First quarter 2019 vehicle sales in Brazil improved 11.4% compared to the same period last year, reaching 607,600 registered units versus 545,500 in 2018.

In March alone, the sales tally was 209,200 vehicles, a monthly growth of 5.3%, outselling February’s 198,600, and up 0.9% on March 2018’s 207,400.

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March had two fewer selling days due to the annual Mardi Gras festivities yet the month’s average daily sales topped 11,000 cars for the best March since 2014.

This reflected the boost the auto industry gave to Brazil’s economic recovery. According to a Central Bank report, the auto sector contributed to the growth of industrial activity by a third in 2017 and 2018 plus a quarter of GDP improvement.

As for motor vehicle production, the tally so far in 2019 has topped 695,700 units, a 0.6% decrease compared to last year’s first quarter 699,800. In March alone, 240,500 vehicles rolled off assembly lines, down 6.4% on February’s 257,000 and 10.1% fewer than March last year’s 267,500.

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Exports were down due to the poor Argentine economy. The neighbouring country is Brazil’s main trading partner and historically accounts for about 70% of exports. In this first quarter just ended, the figure was 60%. On the other hand, Brazilian made products tripled market share in Colombia.

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Exports for the first quarter were 42% lower at 104,600 units. In March, 39,000 vehicles were sold abroad, 3.7% less than February’s 40,500 and 42.2% short of March 2018’s 67,500.

The first quarter’s most significant launch here in Brazil was the Volkswagen T-Cross SUV, the brand’s first of the kind. It is roomier inside than its European counterpart thanks to being built on the Virtus saloon 104.4 in. wheelbase, and with rear seat air conditioning vents.

A temporary spare wheel is fitted, unlike the European model made in Spain.