Market Information 2012 - 2013

Argentina has an automotive and auto parts industry consolidated over 60 years of tradition in the country and ranks second in volume of production in South America.*

The domestic production of auto parts has developed a strong export performance in various sectors of the production chain such as engines, components and transmission. Some of the most interesting segments to generate investment opportunities are stamped parts in plastic, glass, wrought, smelting and some components of the engine and transmission systems. This sector is made up by 400 firms and more than 64,000 direct workers with a 5.5% participation in industry employment.

The most important terminals worldwide have installed in the country to produce and export, centralizing themselves mainly in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Santa Fe. At present, 6 out of 10 vehicles which are manufactured are exported. The main destination is Brazil, followed by Mexico, Uruguay and some European countries.

Figures
According to the Association of Automotive Manufacturers (ADEFA), in the first eleven months of 2011 **:

• 776,359 vehicles were produced (+ 19.3%).
• 471,132 vehicles were exported (+ 15.5%).
• 800,495 units were sold to dealers (+ 27.3%).
• 1 out of 47 people bought a car.
• 1 out of 50 people bought a motorbike.

Positive aspects

• Investment in machinery and technology that positions products in a positive manner on a worldwide basis.
• Highly skilled and experienced workforce to carry out the various steps of production
• Sustained economic regional growth due to the implementation of government programs aimed at strengthening the spare part sector.
• Joint work throughout the value chain.
• Argentina has a preferential access to Brazil, a growing market and major export destination for local industry.

* Source: Subsecretaría de Desarrollo de Inversiones.
** Comparison based to the same period of the previous year