GITNUXREPORT 2026

Argentina Auto Industry Statistics

Argentina's auto industry rebounded strongly in 2023 after a pandemic slump.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In 2022, Argentina's domestic vehicle sales reached 415,789 units, down 8.5% from 2021.

Statistic 2

January 2023 sales: 47,901 units, +28.6% YoY.

Statistic 3

Pickup sales in 2022: 112,456 units in Argentina.

Statistic 4

Passenger car sales 2022: 238,000 units.

Statistic 5

Toyota Hilux was the top seller with 50,123 units in 2022.

Statistic 6

Cumulative sales Jan-Sep 2023: 312,000 units.

Statistic 7

Market share of national production in sales: 85% in 2022.

Statistic 8

Imported vehicle sales: 62,000 units in 2022.

Statistic 9

Light commercial sales: 65,333 units 2022.

Statistic 10

Volkswagen Amarok sales: 28,456 units in 2022.

Statistic 11

2023 forecast sales: 450,000 units.

Statistic 12

SUV sales surged to 120,000 units in 2022.

Statistic 13

Fiat Cronos sales: 42,000 units top compact.

Statistic 14

Q1 2023 sales: 120,000 units, +20%.

Statistic 15

Chevrolet sales total: 55,000 units 2022.

Statistic 16

Renault sales: 48,000 units in 2022.

Statistic 17

Feb 2023 sales: 38,000 units.

Statistic 18

Market contraction 2022 vs 2019: -25%.

Statistic 19

Ford Ranger sales: 35,000 units 2022.

Statistic 20

Average monthly sales 2022: 34,600 units.

Statistic 21

Toyota sales share: 28% in 2022.

Statistic 22

Electric vehicle sales: 1,200 units in 2022.

Statistic 23

Used car sales ratio to new: 3:1 in 2022.

Statistic 24

Nov 2022 sales: 32,456 units.

Statistic 25

Peugeot sales: 25,000 units 2022.

Statistic 26

In 2022, auto industry employed 112,000 direct workers in Argentina.

Statistic 27

Total jobs including indirect: 450,000 in 2022.

Statistic 28

Average salary auto worker: ARS 450,000 monthly 2022.

Statistic 29

Employment growth 2023: +5,000 jobs.

Statistic 30

Women in auto workforce: 15% in 2022.

Statistic 31

Training programs: 20,000 workers trained 2022.

Statistic 32

Unemployment rate in sector: 4.2% 2022.

Statistic 33

Toyota Zárate plant: 7,500 employees 2022.

Statistic 34

Volkswagen Pacheco: 8,200 workers 2022.

Statistic 35

Ford General Pacheco: 5,500 employees.

Statistic 36

Parts sector employment: 65,000 direct 2022.

Statistic 37

Labor accidents rate: 2.1 per 100 workers 2022.

Statistic 38

Union membership: 95% of workforce.

Statistic 39

Shift workers: 60% double shifts 2022.

Statistic 40

Engineers in industry: 12,000 professionals 2022.

Statistic 41

Youth employment under 30: 25% 2022.

Statistic 42

SMATA union strikes: 15 days lost 2022.

Statistic 43

Remote work adoption: 5% in plants 2022.

Statistic 44

Wage increase 2023: 50% negotiated.

Statistic 45

Córdoba auto cluster: 30,000 jobs 2022.

Statistic 46

Temporary contracts: 20% of total employment.

Statistic 47

Health benefits coverage: 100% workers 2022.

Statistic 48

R&D staff: 2,500 employees 2022.

Statistic 49

In 2022, Argentina exported 194,567 vehicles, down 28% from 2021.

Statistic 50

Exports to Brazil: 85% of total, 165,000 units in 2022.

Statistic 51

Vehicle export value: USD 6.5 billion in 2022.

Statistic 52

Pickup exports: 90,000 units in 2022 mainly to Brazil.

Statistic 53

Jan 2023 exports: 20,345 units, +15% YoY.

Statistic 54

Cumulative exports Jan-Nov 2022: 178,000 units.

Statistic 55

Auto parts exports: USD 3.2 billion in 2022.

Statistic 56

Exports to Mercosur: 95% of total vehicles.

Statistic 57

Toyota Hilux exports: 40,000 units 2022.

Statistic 58

Volkswagen exports: 55,000 units to Brazil 2022.

Statistic 59

Import value of vehicles: USD 2.8 billion 2022.

Statistic 60

Ford Ranger exports: 30,000 units 2022.

Statistic 61

Q3 2023 exports up 10% to 50,000 units.

Statistic 62

Parts imports: USD 4.1 billion in 2022.

Statistic 63

Trade balance autos: +USD 2.5 billion surplus 2022.

Statistic 64

Exports to Mexico: 5,000 units 2022.

Statistic 65

Renault exports: 15,000 units 2022.

