For the second time this year, the total sales of new vehicles decreased again in Ecuador, after the first half of the year in which the sector sold 69,947 units and with a growth of 10.6% it was preparing to reach the record figures of years like 2011 when 70,294 were sold, also in the first six months.

But also segments such as electrified vehicles (electric and hybrid), which this September 9 marks the World Day of Electric Cars, maintain an upward sales curve in the country.

These are the best-selling vehicles in Ecuador in the first half of 2023, almost surpassing the records of 2011 and 2018.

In total, with the latest data on the sector shared by the Association of Automobile Companies of Ecuador (Aeade), August represents a decrease of 7.5% compared to August 2022 with sales of 11,295 units, 910 less than last year.

The drop in August even exceeds that of last July in which the sector sold 7% less compared to the same month in 2022. However, if we compare July and August, vehicle sales increased by 4.9%, according to the same Aeada statistics, which also show a positive cumulative of 5.9% when comparing sales from January to August this year and last year, as 92,145 units were sold in these eight months, 5,146 more than in the same period in 2022.

Here are the top 20 best-selling car and SUV brands between January and August 2023:

Meanwhile, according to Aeada’s analysis, the impact on sales in the light segment (cars, SUVs and trucks), which reached -7%, corresponds to the decrease in demand for trucks. (pick up) which decreased by 16.5%, going from 2,432 to 2,030 units sold last August.

In this segment, Chevrolet leads the way in sales with 6,568 trucks sold, followed by Great Wall (1,865), Toyota (1,498), JAC (1,453) and Ford (1,007).

Here are the five best-selling truck models between January and August 2023:

Political and economic factors, uncertainty and deficits in the sector

In July of last year, the Association claimed that sales were “especially affected by political uncertainty, as the proximity of the presidential elections affected” marketing “in Quito, where an important part of the workforce is in the public sector.” .

For Genaro Baldeón, executive chairman of Aeade, the decline in sales is now due to political, economic and uncertain factors.

According to Baldeón, the new government will have to take measures, and the economic outlook is still unclear. In addition, he assured that early elections have affected the national market and that the problems of insecurity generated in almost the entire country are affecting the dynamics of the market. “Since March, consumer perception has worsened, which directly affects the decision to purchase durable goods, such as vehicles.”

However, he admitted that the automotive sector also faces difficulties in sourcing products and that there are delays in the processes that must be followed when importing vehicles. “Nationalization proceedings and delays in vehicle homologation procedures have affected several car companies,” he said.

Political uncertainty affects new car sales: 10,826 were sold last July, 749 fewer than in the same month in 2022.

In the commercial segment (van, bus and truck), a decrease of 9% was recorded, from 1,427 units sold in August 2022 to 1,297 units in August this year. The truck segment was the most affected with a decrease of 17.4% (from 968 units in August 2022 to 832 in August 2023).

Electrified vehicles maintain the growth rate

However, just like last July, the segment of electrified vehicles and motorcycles were the only ones to maintain the growth trends with which they closed the first half of the year. According to Aeade, 979 electrified vehicles were sold in August, 370 more than in August 2022, representing a growth of 60.8%. From January to August, 7,262 vehicles were sold in this segment, which is a growth of 54.2% compared to 4,710 sold in the same period last year.

While motorcycles, with 17,425 units sold last August, have achieved an accumulated growth of 4% during 2023 to date.

These are the 20 best-selling electrified vehicle models from January to August 2023:

In addition to this increase in sales, some brands are preparing different activities for September 9, when the International Day of Electric Cars is celebrated. For example, the Chinese brand BYD has prepared two Test Drive Experience events that will take place this Saturday: in Quito, the test drive event will take place on Gonzalo Baca Street between Granados Avenue and Los Naranjos Street; and the second will be held on the esplanade of the El Dorado shopping center. Those interested in taking driving tests can register via the website: www.bydauto.ec

Electrified vehicles have grown by 44% in sales and already have a 9% market share

Santiago Mena, brand manager from BYD Ecuador, indicated that the brand is looking for people who will enjoy the experience of driving a 100% electric car. “BYD is the first brand to offer a complete portfolio of new energy vehicles in Ecuador. Our cars win with their elegant design and innovative technology, we have four families of models that cover different price ranges and are designed for different lifestyles,” commented the director of the brand, who arrived in Ecuador in May this year in alliance with Andor Corporation.

The brand, which has four 100% electric models available on the local market, plans to end 2023 with 500 units sold and expand the portfolio by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, regarding the final sales projections of all vehicle segments for this year, the head of Aeade, Genaro Baldeón, analyzed that the automotive market will behave similar to the national economy. “According to growth forecasts for the Ecuadorian economy, it would be 2 to 2.5%, the same as we expect the increase in the automotive sector to be,” Baldeón said.