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Power Systems Research South America is the leading source of information on engines and power equipment in this dynamic and growing region. We have the broadest and deepest knowledge of South American power product markets available, which provides our customers with the best opportunity for growth. Our local team of industry professionals is supported by our analysts in key markets around the world. Whether you need detailed global data, forecasts or customized local market studies, we can provide you with Powerful Possibilities. Let’s start today.
Cummins Brazil has announced the introduction of the new QSF 4.5 engine, boasting 210 horsepower at 2300 revolutions per minute (rpm), specifically tailored for the Off-Highway segment.
This 4-cylinder engine represents the pinnacle of power density in the Brazilian market. Start of production at the Guarulhos plant is scheduled to begin this April. The QSF 4.5 is a homegrown project designed by Brazilian engineers to cater to domestic market demands. It is derived from the F 4.5 engine used in the automotive sector by Cummins.
Volkswagen announced Feb. 4, 2024, that it plans to invest US$ 250 million in Argentina by 2026. Primarily, the funds will facilitate the ongoing production of the Amarok medium pickup truck, coinciding with the imminent launch of its new generation. Additionally, resources will be allocated towards sustaining the production of the Taos SUV.
At the same time, a new stamping line will be established in Pacheco. The investment also will enable the commencement of Ducati Motorcycle production at the Córdoba unit, which currently focuses on Volkswagen transmissions.
BYD is negotiating to acquire Sigma Lithium, the largest lithium mining entity in Brazil, according to the Financial Times. The potential agreement could be valued at US$ 5 billion (R$ 14.3 billion). Sigma Lithium operates a lithium mining facility in the Jequitinhonha Valley in the state of Minas Gerais. The strategic intent behind this acquisition by the Chinese manufacturer is to secure a stable supply of raw materials essential for the production of batteries to power its electric vehicles.
BYD has expanded its presence in Brazil through the acquisition of the Ford plant in Camaçari (BA). This facility is earmarked for the production of light vehicles. Additionally, BYD operates a manufacturing plant in Campinas (SP), specializing in the production of bus chassis and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PhEV) panels.
PSR Analysis. After Tesla demonstrated interest in the same company, BYD advances its negotiations. It is in line with BYD’s strategy of verticalization and helps to solve one of the strategic bottlenecks of EV production, minerals availability and price. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director Business Development South America for Power Systems Research
In a recent interview with EPBR News Agency, the Chinese carmaker BYD announced its strategic initiative to comprehensively verticalize its electric vehicle production operations in Brazil. This encompasses the entire value chain, ranging from lithium exploration and processing to battery manufacturing, culminating in the production of both buses and automobiles.
Volkswagen Trucks and Bus announced that it will return in January from collective vacations to resume production in two full shifts, marking a return to a pre-April status.
Since April, alternating worker groups have managed the production line and remote work, with workers undergoing training courses during off-duty periods. This measure was essential due to a 37.8% decline in truck production and a 35.2% decrease in bus chassis production from January to October.
From January onwards, production will resume at full capacity, assuming positive market expectations.
Agricultural machinery sales totaled 49,500 units through October, down 11.8% from the same period last year. In October, 4,900 units were sold, a 25.8% decline from 2022 and 17.7% below September.
Year-to-date, 25,400 machines were sold, a 24.2% decrease from 2022. October sales were 2,300 units, down 31.6% from October 2022 and 13.8% from September.
Agricultural machinery exports through October were 7,600 units, down 13.1% from 2022. October shipments totaled 733 units, a 37.4% decrease from the previous year but a 7% increase from September.
After a slowdown in October, Argentina’s vehicle production rebounded in November, reaching 56,500 units—an 8.9% increase from the previous month and 6% higher than November 2022.
Yearly production stands at 573,700vehicles, up 14.8% from the same period last year.
Exports rose 1.5% in the eleven months of this year, totaling 304,000 units. November’s 30,300 shipments increased by 6.4% from October but decreased by 3.1% compared to November 2022.
Registrations for the year reached 430,600, a 10.9% increase over 2022. In November, 35,7,00 units marked a 15% decrease from October but a 15.6% increase from November last year.
PSR Analysis: Although the market is demanding more than in 2022, part of the growth in November is related to more working days, totaling 21, compared to October. The new government in Argentina also helps to improve the popular optimism which impacts positively on the decision to buy a new vehicle. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development-South America, for Power Systems Research
XCMG has signed a letter of intent to invest in Pouso Alegre, in the south of the state. XCMG also plans to invest in the creation of a research and development center in the state.
PSR Analysis: The letter of intent reaffirms the intention of XCMG to gain market share in Brazil, not only on the Off Highway Electric Truck segment, but also in Brazil’s On Highway Truck segment they entered in May 2023. XCMG, the world’s third largest CE producer, threatens CAT, Komatsu and Volvo in the OH Tuck segment and plans to become a player in the On Highway market. It should be noted that XCMG already has a 500,000 square meter plant in Pouso Alegre and probably has enough space to make the investment only for equipment and tools for assembly. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development South America, for Power Systems Research
During the first 10 months of 2023, Brazilian On Highway Vehicle production faced challenges, with an increase in imports of approximately 58,000 units from January to October and a simultaneous drop in exports by more than 52,000 vehicles. The outcome was a stagnation in production, as only 1,950,000 passenger cars, Minivans and SUVs, light commercial vehicles, trucks, and bus chassis were produced. This marked a decrease of 0.6%, equivalent to almost 12,000 vehicles, compared to the same period in 2022, as reported by Anfavea on Nov. 8, 2023.
With a capacity of 53 passengers, Marcopolo’s model, the Audace Fuel Cell, is a road unit. The version of the product made in China that has been exhibited and already approved for Europe, carries the cylinders in the luggage rack. Kent Phang, the Sales Director of Allenbus, partner of Marcopolo on the FC vehicle, says there is also an option to place the hydrogen cylinders over the body. With four cylinders, the vehicle exceeds 500 kilometers, according to the company. With six cylinders it is possible to reach 900 kilometers.
