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.
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.
The São Paulo City Council has pushed back the deadline for CO2 reduction targets for the city’s bus fleet to 2054. This amendment allows operators to continue acquiring diesel-powered buses, contravening existing legislation. The bill now awaits the mayor’s decision for enactment or veto.
Reports came out in late December that workers building a BYD factory in Brazil were working in “slavery” conditions and were potentially victims of human trafficking. Without a doubt, something horrible was going on. How much BYD knew or didn’t know, we don’t know, but the company has now terminated its subcontractor, Jinjiang Construction Brazil.
“Brazilian authorities have halted the construction of a factory for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD, saying workers lived in conditions comparable to ‘slavery’,” BBC reported. “More than 160 workers have been rescued in Brazil’s northeastern state of Bahia, according to a statement from the Public Labor Prosecutor’s Office (MPT).
Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus, in collaboration with Suspensys, has unveiled the VW Meteor Hybrid, Brazil’s first hybrid concept truck. This vehicle features a diesel engine combined with an electric auxiliary axle developed by Suspensys, enabling intelligent traction management that optimizes performance, reduces travel time, and enhances fuel efficiency.
The intelligent traction system allows the third axle to become driven, transforming the truck into a 6×4 configuration when necessary. This provides additional torque for uphill climbs and improved starting power when towing a loaded trailer. Preliminary studies suggest that this setup can decrease travel time due to the extra power.
Additionally, the regenerative system recovers energy during deceleration and in areas with elevation changes, enhancing efficiency and battery storage. The extent of increased autonomy depends on the operation and route. Initial tests estimate that the Meteor Hybrid concept can reduce diesel consumption by up to 10%, depending on the operation’s topography. This directly impacts CO₂ emissions, potentially avoiding over 25 tons annually.
PSR Analysis. This concept aligns with Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus’s strategy for decarbonization, as it can operate solely on the diesel engine during long trips without the need for charging infrastructure. This flexibility is particularly useful for routes lacking charging stations, increasing the operational versatility of the hybrid model. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development, South America, for Power Systems Research
Volvo Construction Equipment has expanded its Brazilian manufacturing portfolio by localizing production of the A45G articulated hauler at its Pederneiras facility in São Paulo. This model, the largest articulated hauler produced by Volvo in Brazil, is now eligible for BNDES’s Finame financing program, that offers attractive rates and favorable payment terms.
The A45G is designed for industries requiring heavy-duty articulated haulers with a payload capacity of 41 tons, such as mining and heavy construction.
For more information on the OEM products market, visit OE Link, the Power Systems Research proprietary OEM products database.
The 35th MOVIMAT show brings together the entire integrated logistics chain for Latin America. Held in conjunction with the 2024 Fenatran International Road Cargo Transport Show in São Paulo, Brazil, the event attracted a diverse range of exhibitors, including buyers from industries such as distribution, wholesale, retail, and e-commerce, as well as the latest integrated solutions focused on Industry 4.0.
Over the five days of the fair, MOVIMAT provided an opportunity to explore new product launches, establish connections, and gain deeper insights into the forklift segment, particularly in terms of production and sales levels.
Notably, there was significant attention on the rapid growth of Lithium-Ion battery technology in the region. The South America Power Systems Research (PSR) team attended the event to learn more about these developments and the companies that are making them happen. PSR
Heitor Greco Aguiari is Analyst – Industrial and Off Highway at Power Systems Research
Fabio Ferraresi Dir. Business Development South America
Fabio Ferraresi holds a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of São Paulo, and he received his MBA in Business Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas. He also holds CMQ-OE and CQE certifications from American Society for Quality. He has experience in automotive business in South America and Asia. He has worked for Eaton Corporation for 12 years in Brazil and China in positions such as supplier development manager, supply chain manager, factory manager and quality manager. Fabio also serves as business development director of Grupo Engenho, a consulting company with activities in business management and Operational excellence. Fabio joined the Power Systems Research team in 2014.
Fenatran is one of the largest transport and logistics fairs in Latin America. It is held every other year in São Paulo, Brazil. This year it was held Nov. 4 – 8 and, as usual, introduced significant launches in the road transport sector, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and connectivity.
This year’s edition featured 600 exhibitors, including 74 new brands, spread across an area of over 100,000 m²; more than 60,000 people attended. The Power Systems Research team in South America visited the show to monitor trends
Randon showcased its innovations at two major global mobility fairs. At the IANA Intermodal Expo in the U.S., it celebrated delivering its first container chassis semi-trailer with the e-Sys system to the North American market. This sale was made through its subsidiary, Hercules Chassis, to South Carolina Port Authorities. Randon also participated in the IAA Transportation fair in Germany, where it focused on expanding exports from its U.S. subsidiary, especially targeting the African market.
PSR Analysis: This announcement opens doors for Randon to increase its market penetration in the U.S. and possibly expand into neighboring markets such as Canada and Mexico. Success with this technology in one of the largest global markets can also enhance Randon’s brand recognition, credibility, and export potential, especially in regions that prioritize advanced and sustainable logistics solutions. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director Business Development-South Americafor Power Systems Research
Eneva, a natural gas operator, plans to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) for Virtu LNG’s truck fleet, starting in January 2025. This fuel will be used for the logistics and distribution operations of Yara Brasil, a global leader in plant nutrition.
The initiative will begin in Maranhão and is expected to expand to other states. The transportation contract was signed on September 24 at the ROG-e fair, a major oil and gas event.
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