Statistic 66

Cumulative 2023 exports forecast: 220,000 units.

Statistic 67

Brazil import from Arg: 70% pickups.

Statistic 68

Steel for exports production: 1.2 million tons 2022.

Statistic 69

Vehicle export destinations: 20 countries 2022.

Statistic 70

Fiat exports: 12,000 Cronos to Brazil 2022.

Statistic 71

GM exports: 10,000 units 2022.

Statistic 72

In 2022, investments in Argentina auto industry totaled USD 1.2 billion.

Statistic 73

Toyota invested USD 400 million in hybrid production 2023-2025.

Statistic 74

Installed capacity: 1 million vehicles annually.

Statistic 75

Volkswagen USD 270 million for new SUV line 2022.

Statistic 76

Capacity utilization rate: 48% in 2022.

Statistic 77

Ford USD 150 million for Ranger updates.

Statistic 78

Auto parts investments: USD 800 million 2022.

Statistic 79

Government incentives via RePro: USD 500 million saved.

Statistic 80

New plants announced: 2 in 2023.

Statistic 81

R&D investment: 1.5% of sales 2022.

Statistic 82

Mercedes-Benz USD 100 million for Vito van.

Statistic 83

Electrification investments: USD 300 million planned to 2025.

Statistic 84

Machinery imports for expansion: USD 400 million 2022.

Statistic 85

Renault USD 100 million Santa Isabel upgrade.

Statistic 86

Capacity expansion 2023: +10% to 1.1 million.

Statistic 87

Fiat USD 80 million for new models.

Statistic 88

Tech transfer investments: USD 50 million 2022.

Statistic 89

Sustainability investments: USD 200 million green tech.

Statistic 90

GM USD 90 million for Tracker line.

Statistic 91

Parts localization investments: 60% local content target.

Statistic 92

Foreign direct investment FDI: USD 900 million 2022.

Statistic 93

Digitalization capex: USD 150 million 2022.

Statistic 94

In 2022, Argentina produced 486,657 light vehicles, marking a 12.4% increase from 2021.

Statistic 95

In 2023, total vehicle production in Argentina reached 528,000 units, an 8.5% rise year-over-year.

Statistic 96

Passenger car production in Argentina totaled 344,978 units in 2022.

Statistic 97

Light commercial vehicle output was 127,034 units in Argentina for 2022.

Statistic 98

In January 2023, Argentina's auto production hit 39,845 units, up 28.2% from January 2022.

Statistic 99

Cumulative production from Jan to Sep 2023 reached 386,000 vehicles in Argentina.

Statistic 100

Toyota's production in Argentina was 144,717 units in 2022 at its Zárate plant.

Statistic 101

Volkswagen Group produced 120,456 vehicles in Argentina in 2022.

Statistic 102

Ford Argentina manufactured 85,000 units of Ranger pickups in 2022.

Statistic 103

In 2021, auto parts production value in Argentina was ARS 1.2 trillion.

Statistic 104

Heavy truck production in Argentina was 5,234 units in 2022.

Statistic 105

Renault Argentina produced 62,300 vehicles in 2022 at Santa Isabel plant.

Statistic 106

Cumulative light vehicle production Jan-Nov 2022: 426,000 units in Argentina.

Statistic 107

In 2020, production dropped to 194,000 units due to pandemic.

Statistic 108

Mercedes-Benz Vans produced 12,500 units in Argentina in 2022.

Statistic 109

Pickup truck production totaled 141,645 units in 2022 in Argentina.

Statistic 110

In Q1 2023, production increased 25% to 126,000 units.

Statistic 111

Iveco produced 4,200 trucks in Argentina in 2022.

Statistic 112

Auto engine production reached 450,000 units in 2022.

Statistic 113

In 2019 pre-pandemic peak, production was 570,000 vehicles.

Statistic 114

Fiat Cronos model production: 45,000 units in 2022.

Statistic 115

GM produced 70,000 Chevrolet Tracker SUVs in 2022.

Statistic 116

Cumulative 2023 production forecast: 550,000 units.

Statistic 117

Motorcycle production auxiliary to autos: 500,000 units in 2022.

Statistic 118

Scania truck production in Córdoba: 3,800 units 2022.

Statistic 119

In Feb 2023, production was 44,000 units, +32% YoY.

Statistic 120

Bodywork production for vehicles: 120,000 units 2022.

Statistic 121

Honda auto production: 15,000 units in 2022.

Statistic 122

Total chassis production: 300,000 in 2022 Argentina.

Statistic 123

2022 average daily production: 1,900 vehicles.

