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Interest Rates Hurt Brazil Heavy Truck Production
Fabio Ferraresi Heavy truck production in Brazil fell 3.7% in Q1 2025 versus the same period in 2024, totaling 16,700 units, according to Anfavea. The decline is attributed to high interest rates (Selic), which have limited fleet renewal despite a record grain harvest.
Heavy truck sales also dropped 7% in the quarter, with 13,000 units registered.
OEM Performance – Heavy Trucks: Volvo: 3,900 units sold (+4% YoY); Scania: 3,500 units (−17%), and Mercedes-Benz: 2,100 units (−13.5%)
Despite the contraction in the heavy segment, total truck production grew 8.2%, reaching 31,700 units. The Medium-duty truck segment production was 8,900 units (+28.5%) and the Light-duty truck production was 4,500 units (+10%)
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Mercedes-Benz Sells Sprinter Factory in Argentina
Fabio Ferraresi The Argentine press confirms that Mercedes-Benz has sold its Sprinter factory in Virrey del Pino, near Buenos Aires, to an investment group called ST, led by financier Pablo Peralta.
According to local sources, the sale agreement will be officially late in February. Under the deal, ST will continue producing the Sprinter van under license until 2029.
The transaction does not include Mercedes-Benz’s heavy vehicle production, which will continue at a new factory in Zárate. The sale is linked to the upcoming shift to electric Sprinter models, as the company does not plan to invest in this transition in Argentina.
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Record Motorcycle Production in Brazil
Motorcycle production and sales in Brazil reached record levels in January 2025,. Factories in Brazil produced 166,100 units, a 17.6% increase compared to January 2024 and 34% higher than December 2024. This was the best January performance since 2014, driven by expanded production capacity to meet growing demand. It is estimated that 1.88 million motorcycles will be produced in 2025, representing 7.5% growth compared to 2024.
Strong market demand and increased production capacity continue to drive industry growth in 2025.
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BMW To Produce Six New Motorcycles in Brazil
Fabio Ferraresi BMW Motorrad has unveiled plans for seven new motorcycle launches in 2025, including six models to be manufactured in Brazil. The R 1300 GS Adventure will lead these releases. Recently initiated at BMW’s Berlin plant, its production will begin at the Manaus (AM) facility in early 2025. The model features a new two-cylinder boxer engine delivering 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and 14 kgfm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Its market debut is scheduled for Q1 2025.
In addition to the R 1300 GS Adventure, BMW will produce six other new motorcycles in 2025 at the Manaus plant, bringing its Brazilian portfolio to 13 models. To support this expansion, the facility’s production capacity will increase by 10% in 2025. This follows a 2023 investment of US$ 10 million, which boosted assembly line capacity by 13%. The goal is to increase output by 33%, reaching 20,000 units / year.
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