Sales of new vehicles in Brazil fell 0.38% in January, compared to the same month of the previous year. According to a balance released this Tuesday (3) by the National Federation of Motor Vehicle Distribution (Fenabrave), which represents dealerships, 170.5 thousand units of vehicles were sold in January, including cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks and buses. In relation to December, the drop was 38.96%.
Considering the registration of all segments combined (cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, road equipment and other vehicles), the vehicle market started the year on a positive trajectory, with growth of 7.42% compared to the same month last year, even with one less working day. In total, 366,713 vehicles were registered.
In comparison with December 2025, there was a drop of 25.54%, considered typical of the first month of the year due to the holiday period and the slower pace of economic activity.
For the president of Fenabrave, Arcelio Junior, the sector’s performance in January demonstrates the resilience of Brazilian demand for new vehicles, although the credit environment still faces difficulties due to high interest rates.
“The result confirms that the sector starts 2026 on a consistent basis. Even with fewer working days in the annual comparison, we observed real growth in the market, which demonstrates maintenance of demand”, he said, in a note.
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Motorcycles
The best performance among vehicles continues to be observed in the motorcycle segment, which showed growth of 17.49% in January compared to January last year and a drop of 7.57% compared to December. The growth in the annual comparison, reported Fenabrave, is mainly due to the fact that motorcycles are being sought after for delivery services and also as an alternative for individual mobility.
Another factor that contributes to the increase in motorcycle sales is the increased use of consortiums as an acquisition method. “The motorcycle segment maintains a consistent trajectory of expansion. This is a movement linked to changes in the mobility profile and consumer behavior”, said Arcelio Junior.
Trucks
The truck market started the year with a decline of 34.67% (compared to January), still without reflecting the impact of Move Brazil Programwhich offers credit for the purchase of trucks. According to Fenabrave, the results of this program should only begin to be observed in the coming months.
“The performance of the segment is directly linked to the level of economic activity, the behavior of agribusiness and the cost of credit for purchasing heavy vehicles and, with Move Brasil, we expect a recovery in registrations, mainly among heavy trucks, which represent 45% of the market”, said Arcelio Junior.
Stability
In relation to cars and light vehicles, performance was considered stable, with an increase of 1.64% compared to January 2025 and a drop of 39.17% compared to December.
“Light vehicles start 2026 maintaining the level of activity. The market remains sensitive to financing conditions, but demonstrates capacity to sustain volume”, said the entity’s president.
