Central/South America
-
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.
-
EU–Mercosur Pact May Reshape SA MHV Industry
The European Union and Mercosur trade agreement started in May 1st and it is expected to affect the competitive landscape of the truck and bus industry in South America, particularly in Brazil and Argentina. The gradual reduction of tariffs and expanded market access could increase the presence of European commercial vehicle technologies and components in the region.
The agreement may lower import costs for trucks, buses, engines, and advanced systems from Europe, potentially accelerating fleet modernization…
-
Yanmar Announces $55.77 million Plant in Brazil
Yanmar has announced an investment of approximately $55.77 million USD (R$280 million) to build a new manufacturing facility in Indaiatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil. The project is designed to expand the company’s industrial capacity in the country and support growth in the agricultural machinery and compact equipment segments.
The new plant is expected to centralize production operations distributed across different facilities and improve manufacturing efficiency, logistics integration, and future…
-
Tax Decision on Buses Is Reversed

Fabio Ferraresi The Brazilian federal government reversed the decision to resume the application of taxes affecting school buses acquired under the Caminho da Escola program, administered by the Fundo Nacional de Desenvolvimento da Educação (FNDE). The discussion involved the potential reintroduction of tax charges impacting the cost structure of buses supplied through the public procurement framework, particularly related to federal and state taxation such as IPI and ICMS, as well as uncertainty…
-
Selic Interest Rate Cut Has Limited Impact
The initial reduction in Brazil’s benchmark interest rate (Selic) is expected to have limited short-term impact on the automotive sector, according to industry assessments. Despite the start of a monetary easing cycle, financing conditions remain restrictive, with credit costs still elevated compared to historical averages.
-
GAC Plans Vehicle Production in Brazil
Chinese automaker GAC has announced plans to establish vehicle production in Brazil as part of its strategy to expand its presence in Latin America. The initiative involves local manufacturing operations aimed at improving cost competitiveness, mitigating import tariffs and enabling greater alignment with local regulatory and market requirements. The company has been advancing its global expansion strategy with a portfolio that includes internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid and battery electric vehicle (BEV) powertrains. Local production is expected to support supply chain development and improve access to financing mechanisms tied to domestic manufacturing, while strengthening the brand’s positioning in one of the region’s largest automotive markets.
-
Brazil Vehicle Exports Rise To Mexico, Fall To Argentina

Fabio Ferraresi Brazilian vehicle exports showed mixed performance in early 2026, increasing significantly to Mexico while declining sharply to Argentina. Growth in shipments to Mexico reflects stronger demand conditions and efforts by Brazilian OEMs to diversify export destinations, while the drop in Argentina is linked to weaker domestic demand, tighter import controls and foreign exchange constraints.
Overall exports remained supported by regional demand adjustments and production planning by automakers,…
-
VW Tukan Is Brand’s First Flex Hybrid Vehicle
Volkswagen confirmed that the upcoming Tukan compact SUV will be its first flex fuel hybrid vehicle developed for Brazil. The model will combine a hybrid powertrain with a flex fuel ICE capable of running on gasoline and ethanol, aligned with local decarbonization strategies and Brazil’s biofuel infrastructure.
The vehicle is expected to be produced locally and positioned in the compact SUV segment, supporting Volkswagen’s regional electrification roadmap. The launch reinforces the company’s focus on hybridization technologies adapted to Brazilian market conditions and regulatory trends.
-
Schwing Stetter Starts Production of Concrete Mixers
Schwing Stetter has started automated production of concrete mixer trucks in Brazil, implementing new manufacturing technologies to increase productivity, quality consistency and operational efficiency.
The initiative includes automation systems across assembly processes and aims to strengthen the company’s local manufacturing footprint in response to demand in the construction sector. The move supports domestic supply capability and aligns with broader industry trends toward digitalization and advanced…
-
Brazil 2026 Truck Sales Drop Sharply in January
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.
OE Link™ Offers
Model Level Detail
Discover how our OE Link™ database can help you expand your markets.
TPI
PSR Truck Production Index
Free quarterly global commercial vehicle production report.
Alternative Power Report
The latest EV and power source news including batteries and fuel cells with analysis by PSR experts.
OE Link™ Offers
Model Detail by Segment
OE Link™ database delivers OEM products in 13 industry segments, including Agricultural, Construction, Industrial, and Commercial Vehicles.
PowerTALK News
Stay informed each month with insights from Power Systems Research’s analysts working around the world as they identify and comment on important news items in the company’s monthly newsletter.
Subscribe View Archive
DataPoint Reports
- North America 2026 Crawler Production
- North America Aerators Production
- North America Snowblower Production
- North America Tractor Production
OE Link™ Offers
Global Coverage
OE Link™ database provides OEM products, both On-Road and Off-Road, in 12 regions.
Show Reports
- CONEXPO – Summary Report
- CONEXPO 2026 Shows Hybrid Power Gear
- South America Paving Expo 2025 Sets Records
Current Reports
Download complimentary reports that show the type of information available from Power Systems Research.
PowerTALK News
Stay informed each month with insights from Power Systems Research analysts working around the world as they identify and comment on important news items in the company’s monthly newsletter.
Subscribe