Makers have best quarter in the history of the Country
O Estado de S. Paulo 04/02/2009
March was the second best month in the history of the Brazilian car industry, with sales of 271,4 thousand vehicles, including trucks and buses. Compared to the same month of 2008, it was registered an increase of 16.9%. Compared to February this year, growth reached 36.1%. The best month so far is July of last year, with 288.1 thousand cars sold.
Businesspeople of the sector admit that part of the performance is due to the anticipation of purchases by consumers who did not believe the renewal of the agreement for the reduction of the Excise Tax (IPI) on vehicles, which would expire in March 31 and was extended to June 30, as announced by the Federal Government on Monday (30). The measure allows prices between 5% and 7% lower for models with 1.0 to 2.0 liter engines.From January to March, the sales amounted to 668.3 thousand vehicles, an increase of 3.14% compared to the same months of last year and the best result ever gotten for this period. The data, in the view of executives, confirm the forecasts that Brazil would suffer less with the international crisis. In the United States, the sales of cars fell 40% compared to March 2008. The aid received from the Government, that besides the tax benefit included the release of credit for financing, was also essential for the performance.