Argentina's automotive market started 2026 with signs of stabilization following a 2025 that was itself a year of recovery. According to data from the Argentine Dealers Association (ACARA), approximately 155,000 vehicles were registered in the first quarter of 2026 — 8% more than in the same period of 2025 — a figure that, while not a record, confirms the positive trend in the sector. The growth of auto financing, driven by falling interest rates and greater exchange-rate stability, was one of the main factors that boosted sales in the early months of the year.
Domestic vs. imported: the sales breakdown
The composition of the market in the first quarter of 2026 showed an increase in the share of domestically produced vehicles, which reached 48% of total registrations, up from 43% in 2025. Local manufacturers — Toyota, Volkswagen, and Stellantis — expanded production thanks to stronger domestic demand and exports to Brazil under the Economic Complementation Agreement No. 14. Imported vehicles, mainly from Brazil, Mexico, and China, accounted for the remaining 52%. The best-selling brand of the quarter was Toyota, followed by Volkswagen and Chevrolet, in line with the pattern of recent years. To explore historical registration data by brand, type, and province, visit our interactive vehicle registration dashboard.
Credit and prices: the market's key drivers
The recovery of auto financing was one of the decisive factors behind the strong start to the year. The reduction of the BCRA's monetary policy rate, which fell from 40% to 29% per year between January 2025 and March 2026, gradually passed through to the cost of vehicle financing. This was compounded by a greater supply of savings plans, which once again became an attractive option for middle-income households with savings capacity but without immediate access to bank credit. On the price side, the deceleration of inflation allowed for greater predictability in vehicle pricing, although prices continued to rise above the general inflation rate in some segments, particularly premium imports. Our inflation and relative prices dashboard tracks how vehicle prices have evolved relative to overall inflation.
The outlook for the rest of 2026 is moderately optimistic: macroeconomic stability, improved real wages, and greater credit availability create a favorable environment for the sector, although the purchasing power of most Argentines remains the main structural constraint on the market.
Sources: ACARA (Argentine Dealers Association), ADEFA (Automobile Manufacturers Association), BCRA.
