01/07/2026 16:28 - Economia
The Argentine automotive market experienced a challenging June with 45,995 units registered (known locally as "patentamientos"), representing a 12.8% decline compared to the 52,730 units from June 2025. The cumulative total for the first semester of 2026 reached 294,181 units, a 9.9% decrease from the 326,549 units registered during the same period last year.
However, Sebastián Beato, president of ACARA (Asociación de Concesionarios de Automotores de la República Argentina - the Argentine Association of Automobile Dealerships), expressed optimism by noting that recovery signals are already visible for the second half of the year.
| Rank | Model | June Units | 2026 Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Toyota Hilux Pickup Leader | 3,002 | 15,549 |
| 2nd | Fiat Cronos Sedan | 1,900 | - |
| 3rd | Ford Ranger Pickup | 1,786 | 10,398 |
| 4th | Ford Territory SUV Leader | 1,584 | 10,592 |
| 5th | Volkswagen Amarok | 1,229 | 8,088 |
| 6th | Volkswagen Tera New Entry | 1,131 | 8,240 |
| 7th | Chevrolet Tracker | 1,113 | 7,603 |
| 8th | Peugeot 208 | 1,089 | 11,470 |
| 9th | Toyota Yaris Cross | 1,075 | 4,479 |
| 10th | Chevrolet Onix | 1,073 | 7,210 |
From the total best-selling models, 6 out of 10 are manufactured in Argentina, demonstrating the significance of the domestic automotive industry. Argentina has a strong automotive manufacturing sector with plants from Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen, and others.
Imported Vehicles
Domestic Production
Note: Major automotive plants are located in Córdoba, Santa Fe, and Buenos Aires provinces.
Note: BYD's entry into the top 10 marks a historic milestone for Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers in the Argentine market.
The Argentine automotive sector faces a complex economic context, with an official exchange rate at ARS $1,500 per USD and international reserves at USD 47.081 billion. The record trade surplus of USD 11.783 billion accumulated between January and May 2026 creates positive expectations for domestic consumption reactivation.
Córdoba, one of Argentina's most important industrial hubs (similar to Michigan in the US or Baden-Württemberg in Germany), registered 4,772 vehicle registrations in June, representing 10.4% of the national market, with a 2.9% increase from May but a 20.2% year-over-year decline.
ACARA projects a gradual market recovery for the coming months, based on exchange rate stability and economic improvement expectations. The sector awaits measures that could boost financing options for purchasing new vehicles (known locally as "0 km").
Source: ACARA (Asociación de Concesionarios de Automotores de la República Argentina)
Alfredo S. Quiroga
