Argentina

On May 8, Toyota presented its 2025 Corolla Cross model in Argentina.

The new SUV has two hybrid versions with eCVT automatic transmission, one with 1.8 SEG and another with 1.8 XEI. It is also available in the 2.0-liter ICE version and 10-speed  Direct Shift CVT transmission, offering up to 171 hp and 203 Nm of torque.

With respect to safety, starting with the XEI version the vehicle will have blind spot alert, rear traffic alert and brake assist system, in addition to the Toyota Safety Sense active safety package, which all versions have.

This vehicle is the first one in Argentina using Toyota’s global identity “Beyond Zero” to achieve carbon neutrality.

This model is already available in Toyota’s website for purchase.

(Toyota Argentina press release on May 8, 2024)

On May 6, Argentina’s Association of Automobile Manufacturers (ADEFA) announced that wholesale sales of 22,450 vehicles in April were down 25.6% from March sales, and down 33.6% from April 2023.

Of those vehicles sold in April, 15,332 were passenger cars, 27.3% less than last April, and 7,118 were commercial vehicles, 44.0% less than last April.

Argentina’s production of 42,974 units in April was down 0.4% from March, and down 21.0% from April 2023.

Of those vehicles produced in April, 19,006 were passenger cars, 28.1% less than last year, and 23,968 were commercial vehicles, 14.3% less than in same period last year.

In April, 20,611 vehicles were exported, 12.2% less than in March, and down 32.9% from last year.

Of those vehicles exported in April, 8,522 were passenger cars, 41.7% less than last year, and 12,089 were commercial vehicles, 25.0% less than same month last year.

For the currently accumulated months of 2024, Brazil received 68.4% of Argentina’s exports, Central American countries received 13.0%, Peru received 4.3%, Chile received 3.9%, Colombia received 3.6%, Paraguay received 1.8%, Uruguay received 1.6%, Mexico received 1.6%, and Ecuador received 0.5%.

(ADEFA release on May 6, 2024)

On April 26, it was announced that the Stellantis plant in Ferreyra, Argentina, will stop operations for one week, starting on April 29 and resuming operations on May 6, 2024.

Stellantis did not comment on the reason for the temporary suspension of operations at the plant, but it is speculated that it could be anything from excess stock due to a drop in sales to supply problems, as has happened with other automakers in the country.

(Motor1 on April 26, 2024)