Tag Archives: South America

News

Chevrolet Previews New Budget-Friendly SUV for South America

Chevrolet is preparing to expand its footprint in South America’s competitive compact SUV market with a brand-new model set to debut in 2026. Although the name remains under wraps, the automaker has offered an early glimpse of the upcoming vehicle—a small SUV designed to cater to budget-conscious buyers across the region.

The model will be produced at Chevrolet’s Gravataí plant in Brazil, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The launch forms part of a broader R$1.2 billion (approximately $215.5 million USD) investment initiative announced in 2024. The funds are being used to modernize the Gravataí facility, positioning it as a key hub for Chevrolet’s next generation of affordable vehicles.

Riding on the same architecture as the refreshed Onix hatchback and Onix Plus sedan—both already built at Gravataí—the upcoming SUV is expected to offer a blend of practicality, efficiency, and modern design. From the teaser image, the vehicle features split LED headlights and a bold, wide grille up front. At the rear, slim LED taillights and a subtle roof spoiler hint at a sporty flair, while the raised ground clearance and more upright proportions clearly distinguish it from its hatchback siblings.

Though Chevrolet has not yet shared performance details, the SUV is widely expected to be powered by a 1.0-liter turbocharged flex-fuel engine producing up to 121 horsepower. Transmission options will likely mirror those of the Onix family, with both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearboxes on offer—driving the front wheels.

This new addition could prove a strong contender in South America’s fast-growing compact SUV segment, offering the styling and versatility buyers crave without breaking the bank. As the 2026 launch approaches, all eyes will be on Chevrolet for more details, including a name, full specs, and pricing.

Source: Chevrolet

News

Stellantis plans to invest 5.6 billion euros in South America

As part of the “Dare Forward 2030” strategic plan, Stellantis Group intends to invest over 50 billion euros worldwide in electric vehicles in the next 10 years, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2038. One of the markets that Stellantis is seriously counting on is South America, where it plans to invest 5.6 billion euros by the end of the decade.

In recent years, China has been a market where many global manufacturers have invested and opened facilities (independently or in partnership with domestic companies) for the production of electric vehicles. However, due to strained relations between Europe and China, regarding state subsidies for electric vehicles exported to Europe, European manufacturers are looking for other places for investment.

Stellanti has chosen South America as one of its most successful markets. This multinational automotive manufacturing corporation holds significant market shares on this continent (23.5 percent), and in Brazil alone they hold almost one third of the market (31.4 percent).

“The planned investments will support the launch of more than 40 new products in that period and the development of new biohybrid technologies, innovative decarbonization technologies in the supply chain of the automotive industry and new strategic business opportunities,” Stellantis announced.

The facility in the Brazilian city of Betim serves as the company’s global hub for bio-hybrid technology that combines electrification with hybrid engines that use biofuels such as ethanol. Expectations are that these technologies will be available by the end of 2024.

It should also be noted that at the end of 2023, Stellantis formed a joint venture with Leapmotor. Stellantis intends to invest €1.5 billion to acquire approximately 20% of Leapmotor. This will be a good financial injection for the Chinese company to improve its sales results in the domestic market but also to expand its business outside of China. The world’s largest conglomerate will have a 51 percent stake and will have the rights to export, sell and manufacture Leapmotor electric vehicles outside of China.

At a press conference in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said: “We have not been so successful in China, so we prefer to rely on a Chinese partner. To win in China, it is better to win with a Chinese company.” This is a good strategic move for Stellantis, with which the group resets its strategy focused on electric vehicles after years of bad sales in China.

Source: Stellantis