en.Wedoany.com Reported - As the first half of the year concludes, the Brazilian Automotive Manufacturers Association (Anfavea) has adjusted its full-year forecasts, revealing divergent trends in the light vehicle and heavy truck markets. The association expects the light vehicle market to grow by 13%, reaching 2.88 million units, while heavy truck sales are projected to decline by 6%, with 129,200 trucks and buses delivered. At the beginning of the year, the association had forecast a slight 0.5% drop in heavy truck sales to 136,800 units.
In the first half, heavy truck performance aligned with Anfavea's expectations since the launch of the "Move Brasil" program in January, especially after the recent announcement of its second phase. Anfavea President Igor Calvet stated at the automotive industry performance press conference on Tuesday (7th) that the program has been crucial in mitigating the sustained decline in heavy trucks since last year. However, despite being very popular, it has failed to reverse the trend, marking another year of negative growth for the sector.
Data shows the driving effect of the "Move Brasil" program in recent months, particularly in the truck segment. While sales fell by 31.5% at the start of the year, they rose by 14.1% in June, reaching 9,800 units, compared to 8,500 units in the same period last year. Despite positive monthly comparisons, cumulative sales still lag behind last year. Truck registrations in the first half fell by 10.5%, with 49,000 units sold, while the market absorbed 54,700 units in the same period last year.
Calvet pointed out that, aside from funds allocated for individual drivers, the "Move Brasil" program's funding has been exhausted. Individual drivers have different and slower purchasing behaviors, which should maintain a relatively good registration pace over the next two to three months. He also emphasized that the program's conclusion has not alleviated the challenges facing the heavy truck sector, such as falling commodity prices, high interest rates, credit restrictions, and rising operating costs. These factors create uncertainty and delay new purchase demand.
