News: South America/Brazil

Stellantis Exports Ram Rampage from Brazil to Europe

Stellantis has begun exporting the Brazil-made Ram Rampage to Europe, marking the first Ram vehicle developed and manufactured outside North America to reach the continent.

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Ford To Build Hybrid Ranger with Flex-Fuel Engine

Ford has confirmed that the Ranger PHEV will be launched in Brazil in 2027 with a market-specific configuration: a 2.3-liter turbo flex-fuel engine combined with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery.

The model, already available in Europe with an 11.8 kWh battery and a 75 kW electric motor, delivers combined torque around 70 kgfm and maintains the 3,499-kg towing capacity of conventional versions. For Brazil, the flex adaptation is expected to raise system output above the 278 hp declared for the gasoline-only European version.

The PHEV variant will be produced in South America—most likely at Ford’s Pacheco plant in Argentina—and will feature exclusive 18-inch wheels, lateral charging port, PHEV badging and the Pro Power Onboard auxiliary power system. Ford will thus become the first automaker to offer a flex-fuel plug-in hybrid midsize pickup in the Brazilian market.

Source: O Estado de São Paulo     Read The Article

PSR Analysis. The introduction of a flex-fuel PHEV Ranger adds a new technological layer to Brazil’s midsize pickup segment, reinforcing Ford’s electrification strategy while leveraging the country’s ethanol advantage. The program also expands regional industrial capability, as the PHEV will join other Ranger versions produced in Argentina.

Although the Ranger PHEV may set a new benchmark for performance and efficiency, its competitive impact will hinge on pricing, battery supply, and customer acceptance relative to upcoming electrified rivals such as BYD’s Shark and the expected hybrid Amarok derivatives.   PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development, South America, for Power Systems Research

Stellantis Produces Dakota Pickup in Argentina

Stellantis has started production of the Ram Dakota pickup at its plant in Córdoba, Argentina, with market launch in Brazil expected for 2026. The model shares its platform with the Fiat Titano, which in turn is derived from the Changan Kaicene F70 architecture, also marketed as the Peugeot Landtrek.

The Dakota will use the 2.2-liter Multijet turbodiesel engine produced in Argentina and will be positioned between the Rampage and the Ram 1500 in the regional lineup. The new pickup reinforces Stellantis’ regional manufacturing integration, as both the vehicle and its powertrain are produced within Mercosur. According to Herlander Zola, the company’s new President for South America, “this launch is a concrete example of how local integration drives regional competitiveness.”

Source: Automotive Business     Read The Article

PSR Analysis. The Ram Dakota marks a key move in Stellantis’ regional integration strategy, combining vehicle and engine production in Argentina to boost scale efficiency and cost competitiveness within Mercosur. Positioned between the Rampage and the Ram 1500, it strengthens Stellantis’ mid-size pickup lineup and leverages shared architectures across brands and partners to reduce development costs. The model also supports Ram’s brand expansion in South America’s one-ton pickup segment, challenging Toyota, Ford, and VW with a more localized and accessible product.   PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development, South America, for Power Systems Research

VW Completes Plant Updates for Mid-compact Pickup

Volkswagen has completed the adaptation of its São José dos Pinhais (PR) plant to produce a new mid-compact pickup, positioned to compete directly with Fiat Toro. The factory, which also builds the T-Cross, resumed operations in October after modernization works and now has capacity for about 125 vehicles per day. The company confirmed that supplier sourcing and integration are already defined, and pre-series units are expected in early 2026, with full production ramp-up to follow.

Source: Automotive Business      Read The Article

PSR Analysis. Volkswagen’s new pickup project aligns with the strong growth of mid-size and lifestyle-oriented pickups, a segment that has been capturing share from heavier one-ton trucks and compact SUVs. By positioning its model between the Saveiro and Amarok, VW targets customers seeking passenger-car comfort with light-commercial versatility, a trend led by Fiat Toro and Chevrolet Montana.

Local production in Paraná enhances cost competitiveness and supply-chain agility, while allowing VW to re-enter one of the fastest-growing and most profitable vehicle segments in Brazil, crucial for sustaining volume and profitability in the post-sedan era.   PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development, South America, for Power Systems Research