Data just released by the Association show that exports fell 9.5% in the quarter when compared to the same period last year.
This year were exported 182,129 units while 201,243 were exported last year. Compared to February exports grew 6.8% (68.581 against 64.233), but they fell 5.3% when compared to March 2006 when 72.404 vehicles were sold abroad.
In March the car companies produced 246,475 vehicles against 203,450 in February (21,1% more). In comparison with the same month last year, the production was 7.4% bigger. Production grew 45% compared to same period in 2006.
Automobile assembly plants are increasing their sales in Brazil at a higher rate than that of auto manufacturing. In March, the assembly plants sold 31.8% more national and imported vehicles than in the previous month (193,450 over 146,765).
The number of units produced rose at a slower pace, although it was also good: 246,475 over 203,450 (21.1%).
Compared with March 2006, the difference between increase in sales and production was even more pronounced. Sales increased by 23.4% (156,788 vehicles were made available for sale in that year), and production, by 7.4% (229,394).
In a comparison between the first quarter of 2007 and 2006, the data showing increase in sales and production, respectively, are: 18.1% (493,146 over 417,559) and 4% (655,226 over 630,328).
Exports in March this year increased compared with February (6.8%, 68,581 over 64,233), but decreased by 5.3% compared with March 2006 (when 72,404 vehicles were exported). In the first quarter last year, 201,243 vehicles were exported, against 182,129 vehicles in the first quarter this year, a 9.5% decrease.