10/07/2026 19:15 - Economia
Did you know that Argentina is the world's fourth-largest producer of mid-size pickup trucks, trailing only behind the United States, China, and Thailand? This leadership stems from a deep local tradition linked to agricultural, mining, and oil activities, as well as strong regional exports.
Currently, 51 different versions of mid-size trucks are manufactured in the country by Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen, Fiat, and Ram. By 2027, this landscape will expand with the introduction of the Renault Niagara and the highly anticipated electrification of the three leading brands: Toyota, Ford, and Volkswagen.
Toyota appears to be the most advanced in this transition. Investments in its Zárate plant are already underway, and the first unit of the new generation is expected to roll off the assembly line in January 2027.
The technology likely to be used is Mild-Hybrid, combining its traditional diesel engine with electric assistance. This approach rules out a 100% electric or plug-in hybrid option due to the massive production volume the plant manages for the region.
Ford has already defined its model: the Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid). Currently manufactured in South Africa for Europe, production will begin at the General Pacheco plant in 2027.
Before this launch, the oval brand might introduce the Ranger Tremor in early 2027, a high-powered gasoline version that will also be manufactured locally.
VW is undergoing the largest transformation: a completely new truck resulting from a Joint Venture with SAIC in China. This required an investment of 580 million dollars.
As announced by the president of VW Argentina, Marcellus Puig, the new Amarok will hit the market in late Q1 2027. It will include a plug-in hybrid version that will replace the current V6 as the most powerful option.
The push for electrification not only modernizes the national vehicle fleet but also consolidates Argentina as a key export hub. The Toyota Hilux, for instance, is the best-selling vehicle in 19 Latin American countries, absorbing 80% of the Zárate plant's production.
Source: Infobae
Alfredo S. Quiroga
