Under neon lights and electronic music, you could see 47 new car models entering the Ecuadorian market, a wide variety of domestic and international brands, of which at least 14 are electric or hybrid models.

The venue is the Metropolitan Convention Center (Bicentenario) which hosts from this Thursday, October 19 to Sunday, October 22, 170 models from 33 brands, including cars, trucks, SUVs and a good range of electric cars.

Suddenly, a picture of a stylized woman with black hair and dressed in white appears on one of the stands. She says, “Hi, I’m Kian, Kía’s virtual advisor.” And welcomes the event where the Korean brand presents five new vehicles. Two are 100% electric (EV9 and Niro EV), and the other three are petrol (regular) New Seltos, K3 and New Picanto. Previously, Kia’s regional president for Latin America, Steve Lee, explained that his brand wants to be at the forefront of sustainable mobility and that sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a way of life.

During the close tour conducted by the main authorities, such as the president of the Association of Automobile Companies of Ecuador (Aeada), Genar Baldeón and the Minister of Production, Daniel Legarda, several vehicles appeared to be covered with upholstery, but when the delegation arrived, they were discovered and the news could be knowing.

So Volskwagen, which made a video tour through the life of this car brand, presented its latest models: Polo Track, Virtus, New Polo, among others.

Changan also presented its latest proposal: the X7 with three rows of seats and a panoramic roof.

Likewise, Renault, Sinotruk, Peugeot, Hyundai, Chevrolet, Suzuki, DFSK, Geely, Mazda, Dongfeng, Cehry, Dodge, Fiat, Foton, Jeep, Ram, Opel, Nissan, Great Wall, Haval, Baic, Honda, JAC, Toyota and Ford were the brands that presented new possibilities.

At the Automundo 2023 fair, several new models were presented. Some of them strive to be more environmentally friendly. Photo: Patricia Sandoval

For his part, the Minister of Production, Daniel Legarda, pointed out that the behavior of car sales is a thermometer of the dynamics of the economy and commented that in the case of his state portfolio, they were working on reaching larger agreements. thus expanding the technological and ecological offer for consumers. In addition, the consumer also benefits from better prices.

In this regard, he recalled that important trade agreements had been signed, for example with China and South Korea, and clarified that a larger supply of vehicles can be expected within them. He explained that the tariffs on these goods will be gradually reduced over a reasonable period of time, so as not to affect the national industry, within at least fifteen years.

For Genaro Baldeón, president of the Association of Automobile Companies of Ecuador (Aeade), this opening brings a message to the effect that: “neither criminals, nor bad politicians, nor bad politics stop Ecuador.” Moreover, for business representatives, the inauguration of Automundo 2023 is an example of the dynamics and role of private activities and the automotive sector in the country.

Baldeón also recalled that the automotive sector generates a turnover of 11,000 million dollars a year and that it represented at least 1,500 million dollars in revenue for the state and the creation of at least 110,000 jobs created by this automotive activity.

Baldeón expressed the hope that there is a policy of openness in Ecuador so that Ecuador would be more present in the world, and so would the world in Ecuador, regardless of the government that is in power. And he hopes more trade deals will be made.