The Rise of Chinese Automakers in Brazil: Insights from Recent Dealer Visits

In a detailed exploration of the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market in Brazil, automotive journalist Paul Fosse visited various dealerships in São Paulo representing prominent Chinese brands, including Leapmotor, BYD, Great Wall Motors, and Geely. His findings reveal not only the impressive sales figures of these brands but also their strategic plans for local production and assembly, signaling a significant shift in the automotive landscape.

**Leapmotor** emerged as one of the standout brands during Fosse's visits. Entering the Brazilian market in late 2025 via Stellantis, Leapmotor has quickly established itself with its C10 battery electric SUV and the B10 range-extended electric vehicle (REEV). By August 2026, the C10 captured 51.3% of the large electric SUV sales, while the newer B10 accounted for 23% of the brand's registrations. The B10 REEV, which offers up to 900 km of combined range, was launched in September 2026 at a price of R$179,990. With plans for local assembly in Goiana, Leapmotor is now ranked among the top ten EV brands in Brazil.

Fosse noted that the interior design of Leapmotor vehicles was particularly appealing, striking a balance between modern and classic aesthetics. However, he faced challenges while test-driving the BEV version due to language barriers, which limited his ability to switch driving modes.

**BYD**, another major player in the Brazilian market, has solidified its position as a top-tier seller. In September 2026, BYD ranked fourth among automotive brands with approximately 22,000 registrations, surpassing established competitors like Hyundai and Toyota. The Dolphin Mini, which became the first electric car to break into Brazil's national top three, recorded sales of 9,385 units. Additionally, the King plug-in hybrid surpassed the Toyota Corolla in sales, with 1,666 units sold in September alone. BYD's local assembly plant in Camaçari, Bahia, which opened in October 2025, is the company's largest outside of Asia and is expected to ramp up production from 150,000 to 600,000 vehicles annually.

Fosse's brother-in-law, Mike, who owns a Dolphin Mini, praised its performance and expressed interest in possibly acquiring another vehicle from BYD, or considering the Geely EX2. The Song Pro, another model from BYD, was highlighted for its spaciousness and suitability for families. The Atto 2, a compact plug-in SUV, is also anticipated to perform well in the market, particularly given Brazil's limited charging infrastructure.

**Great Wall Motors (GWM)** has also made significant strides, ranking as a top-10 brand in Brazil. The Haval H6, a flex-hybrid SUV, led retail SUV sales in September 2026 with approximately 6,400 units sold. GWM's local manufacturing facility in Iracemápolis, São Paulo, is projected to reach its full capacity of 50,000 units annually by 2027. The Ora 03, an electric model known as the Ora Good Cat in other markets, has been less successful, primarily selling to affluent families seeking luxury options.

**Geely**, which entered the Brazilian market in 2025, has made a substantial investment in local production, acquiring a 26.4% stake in Renault do Brasil and committing R$5.8 billion to the Ayrton Senna plant in Paraná. The EX5 EM-i plug-in hybrid began production in September 2026, with sales expected to commence in November. The EX2 hatch, launched in late 2025, has become the second-best-selling affordable EV in the country, despite a drop in monthly sales from a peak of 5,800 in August to around 2,700 in September.

Fosse noted that while Geely's vehicles are technically impressive, there is room for improvement in their interior design. The EX2, priced at approximately R$124,600, competes directly with the Dolphin Mini, offering a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers.

The visits to these dealerships illustrate a broader trend in Brazil's automotive sector, where the shift from imported vehicles to locally assembled models is becoming increasingly pronounced. Leapmotor's plans for local production, BYD's rapid growth, GWM's successful sales strategy, and Geely's significant investments all point to a dynamic and evolving market. As these Chinese automakers continue to establish their foothold in Brazil, they are not only reshaping consumer choices but also contributing to the country's transition toward electric mobility. This shift is particularly crucial in a market where public charging infrastructure remains underdeveloped, making plug-in hybrids an appealing option for consumers seeking the flexibility of electric driving without the anxiety of limited charging options.

In conclusion, the dealer visits provide insight into the next phase of Brazil's automotive market, highlighting the increasing competition among Chinese brands and their commitment to local assembly and production. As consumer preferences shift toward electric and hybrid vehicles, these brands are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand while addressing the unique challenges presented by the Brazilian market.