11/14/2007 11h28

Maker makes auto parts increase sales to US$ 35.7 bi

DCI - 11/14/2007

The auto parts manufacturers expect to reach the end of this year with record sales of R$ 70 billion (equivalent to US$ 35.7 billion), thanks mainly to the sales to car makers. The forecast is that the total sales to automakers represent 61.5% of the total of the auto parts sector, in comparison to 58.5% in 2004. At the other end, exportations have lost ground and will have a share of 16.1% of the total, in comparison to the 20.9% of three years ago. Another segment that will have a smaller share in the general sales of the sector will be the aftermarket. Those customers will be responsible for 12.5% of this year's total sold auto parts, in comparison to 2004's 13.4%. The calculations are from the National Union of the Industry of Automotive Vehicle Components (Sindipeças). The investments of the auto parts sector will also increase until the end of the year, according to the forecasts of the entity. The total should close the year at US$ 1.35 billion in comparison to the US$ 843 million invested by the sector three years ago. Importations, on their turn, may go from US$ 6.057 billion in 2004 to US$ 9 billion this year. Since exportations are expected to reach US$ 8.9 billion (well above 2004's US$ 5.596 billion), the sector expects a US$ 100 million deficit at the closing of the year. Three years ago, the credit balance was US$ 461 million.