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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.
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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’…
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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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Ford To Manufacture Ranger Engines in Argentina
Ford has announced the production of 2.0 and 3.0 V6 engines for the new Ranger in Argentina. The engines will be manufactured at the General Pacheco plant, where Ford has been producing the pickup since 2023.
Initially, only the Lion 3.0 V6 engine will be produced in Argentina. In the second half of the year, the 2.0 engine will also begin production in Pacheco. Ford has not disclosed the localization rates for each engine. Previously, the Panther 2.0 engine (170 hp and 41.2 kgfm) was sourced from India, while the Lion 3.0 V6 engine (250 hp and 61.3 kgfm) was imported from England.
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VW To Invest US$250 Million in Argentina by 2026
BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA REPORT
Volkswagen announced Feb. 4, 2024, that it plans to invest US$ 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.
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Argentina Vehicle Production Grew in November
BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA REPORT
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…
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