Automotive production, in pre-pandemic figures: grew 36.1% in July and closed just 1.5% below 2019

The data was confirmed this afternoon by the Automotive Factories Association (ADEFA) in a new balance compared to the seventh month of one of the most difficult years in the sector, hit in recent times by the sharp drop in sales. 19659002] As of the survey of 21 working days in July, the automotive terminals associated with ADEFA reported a total production of 21,316 units, a figure that implies an increase of 36.1% compared to the previous month, This is explained by the incorporation of new shifts in the factories.

As reported by the association that brings together the largest companies in the sector, the record was below the level of 2019, but only 1.5% . The companies began to reach a similar rhythm to the prepandemic era from the authorization of protocols by the national government and their respective provincial jurisdictions.

It should be remembered that social, preventive and compulsory isolation (ASPO) forced to cease tasks for 40 days in much of the Argentine economy, including the automotive branch. That is why in the annual accumulated of the January-July period, the 107,755 manufactured vehicles represent 41.1% less than in the same time space of 2019.

Another point that shows the impact of the quarantine has to do with exporting units. Although in July the figure grew 39.8% compared to the previous month to reach 9,612 units, it is a volume 51.7% lower than July 2019 (19,913).

In times when the shortage is notorious currency and pressure on the dollar, exports are increasingly necessary. But the potential health crisis forced the Government to prioritize health, obtaining a result that is still uncertain but well on track. This had as a correlate a logical collapse of the economy and foreign trade, also a product of the closure of potential buyer countries.

That is why in the annual accumulated, automotive terminals exported 50.8% less that in the same period of last year : 62,834 vehicles had international destination in 2020, against 127,599 units in 2019.

On the other hand, wholesale sales for July (22,475) closed 5.5% below June and it was 42.7% lower than July 2019, when delivery closed at 39,255 units. “With a total of 145,633 units sold between January and July, the sector registered a year-on-year drop of 35.7% in terms of total sales,” they explained from ADEFA.

Daniel Herrero, president of Toyota and of ADEFA, stressed that at the same time that the sector partially and slowly recovers its dynamic pre-epidemic, it is necessary "to resume joint work with the value chain, unions and the Government with the firm objective of not only addressing the challenges that the post-pandemic situation will present at the international and local levels, but also the technological transformation that is taking place worldwide in the sector. "

At the same time, he highlighted the excellent dialogue with all the actors in the value chain and the Government, the work carried out last year with the strategic vision of the sector for 2030 and highlighted “ the need to continue on this path with the objective of implementing measures that allow the sector as a whole to move towards sustainable development. ”

He also highlighted the meetings they have with the Government, particularly with the Minister of Development Productivity, Matías Kulfas, to work on creating conditions for the development of the entire value chain.

Finally, he highlighted as positive the meetings that were held with the Foreign Ministry and the ambassadors of Central American countries, taking into account the importance of improving and making progress in improving access to these markets. The need to generate genuine foreign exchange, the prominent role of production and the development of suppliers and employment highlights the importance of improving the commercial conditions of the sector in a context such as the current one.