After the storm, the sun always comes out. At least, for the automotive industry this seems to be the forecast. After a first semester in which the polar cold hit, the average temperature in the sector seems to be returning to normal. “We had a 35% drop in that period“, he admits Sebastian Beato, president of the Automotive Dealers Association (ACARA). But June was the month that marked a turning point. “The recovery began, when rates fell, inflation stabilized and credit appeared. With lower financing and rates, the market saw stability that generated consumer confidence. This is how we came four months ago“Adds Beato.
The trend seems to be reaffirmed in the figures: according to ACARA, the number of patented vehicles during October 2024 amounted to 44,126 units, which represented an increase of 5.2% year-on-year. In turn, if the comparison is made against September, an increase of 1% is observed. In this way, the accumulated ten months of the year show a patenting of 355,886 units, 9.9% less than in the same period of 2023.
“At the beginning of the year, I was excited about closing 2024 with a figure that started with 4 but today we are certain that we are going to have more than 410,000 units. We continue touring the country, talking with governors and mayors to also be able to make a contribution to the reduction of stamps and taxes that make this moment even more dynamic. “That is the leg of the table that we are missing, so that we can begin to imagine a 2025 with a market close to half a million patents,” Beato adds.
Protagonists. The terminals are faithful witnesses of this reality. “We close a key year of consolidation and renewal in a market that has been challenging. The company managed to maintain its leadership position in the industry, facing and adapting to significant changes in the economic environment and consumer expectations. Although the first half of 2024 was marked by a profound reorganization of the macro, affecting the sector’s sales with a drop of around 30%, the second half of the year showed a sustained trend of recovery,” highlights Martin Zuppi, president of Stellantis Argentina and owner of ADEFA.
Pablo Sibillapresident and CEO of Renault Argentinamatches the description: “It has been a year marked by significant challenges due to the complexity of the economic context. Our market has not been immune to these difficulties and has been impacted. However, in the second half we have observed a notable recovery. Macroeconomic indicators reflect signs positive, such as the decrease in country risk, the fall in inflation, the recovery of reserves and the reduction of access periods to the MULC. “These advances give us reason for optimism, as they move us closer to stronger stabilization and a sustainable recovery.”
Clue. Financing was the boost that the automotive market received to enjoy the momentum of the second semester. All brands designed their strategies. For example, the French company launched the “Renault Days” program, which offers the possibility of financing and obtaining bonuses for the purchase of its entire vehicle line-up, on its Renault Store platform and through Plan Rombo. On the other hand, Renault Care Service (Renault’s Aftersales brand) also joined the ““Renault Days” with exclusive benefits for its customers inside and outside of warranty, for example, with financing in interest-free installments on different services such as oil changes.
In the Stellantis group, the proposals vary according to the brands. For example, Citroën has offers at a 0% rate for its C3, C3 Aircross, C4 Cactus and Berlingo models for up to 12 months and a maximum of $9,000,000. As for Peugeot, with a 0% rate, up to $8,000,000 is financed for the 208, 2008 and Partner models, which have a list price ranging from $23 million for the first, $32 million for the second and $ 24 million for the van. Fiat, for its part, finances up to $6,000,000 over 30 months at a 0% rate for all versions of Cronos and Mobi, the Fastback version T270, Pulse in Drive and Audace versions. Here, again, the percentage of the financed amount varies depending on the price of the models. Cronos has its most affordable version at $22,268,000, the Mobi is priced at $19,550,000, the Fastback T270 costs $34,824,000 and the Pulse are published between $27 and $30 million.
“At Stellantis Argentina, we continue to focus on strengthening our commitment to innovation and sustainability, always focusing on the needs and expectations of our customers. “Innovation, a fundamental pillar of our strategy, is reflected in the renewal of a versatile and technologically advanced portfolio that encompasses a wide range of products from all our iconic brands.”says Zuppi. And, by 2025, it projects a “growing” market, with the expectation that “sales of new vehicles will exceed 470,000 units in the country.” Sibila is also optimistic: ““We are confident that the end of the year will be positive and, although the challenges for 2025 will be important, we estimate that the recovering market will reach 440 thousand units, even exceeding the levels of 2023.” References of a market that accelerates speed to regain its prominence.
by Marcelo Alfano
