The automotive industry in Argentina is experiencing different realities. While some dealerships report strong demand for savings plans, leading to shortages in traditional sales, Ford announced a 15% increase in production for 2025 at its General Pacheco plant. Although the company has not detailed which models will drive this growth, the increase aligns with improvements in local and international demand.
On the other hand, some companies in the sector are facing difficulties due to low activity and logistical issues, while others are progressing with expansion plans and increases in production for the coming months. Toyota, Peugeot, and Ford are three automakers that are already projecting an increase in their manufacturing volumes, driven by the recovery of the domestic market and rising external demand.
For example, Toyota plans to increase production at its Zárate plant by 7% starting March 31, which equates to about 12,000 additional units. This increase aims to compensate for the volume lost during the year, affected by logistical problems and delays in the arrival of imported auto parts. To address the high demand for its Hilux pickup, the company has implemented strategies such as working on holidays and recovering previously suspended "credit hours" of production. Additionally, Toyota plans to conduct a technical stop of three weeks in July 2025 to carry out modifications on the production line in preparation for the new generation of the Hilux.
At the El Palomar plant, Peugeot will close the year with an estimated production of 72,224 units and aims to reach 78,958 units in 2025, representing a 9% growth. This increase will be driven by the production of the national SUV 2008, which complements the production of the successful 208 model. In recent months, the company has implemented extended shifts to recover lost volumes due to supply issues.
In summary, despite the challenges faced by the automotive industry in Argentina, some companies are betting on expansion and increased production to meet the growing demand both locally and internationally.