Sales of vehicles grow 34% in March
DCI - 03/24/2008
Even though there is retraction in the sales of vehicles in the North American and European markets, the Brazilian car industry keeps celebrating the good growth results. In the first half of March, for instance, 112.5 thousand vehicles were licensed, an increase of 34% compared to the same period of 2007, according to National Federation of Automotive Vehicles Distribution (Fenabrave). The figure is smaller if compared with the first halves of the first two months of 2008, but the survey shows the industrial growth hasn't run out of breath and may get close to the mark of 3 million units sold in the domestic market this year. The forecast of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers (Anfavea) is 2.89 million vehicles. When compared to the first half of February, the sales went up nearly 10%. The heated market caused the industries to invest in the increase of the production. Anfavea estimates the installed capacity may increase by 10% this year, reaching 3.85 million units. And, in 2009, it may reach 4 million vehicles. Altogether, the car makers will invest US$ 4.9 billion this year, a record in the history of the Brazilian car industry. Most of the resources will be aimed at the increase of the capacity. The automotive chain, altogether, will invest nearly US$ 20 billion in three years.