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From the hum of factories producing over 1,900 vehicles daily to a workforce of 450,000 Argentinians, the nation's auto industry is accelerating past its pandemic slump, fueled by billions in fresh investment and a resilient export engine.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, Argentina produced 486,657 light vehicles, marking a 12.4% increase from 2021.
In 2023, total vehicle production in Argentina reached 528,000 units, an 8.5% rise year-over-year.
Passenger car production in Argentina totaled 344,978 units in 2022.
In 2022, Argentina's domestic vehicle sales reached 415,789 units, down 8.5% from 2021.
January 2023 sales: 47,901 units, +28.6% YoY.
Pickup sales in 2022: 112,456 units in Argentina.
In 2022, Argentina exported 194,567 vehicles, down 28% from 2021.
Exports to Brazil: 85% of total, 165,000 units in 2022.
Vehicle export value: USD 6.5 billion in 2022.
In 2022, auto industry employed 112,000 direct workers in Argentina.
Total jobs including indirect: 450,000 in 2022.
Average salary auto worker: ARS 450,000 monthly 2022.
In 2022, investments in Argentina auto industry totaled USD 1.2 billion.
Toyota invested USD 400 million in hybrid production 2023-2025.
Installed capacity: 1 million vehicles annually.

Argentina's auto industry rebounded strongly in 2023 after a pandemic slump.

Domestic Sales

In 2022, Argentina's domestic vehicle sales reached 415,789 units, down 8.5% from 2021.
January 2023 sales: 47,901 units, +28.6% YoY.
Pickup sales in 2022: 112,456 units in Argentina.
Passenger car sales 2022: 238,000 units.
Toyota Hilux was the top seller with 50,123 units in 2022.
Cumulative sales Jan-Sep 2023: 312,000 units.
Market share of national production in sales: 85% in 2022.
Imported vehicle sales: 62,000 units in 2022.
Light commercial sales: 65,333 units 2022.
Volkswagen Amarok sales: 28,456 units in 2022.
2023 forecast sales: 450,000 units.
SUV sales surged to 120,000 units in 2022.
Fiat Cronos sales: 42,000 units top compact.
Q1 2023 sales: 120,000 units, +20%.
Chevrolet sales total: 55,000 units 2022.
Renault sales: 48,000 units in 2022.
Feb 2023 sales: 38,000 units.
Market contraction 2022 vs 2019: -25%.
Ford Ranger sales: 35,000 units 2022.
Average monthly sales 2022: 34,600 units.
Toyota sales share: 28% in 2022.
Electric vehicle sales: 1,200 units in 2022.
Used car sales ratio to new: 3:1 in 2022.
Nov 2022 sales: 32,456 units.
Peugeot sales: 25,000 units 2022.

Domestic Sales Interpretation

Even as Argentina's auto market sputters back to life with promising 2023 figures, the enduring dominance of rugged pickups over passenger cars reveals a national love affair with the utilitarian, leaving electric vehicles stuck in the slow lane.

Employment and Labor

In 2022, auto industry employed 112,000 direct workers in Argentina.
Total jobs including indirect: 450,000 in 2022.
Average salary auto worker: ARS 450,000 monthly 2022.
Employment growth 2023: +5,000 jobs.
Women in auto workforce: 15% in 2022.
Training programs: 20,000 workers trained 2022.
Unemployment rate in sector: 4.2% 2022.
Toyota Zárate plant: 7,500 employees 2022.
Volkswagen Pacheco: 8,200 workers 2022.
Ford General Pacheco: 5,500 employees.
Parts sector employment: 65,000 direct 2022.
Labor accidents rate: 2.1 per 100 workers 2022.
Union membership: 95% of workforce.
Shift workers: 60% double shifts 2022.
Engineers in industry: 12,000 professionals 2022.
Youth employment under 30: 25% 2022.
SMATA union strikes: 15 days lost 2022.
Remote work adoption: 5% in plants 2022.
Wage increase 2023: 50% negotiated.
Córdoba auto cluster: 30,000 jobs 2022.
Temporary contracts: 20% of total employment.
Health benefits coverage: 100% workers 2022.
R&D staff: 2,500 employees 2022.

Employment and Labor Interpretation

Argentina's auto industry is a powerhouse, employing hundreds of thousands and paying decent wages, but it runs overwhelmingly on male, unionized shift workers, is surprisingly low on women and remote options, and still manages to lose a fortnight a year to strikes despite near-total union membership.

