The price of new cars fell, and the volume of financing increased in 2025, say B3 and Anef
The automotive sector in Brazil saw significant growth in financing activities in 2025, with new car prices dropping and financing volume reaching historical highs.
In 2025, the Brazilian automotive sector experienced a notable increase in financing, highlighted by 7.3 million vehicles sold through financing options, the highest since 2012. In January 2026 alone, financed sales of cars, motorcycles, and heavy vehicles reached 616,000 units, marking the best January performance since 2008. This rise occurred even with interest rates exceeding 20% annually, demonstrating a strong market demand despite higher financing costs.
According to data from B3, Brazil's stock exchange, the automotive financing market has been robust, with individuals and businesses taking on loans that accounted for 4.3% of the country's GDP by December. Anef, the National Association of Automotive Financial Companies, reported a total release of R$ 284.4 billion for financing various types of vehicles throughout the last year. This financial activity reflects a shift in consumer behavior towards leveraging financing options to purchase vehicles, which has contributed to the sector's growth.
Despite the average interest rate in the sector standing at 21.5% per year by the end of 2025, which exceeds the current Selic rate of 15%, the automotive financing landscape continues to thrive. The combination of lower car prices and a willingness among consumers to finance purchases suggests optimism in the market, which could have broader implications for the Brazilian economy as it reflects both consumer confidence and the health of the automotive industry.