The Association of Automobile Commerce of Portugal (ACAP) revealed that car production in Portugal recorded a 1.3% decrease in 2023 compared to 2022, with 318,231 vehicles produced.
Despite the slight decline, 2023 was the third best year ever for automobile production in Portugal, only surpassed by 2019 and 2022, according to ACAP data.
“The statistical information for the year 2023 confirms the importance that exports represent for the automotive sector, as 97.8% of vehicles manufactured in Portugal are destined for foreign markets, which significantly contributes to the Portuguese trade balance.”, ACAP said in a statement.
Europe continues to be the leading market for exports of vehicles manufactured in Portugal, accounting for 87.8%, with Germany (18.8%), France (14.0%), Italy (13.4%), and Spain (10.2%) at the top of the ranking.
In December, 19,050 automobiles were produced in Portugal, representing a 36.2% decrease compared to the same month in 2022.
Regarding the assembly of automobiles in Portugal, 32 heavy vehicles were assembled in December 2023, representing a 100% growth compared to the same month in 2022.
In cumulative terms, in the twelve months of 2023, the assembly of heavy vehicles showed a 7.6% increase compared to the same period of the previous year, representing 212 vehicles assembled in 2023.
From January to December 2023, 99.5% of the vehicles assembled in Portugal were exported, representing 211 units. Germany (50.2%) and the United Kingdom (49.8%) were the only destinations for these exports.
