The recent quota of 50,000 hybrid and electric cars in Argentina has driven a notable change in the automotive market. For the first time, there are no Argentine vehicles among the ten cheapest available.
The government implemented this quota with the aim of promoting electromobility and reducing the prices of new cars. However, a year after the arrival of significant imports of electrified vehicles, the landscape has changed drastically. The quotas for the years 2025 and 2026 applied to vehicles priced up to $16,000 FOB, which translates to approximately $32,000 when sold in the country.
Among the few electric and hybrid models that benefited from this system are the JMEV Easy 3, the MG3 Hybrid+, and the BYD Dolphin Mini. These vehicles have begun to compete in the affordable car segment, gradually and slowly challenging other market models. A year ago, the ranking included eight Brazilian cars and the only two made in Argentina, the Fiat Cronos and the Peugeot 208. Currently, the list has changed to six Brazilian cars, three of Chinese origin, and one from India.
Despite the change in the list, not all the new models that have replaced the classics were hybrids or electric, indicating that the opening of imports has been fundamental in increasing competition. In terms of sales, JMEV has sold 210 cars so far this year, MG3 has reached 1,121, and the Dolphin Mini 2,836, totaling 4,167 units that were not previously on the market.
On the other hand, some models from Asia are entering the market without the benefit of preferential tariffs and are positioned among the cheapest on the market. The gasoline MG3 currently occupies the seventh place in cost, while the Kaiyi X3 model sits in the eighth position, demonstrating that even cars without tariff exemptions can effectively compete on price.
National manufacturers have seen their sales decline, even though the most popular models continue to lead sales. However, the downturn in sales, especially of models like the Renault Kwid and the Fiat Mobi, has highlighted a shift in market dynamics. Price pressure has increased, and some brands have begun offering more basic versions at more competitive prices, implicitly recognizing that previous prices were too high. The situation has also been described by the president of Prestige Auto, Daniel Herrero, who emphasized that while it is not necessary to protect the national industry, it is essential to have equitable tools for competition.
Source: www.infobae.com
