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Bus Chassis Production Shows Gains, Downturn Likely
Fabio Ferraresi Brazilian bus chassis production reached 16,200 units in the first half of 2026, up 3.2% year-over-year, but June output fell 20.8% from May and 15.1% from June 2025, signaling a possible reversal in the production curve. Registrations totaled 10,200 units in the first half, down 11.6% year-over-year, despite a June rebound supported by subsidized credit from Move Brasil 2.
Anfavea revised its 2026 outlook downward, projecting 22,500 registrations, 25,000 chassis produced, and 4,400 exports, reflecting weaker demand, high interest rates, public procurement delays, and the electoral calendar.
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AGCO Presents Alternative Fuels Engines
Fabio Ferraresi AGCO has presented new AGCO Power engines powered by ethanol and biomethane for agricultural machinery, developed by its South American engineering team. The solutions target tractors in the 200 hp to 300 hp range and were validated in real field operations, including sugarcane and grain crops.
The ethanol engine uses dedicated ignition and injection systems, while the biomethane version is aimed at farms with access to biomass and biogas production. According to AGCO, the technologies can deliver diesel equivalent performance and reduce CO₂ equivalent emissions by up to 90%. Market introduction is expected in 2027 for biomethane and in 2028 for ethanol.
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Daimler Truck Launches Zárate Plant
Fabio Ferraresi Daimler Truck inaugurated a new US$110 million industrial complex in Zárate, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, reinforcing its long term manufacturing strategy in South America. The facility will produce Mercedes-Benz Atego and Accelo trucks alongside OH and OF bus chassis, while also integrating a logistics center and Argentina’s first remanufacturing operation dedicated to commercial vehicle spare parts. The plant replaces part of the former Virrey del Pino operations and is expected to support both domestic demand and export activities across Latin America.
The project represents the first greenfield automotive manufacturing investment in Argentina in approximately 15 years and follows the operational separation of Daimler Truck from Mercedes-Benz Group in 2021. According to company statements, the site is designed to improve logistics efficiency due to its proximity to port infrastructure and to increase production scalability. Installed annual production capacity may reach approximately 10,000 units.
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