Car sales in Chile almost equals 2018 record

The latest report from the Chilean National Automotive Association (ANAC) revealed that during 2021 the sector registered its second best year, remaining close to equaling the 2018 sales record. The union attributed the figures to the best economic scenario.

According to the report, at the end of last year, 415,581 units of cars were sold, which translated into a 60.6% growth compared to 2020, setting up a solid recovery from the complications that the industry experienced as a result of Covid-19 . The year was close to reaching the 2018 mark, the year in which 417,038 new light and medium vehicle units were marketed. Regarding the month of December, the market reported a solid performance, with the sale of 40,776 cars, which represented 45.8% more than those registered in the same month of 2020, and achieving the best December on record.

Faced with this sudden advance, the ANAC commented in its report that “these results are a consequence of the reactivation of different economic sectors and also due to the increase in the vehicle use factor, a means that is perceived as a form of safe and comfortable mobility, not only for the transfer of the family, but also for work tasks, entrepreneurships, small companies or SMEs, which have emerged steadily during 2021 “.

Regarding the preference of consumers, SUVs were positioned as the most marketed, with 174,278 models sold, that is, 41.9% of the units registered during 2021. This favorite was followed by passenger vehicles, which reached 29.2% of the total. Chevrolet was once again positioned as the leading brand in the market, as in the period between 2018 and 2020, reaching this position with the commercialization of 38,657 units and sustaining 9.3% of the total accumulated sales of the previous 12 months. Meanwhile, Suzuki took second place, with 28,943 vehicles sold, corresponding to 7.0 percent. The Japanese firm was closely followed by its compatriot Hyundai, which achieved 6.7% of total sales.

According to the latest report from the Chilean National Automotive Chamber of Commerce (CAVEM), used cars also had an increase in sales last year.

Specifically, the light and medium segment had an increase of 42.2%, compared to 2020. Likewise, the commercialization of trucks increased 42.8%, compared to the previous year. Despite this high performance, the sector expects a drop in the search for trucks.