São Paulo – The Brazilian auto industry has become, in the first half of this year, the sixth largest in the world in terms of units produced, exceeding France. According to a balance sheet published by the National Association of Vehicle Manufacturers (Anfavea), up to June, 1.89 million vehicles were produced in Brazil, – 120,000 more than France.
According to Anfavea, up to the end of last year, the Brazilian and French positions in the ranking were inverted. In 2007, France produced 3.02 million vehicles and Brazil, 2.97 million.
Japan, with 6.06 million units, China, with 5.2 million, the United States, with 4.89 million, Germany, with 3.31 million and Korea, with 2.08 million, headed the ranking. Spain follows right after France, with 1.55 million vehicles.
According to Anfavea president Jackson Schneider, the good economic phase of the country has been boosting vehicle sales and, thus, production. With more formal jobs, abundant credit and demand for vehicles, the tendency is for the number of vehicles produced by the Brazilian industry in the sector to grow further.
In July, for example, the number of vehicles produces and licensed in Brazil broke new records: 320,100 and 288,100 respectively.
*Translated by Mark Ament