2023 continues to be a record year for the automotive sector, despite the fact that vehicle sales slowed last May due to a 14.2% drop in the van segment.
However, quantifying the first half of the year (from January to May), when a total of 57,819 units were sold, there is an overall growth of 9.4% compared to the same period in 2022, according to the Association of Automobile Companies of Ecuador (Aeade).
These are the new vehicle models that the brands are bringing to Ecuador
However, the sector that continues to grow is the vehicle sector of Chinese origin. According to the trade union data, out of 107 brands available on the market, 52 are Chinese, or 48.6%; and in sales they represent 30% participation. This is reflected in the top 10 best sellers in the first six months in which the Asian giant places four of its brands.
The first Chinese brand to appear on ranking Total sales (cars, trucks, SUVs, VANs, buses and trucks) is Chery, in fifth place, with 2,804 units sold from January to last May. The first four places are occupied by Chevrolet (10,189), Kia (9,565), Toyota (3,972) and Hyundai (2,983).
Shineray in seventh place (2,189), JAC in eighth (2,096) and Great Wall in tenth (1,724) are the other Chinese brands that make up the top 10 sellers.
These are the best-selling Chinese vehicles (cars, trucks, SUVs, VANs, buses and trucks) in Ecuador, from January to May 2023:
Christian Cazar, manager of the Chery Brand, highlighted the brand’s growth in recent years, recalling that from the 2.7% share they had in 2021, they grew to 5.5% in 2022, with the projection of retaining their market share this year. .
“We hope to sell at least 8,000 units in 2023, compared to 5,600 in 2022,” said Cazar, who explained that the brand currently sells a sedan and four SUVs, the latter, according to the CEO, the most important market segment. for the brand they offer Tiggo 2, Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 8 PRO.
Almost half of the 107 vehicle brands sold in Ecuador are Chinese
The importance of the SUV segment, which Cazar emphasized, is also supported by sales, because of the 2,804 units sold by the brand from January to May, 70% correspond to sales in that segment, and 30% to sedans.
In addition, Cazar added: “We are launching new energy vehicles this year, starting with the T8 PRO PHEV, the T7 Mild Hybrid and finally an electric vehicle at the end of the year.”
These are the best-selling Chinese cars and SUVs in Ecuador, from January to May 2023:
What is responsible for the growth of Chinese cars in Ecuador?
Cazar, who is more optimistic in calculating the market shares of Chinese cars, assures that the growth of preferences and sales is due to greater after-sales support provided by different brands.
The trade agreement foresees a gradual reduction of tariffs on Chinese cars until 2038, imported furniture will not be reduced
“The car fleet of Chinese origin exceeds 33% thanks to an excellent value proposition, more equipment, safety, technology and design at competitive prices,” said the Chery brand manager, who noted that the brand is the only one with a lifetime warranty on engines, more than 26 workshops across the country and stock of spare parts exceeding one million dollars.
Another Chinese brand growing in the Ecuadorian market is Changan, distributed by Nexumcorp, which is ranked ninth among the Asian giant’s best-selling brands. In it ranking Overall, with 831 vehicles sold, the brand ranks 19th in sales across all vehicle segments and 14th in the car and SUV segment with 684 units sold.
Tatiana Flores, head of distribution at Changan Autos, pointed out that the brand saw a 66% increase in sales in 2022 with a significant presence in the SUV segment. He added that the brand was also awarded the JDPower Initial Quality Award in China for the second consecutive year.
China supplies components to global vehicle brands, but also imports designs and parts from Europe and the United States for its own.
Like Cazar, Flores also highlighted the growth of Chinese vehicles, in general, in the national market and their advantages. “Today, one out of three vehicles sold in the country is of Chinese origin, and these products are characterized by an offer of interesting alternatives in terms of equipment, technology, design and quality at very competitive prices,” explained the CEO.
Changan sells seven models in Ecuador in the car, SUV and pick-up segments. According to Flores, the brand plans to include three new models and open three new sales points this year.
These are the best-selling Chinese trucks in Ecuador, from January to May 2023:
Meanwhile, the truck segment (Pick-Up) is the one in which Chinese brands are most represented, because of the 20 best-selling brands, 50% are Chinese with a total of 3,793 units sold. This sales segment is led by Chevrolet, which sold 3,769 trucks from January to May.
Source: Eluniverso
Alia is a professional author and journalist, working at 247 news agency. She writes on various topics from economy news to general interest pieces, providing readers with relevant and informative content. With years of experience, she brings a unique perspective and in-depth analysis to her work.
