Brazil’s truck market started 2026 in significant decline. A total of 6,379 units were registered in January, representing a drop of approximately 30% compared to January 2025 (9,131 units) and a 34% decrease versus December 2025 (9,765 units), according to data from Fenabrave (National Federation of Motor Vehicle Distribution).
Market leadership in the month was shared by Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus and Mercedes-Benz, each holding around 27% market share. They were followed by Volvo, Scania, Iveco, DAF and Foton.
The bus segment also posted a contraction of about 23% in January. Despite the weak start to the year, Fenabrave projects a 3.5% increase in truck registrations in 2026, with an estimated total of 114,752 units by year-end.
Source: Automotive Business Read The Article
PSR Analysis. The January downturn reflects a combination of high year-ago comparison base and restrictive credit conditions, particularly affecting heavy-duty trucks that depend on long-term financing and higher capital expenditure decisions. The contraction also aligns with typical seasonal effects and cautious fleet renewal behavior at the beginning of the fiscal year. Although the OEM association full-year forecast indicates moderate recovery, market expansion will depend on improved credit availability, stabilization of interest rates, greater clarity in freight demand and the mood of the businessmen with the election upcoming. On the longer perspective, the sector remains in a transitional phase, balancing cyclical correction
