Brazil automotive market: Electric truck sales fall as VW updates Tera SUV

The Brazilian automotive market is seeing divergent trends in electrification and SUV updates. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), sales of electric trucks in Brazil fell 23% in the first half of 2026, dropping from 219 units in early 2025 to 168. This decline contrasts with the broader zero-emission heavy vehicle market, which grew 42%, driven largely by buses. Electric trucks currently hold a minimal 0.4% share of total truck sales, with the market dominated by Chinese manufacturers JAC and Foton, which together accounted for 86% of light and medium electric truck sales.

In the passenger vehicle segment, Volkswagen has announced updates for the 2027 Tera SUV. The Comfort and High versions will transition from the 170 TSI engine to the 200 TSI motor, increasing power from 116 cv to 128 cv and torque from 16.8 kgfm to 20.4 kgfm. Additionally, the automatic six-speed transmission is being replaced by an eight-speed AQ300 gearbox. Prices for the updated 2027 models range from R$ 134,790 for the Comfort version to R$ 147,190 for the High version.