Car Sales Surge 23% in Brazil

Automakers sold 250,600 passenger cars in Brazil last month compared with 203,400 units in October 2011, according to automaker group ANFAVEA.

October registrations soared 37% (to 21,600) for Brazil-made vehicles but dropped 20% to 39,000 imported cars. Imports carry heavy tariffs, and government incentives have cut the price of domestic vehicles about 7%.

Sales of light commercial vehicles last month in Brazil jumped 27% year over year to 76,400 units. But volume for heavier trucks and buses fell 9% to 12,600 units and 32% to 20,000 units, respectively. Total vehicle sales climbed 22% to 341,600 vehicles.

From January through October, Brazil's sales rose 9% for cars (2.4 million units) and 2% for light commercial vehicles (642,200). Total vehicle sales in the 10-month period rose 6% to 3.13 million units.

Production in Brazil jumped 20% to 318,700 passenger and commercial vehicles, ANFAVEA says.