Electrified vehicles are accelerating their acceptance in the Ecuadorian market in 2023. Between January and August of this year alone, 7,262 units were sold, according to data from the Association of Automobile Companies of Ecuador (Aeade). In this way, car sales increased from 5% to 8% in the first eight months of this year compared to the same period in 2022.

In it ranking Of this guild by model and brand, the best sellers were Swift (Suzuki) with 1347 units, Corolla Cross (Toyota) with 989 units, Stonic (Kía) with 707 units, X Trail (Nissan) with 560 units. In addition, Tiggo 7 Chery with 496 units, Mazda CX30 (Mazda) with 409 units.

In this way, the Suzuki Swift is one of the vehicles of its kind that “disrupts the market” according to Suzuki CEO Esteban Acosta. This car hatchback It joined the Ecuadorian market this year, as part of the brand’s portfolio, which includes the new Gran Vitara, also a hybrid, and the more traditional Jimny and X-Cross.

August saw the second consecutive decline in vehicle sales this year, although electrified vehicles maintained a 54% growth trend

In addition, he explained that the Suzuki brand, which has been in the global market for more than 100 years, has created important connections in Ecuador. Although the brand was previously marketed through General Motors, two years ago, in August 2021, it was decided to operate it independently. During that time, Acosta assured that the investment injected into Ecuador amounted to about 20 million dollars, including the construction of embassies and the creation of at least 200 new jobs.

Returning to the Swift model, Acosta recalled that it entered the market last January with sales of 150 units, and in recent months it has been moving in the range of 350 units per month.

This vehicle with two engines, one of which is self-charging, enables 30% lower fuel consumption and 30% lower gas emissions. That is one of its attractions.

The CEO expressed that Ecuador is one of the countries with which the brand has a strong connection, especially in the Gran Vitara and Forsa models. He said it was a good decision because he reached 0.7 percent of the market in the first five months of his independent entry into the brand. By 2022, with 2,063 units sold and nine sales points (Suzuki Store), a share of 1.5% was reached.

On the other hand, in the first half of 2023, sales of Suzuki, with the entire portfolio, reached 3%, and the number of dealers rose to 12. They currently have stores in Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca Ambat, Manta, Machala and Riobamba. Four were opened this year alone. In February, in Manta; In July, there were two: in Quito and Machala. And last September 14, in Riobamba.

Suzuki vehicles are no longer assembled in Ecuador, but are now produced in Japan, Hungary, Thailand and Indonesia. The production that takes place in the mentioned countries maintains the standards of quality, technological development, quality, safety and work standards that exist in the parent company, which is Japan.

Brands seek neutrality with electrified models

Meanwhile, the Hyundai brand has also opted for environmentally friendly technologies, reflecting its determination to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

New electric models, presented at the Autoshow 2023, mark the path of their brands towards long-term sustainability plans

For this reason, the brand brought to the Ecuadorian market models such as the electric Ioniq 5 (19th place in sales), the electric and hybrid Kona (13th place in sales) and the hybrid Sonata (17th place in sales). These vehicles represent the brand’s commitment to excellence in technology and design, with a deep awareness of environmental responsibility. In addition to their performance, Hyundai electric vehicles offer an emission-free driving experience, significantly contributing to improving air quality and reducing ambient noise.