The Portuguese Automobile Association (ACAP) revealed that car production in Portugal declined for the third consecutive month in July, with 18,008 vehicles being produced, representing a 32.7% decrease compared to the same month in 2023.
In a statement, ACAP announced that, in cumulative terms, between January and July 2024, 197,230 vehicles were manufactured in Portugal, which is 6% less than the same period in the previous year.
“The statistical information for the seven months of 2024 confirms the importance of exports for the automotive sector, as 97.9% of vehicles manufactured in Portugal are destined for foreign markets, making a significant contribution to the Portuguese trade balance.”, the statement from ACAP adds.
Europe continues to be the leading market for exports of vehicles manufactured in Portugal, accounting for 85% of the total, with Germany (23.5%), Italy (13.3%), France (10.8%), and Spain (9.1%) at the top of the ranking.
In terms of major regions, the African market, led by Algeria (5.4%), maintains second place in the exports of cars manufactured in Portugal, accounting for 8.1% of exports. Asia is in third place with 3.3% of exports.
Regarding the assembly of vehicles in Portugal, 32 heavy vehicles were assembled in July, representing a 23.1% increase compared to the same month in 2023.
In cumulative terms, from January to July 2024, the assembly of heavy vehicles showed a growth of 76.2% compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching 185 assembled vehicles in 2024.
Between January and July, 52.4% of the assembled vehicles in Portugal were exported, representing 97 units. The United Kingdom (64.9%) and Germany (35.1%) are the only destinations for these exports.