The autonomy is no longer a problem: they launch a hybrid SUV that is sold in installments at zero rate and can go 900 km on a single charge

Chinese automotive manufacturers are increasingly turning their attention to South America, viewing the continent as a strategic hub for growth and expansion. This trend has been marked by the establishment of manufacturing plants in key markets such as Brazil and Argentina, reflecting a broader strategy aimed at strengthening regional presence and increasing production capacity. These moves come amid growing demand for electric vehicles and hybrid technologies, which Chinese automakers have positioned themselves to supply with competitive pricing, advanced technology, and robust safety features. The push into South America began several years ago, with companies like Chery being among the earliest to establish a footprint in the region. In 2014, Chery opened its production and assembly plant in Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil, producing models intended for both the Brazilian market and other parts of Latin America. More recently, another major player, Great Wall Motor (GWM), launched its operations in Brazil with the inauguration of its factory in Iracemápolis, São Paulo, on August 16, 2025. The facility commenced production of the Haval H6 GT with an initial annual output of 50,000 units, with plans to scale up to 100,000 units per year and transform it into an export hub for South America. Following this, BYD made headlines with the opening of its first plant in Brazil on October 9, 2025, in Camaçari. The investment amounted to $1.1 billion, and the plant produces three models tailored for the regional market: the BYD Dolphin Mini (marketed as Dolphin Surf in some countries), the hybrid sedan King, and the SUV Song Pro. This move underscores the growing importance of Brazil as a center for Chinese automotive manufacturing in the region. Other Chinese automakers are either already active or planning to enter the South American market. Omoda & Jaecoo (O&J), part of the Chery Group, announced plans to begin production in Argentina, though specific details regarding the location and whether the plant will be built from scratch or utilize existing infrastructure remain unclear. Additionally, O&J has acquired the former Land Rover plant in Brazil, where the British brand previously produced two models for the regional market. Geely, another prominent Chinese automaker, is set to start production of the hybrid SUV EX5 EM-i in the Ayrton Senna Complex in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil, in the second half of the current year. This initiative is part of the Renault Geely Brasil joint venture, following Geely's acquisition of a 26.4% stake in Renault Geely do Brasil. The company also plans to begin production of the Geely EX2 at the same complex later this year. Meanwhile, MG Motor, a British brand under the ownership of China’s SAIC Motor, continues to operate in Brazil, leveraging its ties to the Chinese parent company to enhance its product offerings and market reach. Beyond manufacturing, new entrants are making waves in the South American market with innovative vehicle technologies. Leapmotor, backed by Stellantis, a multinational automotive corporation encompassing brands like Fiat, Citroën, Peugeot, Jeep, Ram, DS, and now Leapmotor, has entered the Argentine market with the launch of the B10 SUV. This model was unveiled during the Summer Car Show on the coast last summer and represents Leapmotor’s official debut in the local market. The B10 is designed for the C-segment and focuses on extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) technology, offering an autonomy of over 900 kilometers on a single charge. It combines an electric propulsion system with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that functions solely as a generator to recharge the battery when needed. The vehicle features a 18.8 kWh battery, allowing for up to 95 kilometers of fully electric driving before switching to the gasoline-powered generator and fuel tank. The system offers four modes of operation: EV+, EV, Fuel, and Power+, each optimized for different driving conditions and user preferences. Inside the B10, passengers enjoy a spacious cabin measuring 4.53 meters in length, 1.88 meters in width, and 1.65 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 2.73 meters. The interior includes a 14.6-inch floating multimedia screen, an 8.8-inch digital dashboard, a panoramic sunroof with an electric curtain, and configurable ambient lighting. Front seats feature electric adjustment, ventilation, and memory settings, while the trunk space expands from 350 liters to 1,420 liters when the rear seats are folded down. Externally, the B10 comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED automatic headlights, a 360-degree camera, an electric tailgate, and an integrated spoiler. Technologically, it runs on the LEAP OS 4.0 operating system, powered by a Qualcomm 8155 processor, and supports remote software updates via Over-The-Air (OTA) technology. These developments highlight the growing influence of Chinese automakers in South America, driven by a combination of technological innovation, cost-effective solutions, and strategic investments in regional manufacturing capabilities. As more companies establish a foothold in the continent, they are likely to reshape the automotive landscape, offering consumers access to a wider range of electric and hybrid vehicles tailored to local needs and conditions.