Exports and Trade

In 2022, Argentina exported 194,567 vehicles, down 28% from 2021.
Exports to Brazil: 85% of total, 165,000 units in 2022.
Vehicle export value: USD 6.5 billion in 2022.
Pickup exports: 90,000 units in 2022 mainly to Brazil.
Jan 2023 exports: 20,345 units, +15% YoY.
Cumulative exports Jan-Nov 2022: 178,000 units.
Auto parts exports: USD 3.2 billion in 2022.
Exports to Mercosur: 95% of total vehicles.
Toyota Hilux exports: 40,000 units 2022.
Volkswagen exports: 55,000 units to Brazil 2022.
Import value of vehicles: USD 2.8 billion 2022.
Ford Ranger exports: 30,000 units 2022.
Q3 2023 exports up 10% to 50,000 units.
Parts imports: USD 4.1 billion in 2022.
Trade balance autos: +USD 2.5 billion surplus 2022.
Exports to Mexico: 5,000 units 2022.
Renault exports: 15,000 units 2022.
Cumulative 2023 exports forecast: 220,000 units.
Brazil import from Arg: 70% pickups.
Steel for exports production: 1.2 million tons 2022.
Vehicle export destinations: 20 countries 2022.
Fiat exports: 12,000 Cronos to Brazil 2022.
GM exports: 10,000 units 2022.

Exports and Trade Interpretation

Argentina's auto industry, while impressively holding a $2.5 billion trade surplus and showing promising growth in 2023, remains perilously dependent on shipping roughly nine out of every ten vehicles, predominantly pickups, to its single, fickle customer: Brazil.

Investments and Capacity

In 2022, investments in Argentina auto industry totaled USD 1.2 billion.
Toyota invested USD 400 million in hybrid production 2023-2025.
Installed capacity: 1 million vehicles annually.
Volkswagen USD 270 million for new SUV line 2022.
Capacity utilization rate: 48% in 2022.
Ford USD 150 million for Ranger updates.
Auto parts investments: USD 800 million 2022.
Government incentives via RePro: USD 500 million saved.
New plants announced: 2 in 2023.
R&D investment: 1.5% of sales 2022.
Mercedes-Benz USD 100 million for Vito van.
Electrification investments: USD 300 million planned to 2025.
Machinery imports for expansion: USD 400 million 2022.
Renault USD 100 million Santa Isabel upgrade.
Capacity expansion 2023: +10% to 1.1 million.
Fiat USD 80 million for new models.
Tech transfer investments: USD 50 million 2022.
Sustainability investments: USD 200 million green tech.
GM USD 90 million for Tracker line.
Parts localization investments: 60% local content target.
Foreign direct investment FDI: USD 900 million 2022.
Digitalization capex: USD 150 million 2022.

Investments and Capacity Interpretation

Argentina's auto industry is revving up with over a billion dollars in fresh investment, yet it's idling in neutral, with factories running at less than half capacity despite ambitious plans for hybrids and new SUV lines.

Production Statistics

In 2022, Argentina produced 486,657 light vehicles, marking a 12.4% increase from 2021.
In 2023, total vehicle production in Argentina reached 528,000 units, an 8.5% rise year-over-year.
Passenger car production in Argentina totaled 344,978 units in 2022.
Light commercial vehicle output was 127,034 units in Argentina for 2022.
In January 2023, Argentina's auto production hit 39,845 units, up 28.2% from January 2022.
Cumulative production from Jan to Sep 2023 reached 386,000 vehicles in Argentina.
Toyota's production in Argentina was 144,717 units in 2022 at its Zárate plant.
Volkswagen Group produced 120,456 vehicles in Argentina in 2022.
Ford Argentina manufactured 85,000 units of Ranger pickups in 2022.
In 2021, auto parts production value in Argentina was ARS 1.2 trillion.
Heavy truck production in Argentina was 5,234 units in 2022.
Renault Argentina produced 62,300 vehicles in 2022 at Santa Isabel plant.
Cumulative light vehicle production Jan-Nov 2022: 426,000 units in Argentina.
In 2020, production dropped to 194,000 units due to pandemic.
Mercedes-Benz Vans produced 12,500 units in Argentina in 2022.
Pickup truck production totaled 141,645 units in 2022 in Argentina.
In Q1 2023, production increased 25% to 126,000 units.
Iveco produced 4,200 trucks in Argentina in 2022.
Auto engine production reached 450,000 units in 2022.
In 2019 pre-pandemic peak, production was 570,000 vehicles.
Fiat Cronos model production: 45,000 units in 2022.
GM produced 70,000 Chevrolet Tracker SUVs in 2022.
Cumulative 2023 production forecast: 550,000 units.
Motorcycle production auxiliary to autos: 500,000 units in 2022.
Scania truck production in Córdoba: 3,800 units 2022.
In Feb 2023, production was 44,000 units, +32% YoY.
Bodywork production for vehicles: 120,000 units 2022.
Honda auto production: 15,000 units in 2022.
Total chassis production: 300,000 in 2022 Argentina.
2022 average daily production: 1,900 vehicles.

Production Statistics Interpretation

Argentina’s auto industry, fueled by a patriotic love affair with the pickup truck and a stubborn refusal to let a pandemic keep it down, has shifted back into high gear, roaring from the COVID pothole of 194,000 units to a forecasted 550,000 in 2023 with the tenacity of a Ranger climbing a muddy hill.

Sources & References

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