrasts with previous years when the industry faced significant job losses amid economic challenges.

Market dynamics continue to evolve as Chinese manufacturers gain ground, particularly in the electric vehicle segment. BYD secured 81.1% of Brazil’s EV market in January, contributing to the sector’s 24.1% growth. Chinese companies now account for 89% of all electric vehicles sold in Brazil.

Fiat maintained its market leadership with 21.6% share, while Volkswagen strengthened its second-place position at 15.9%. Toyota achieved its highest market share in 18 months, challenging Chevrolet for third position with 9.2% of the market.

Anfavea president Márcio de Lima Leite views 2025 as “the last step before returning to the level of 3 million units sold” in Brazil.

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