Brazil’s vehicle exports increased by 49.5% in the first nine months of the year. The country had revenues of US$ 5.85 billion with automobile exports between January and September. In relation to the same months of the previous year, the production volume increased by 25.3%.
The number of cars manufactured in Brazil reached 202,800 units in September, according to information disclosed by the Brazilian National Association of Vehicle Manufacturers (Anfavea).
The volume is 2.4% greater than what was registered in August. In relation to September last year, the increase was of 25.3%.
Exports have reached US$ 709 million, showing a 9.1% decrease in relation to the previous month, but a 16.6% increase in relation to the same month in 2003.
In the year’s accumulated value, exports have reached US$ 5.85 billion, a 49.5% increase in relation to the same period in the previous year.
Employment levels in the automotive industry rested in 98,602 people in September, an increase by 0.8% in relation to August. In comparison with September 2003 the increase was of 6.5%.
GM
General Motors Brazil presented, on August 13, its first “multi-fuel” engine produced in Brazil. The model, an Astra Sedan, with a 2.0-liter, eight-valve engine, may run on petrol, alcohol, a mixture of both, or natural gas.
This is an evolution of the “flex fuel” engine, already produced in the country, and that can run on both petrol and alcohol.
The company prepared an event in great style for the release of the new model. They took one vehicle to Brazilian capital Brasília and introduced it to president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Presidential Palace.
“I liked the car very much. It is very good. You may buy it,” stated the president, according to a GM spokesperson. President Lula entered the car, started the engine, and observed the operation of the fuel management system baptized “Multi-power”, produced by Bosch Brazil.
Luiz Fernando Furlan, minister of Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade, who was also at the event, is already considering the possibility of export.
“We hope to be able to export this technology, as the transport sector has had an extraordinary performance in foreign trade, growing over 30%. This is not only true for passenger vehicles, but also in the area of heavy vehicles and equipment,” stated the Minister.
In the period between January and July this year, Brazilian vehicle exports, which include cars, buses, trucks, and agricultural machinery, have generated US$ 4.35 billion.
Anfavea’s forecast is that foreign trade revenues should reach US$ 7.5 billion up to the end of the year. If confirmed, this figure will represent a 36% increase with regard to 2003.
GM has been operating in Brazil for 79 years. The operation in the country is the second largest operation outside the United States.
Last year, GM Brazil and Argentina joint exports broke a historical record and generated US$ 1.2 billion for the company, a 20% increase in comparison to 2002. Both subsidiaries sold to over 40 countries, including countries in the Middle East and Africa.
ANBA – Brazil-Arab News Agency
