The Association of Automobile Commerce of Portugal (ACAP) revealed that car production in Portugal registered a 22% decrease in October, compared to the same month of 2022, with 28,135 vehicles produced.
In cumulative terms, in the first ten months of 2023, 264,174 vehicles were produced in factories installed in Portugal, which represents an increase of 3.3% compared to the same period of the previous year.
“The statistical information for the year 2023 confirms the importance that exports represent for the automotive sector, since 97.8% of the vehicles manufactured in Portugal are destined for the foreign market, which significantly contributes to the Portuguese trade balance,” highlights the ACAP statement.
Europe continues to be the leading market for exports of vehicles manufactured in the national territory – with a weight of 88.7% – with Germany (19.9%), France (14.9%), Italy (13%), and Spain (9.7%) at the top of the ranking.
In terms of major regions, the Asian market, led by Japan (2.6%), maintains second place in the exports of cars manufactured in Portugal, accounting for 5.3% of exports. Africa ranks third with 2.7% of exports.
Regarding the assembly of automobiles in Portugal, in October 2023, 15 heavy vehicles were assembled, representing a decrease of 28.6% compared to the same month of 2022.
In cumulative terms, in the first ten months of 2023, the assembly of heavy vehicles showed a decrease of 7.3% compared to the same period of the previous year, representing 152 vehicles assembled in 2023.
From January to October 2023, 99.3% of the vehicles assembled in Portugal were exported, representing 151 units. Germany (49%) and the United Kingdom (51%) were the only destinations for these exports.
