Brazil automotive market shows aging fleet and shifting consumer preferences

The Brazilian automotive market is characterized by an aging vehicle fleet, with the average age of cars in circulation exceeding 11 years. This trend is driven by a significant disparity in sales: in 2025, over 18 million used vehicles were purchased compared to only 2.5 million new cars. This cycle of trading older models for slightly newer used vehicles, rather than new models, prevents fleet renewal.

This lack of new vehicle sales has contributed to issues with odometer fraud. Due to a consumer preference for vehicles with under 100,000 km, it is estimated that seven out of every ten used cars for sale have tampered mileage to appear newer.

Consumer search trends show a split in preferences. For new vehicles, SUVs dominate the market, with the Honda HR-V leading searches, followed by the Ford Ranger and Jeep Compass. In the used and semi-new market, traditional sedans remain most popular, led by the Honda Civic, followed by the Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Onix.