Cars sales grow 31.4% in the quarter
Valor Econômico - 04/02/2008
The automotive industry broke another sales record in the domestic market, which continues heated because of the expansion of the financing terms. The sales of sports cars, trucks, and buses increased 31.4% in the quarter in comparison with last year's first thee months. The sales volume in March increased 20%, despite the Easter holiday. The month had 20 business days. Nonetheless, it was the best March in history in more than five decades of the automotive industry in Brazil, with the licensing of 193.4 thousand vehicles. The accumulated in these first three months sums the sale of 648 thousand vehicles against 493.1 thousand sold units in the first quarter of 2007. It means that 154.8 thousand additional vehicles were put in the market this year compared to last year's same period, which corresponds to more than 20 days of sales. Fiat maintains the leadership, according to the accumulated sales until March, with a 24% market share. Volkswagen was very close, with 23.1%. General Motors' share, in third place, was 20.9% and Ford's was 9.3%. Honda and Renault practically tied in fifth place, followed by Peugeot, Citroen, Toyota, and Mitsubishi.