In February, Argentina sold 42,026 new vehicles, marking a 5.7% decline compared to the same month last year; however, seven of the ten best-selling vehicles were domestically manufactured.
In February, Argentina experienced a notable decline in new vehicle sales, with a total of 42,026 units sold, representing a 5.7% drop compared to February of the previous year, according to the Association of Automotive Dealers (ACARA). Throughout the first two months of the year, 108,480 vehicles were registered, reflecting a 4.9% decrease from 114,086 in the same period of 2022. Despite this downturn, the market is showing signs of stabilization, with sales figures aligning closely with those of the previous year, where the sale of new vehicles had surged by nearly 50%.
Sebastián Beato, the head of ACARA, expressed an optimistic outlook for the automotive market, suggesting that it is gradually gaining momentum. He projected a year with a good level of activity and growth in the sector. The increase in imported vehicle options has not overshadowed domestic production, as seven out of the ten best-selling vehicles in February were made in Argentina. Volkswagen was at the forefront of this trend, leading registrations with 5,808 units, which constitutes 14.9% of the market, followed closely by Fiat with 5,127 vehicles or 13% of the market share.
This scenario reflects an enduring preference for locally manufactured cars among consumers, which may be bolstered by economic factors such as local pricing and availability of domestic models. The balance between imported and domestic vehicles will continue to shape the Argentine automotive landscape, influencing both consumer choices and industry strategies throughout the year.
