Chinese Vehicle Searches Surge 51% in Brazil as EV Market Transforms

Searches for new and used Chinese vehicles in Brazil increased by 51.4% between March 2024 and March 2025, according to a report released Thursday by Webmotors Autoinsights. The data analytics tool tracks user behavior on the automotive buying and selling platform.

BYD led the growth with a remarkable 134.5% increase in searches, followed by GWM with 88.31%. CAOA Chery, which has Brazilian origins but develops models with Chinese Chery, grew 24.7%. JAC Motors recorded a modest 3.2% rise in consumer interest.

The most searched models included CAOA Chery Tiggo 7 PRO, CAOA Chery Tiggo 5X, BYD Dolphin, BYD Song Plus, and CAOA Chery Tiggo 7. Webmotors Product Director Mariana Perez attributes this trend to Chinese manufacturers’ investments and their products’ strong cost-benefit ratio.

This search trend mirrors broader market shifts. Brazilian passenger car imports surged 46.4% in Q1 2024 to $1.5 billion, with Chinese vehicles representing 40% of this total.

Chinese auto imports exploded by 450% compared to Q1 2023, consisting primarily of electric and hybrid vehicles. BYD established itself as Brazil’s best-selling EV brand with 14,939 vehicles sold in Q1 2024, ahead of Great Wall Motors (5,735) and Toyota (5,049).

Total electrified car sales reached 36,090 units, marking a 145% increase from the same period in 2023. Chinese automakers now position themselves for long-term market presence.

Chinese Automakers Expand in Brazil’s EV Market

BYD constructs a manufacturing complex expected to open by early 2025 with annual production capacity of 150,000 units. GWM postponed its plant opening to the second half of 2024, while Chery retrofits its lines for EV production.

The Brazilian government’s import tax strategy drives this manufacturing push. Previously zero-rated, EVs now face a 10% import tax since January, rising to 18% in July and 35% by 2026. Hybrid vehicles started with a 15% tax in January, increasing to 25% in July and 35% by 2026.

Despite these tariffs, Chinese manufacturers dominate Brazil’s EV market through competitive pricing. BYD initiated a price war by reducing its Dolphin model to R$150,000 ($25,000). The affordable BYD Dolphin Mini/Seagull starts at just $20,000.