# Chinese Cars Gain Ground in Argentina

> Chinese car brands now dominate Argentina's electric vehicle market, sparking fears for local automakers.
- Title: Chinese Cars Gain Ground in Argentina · Argentina Reports
- Summary: Chinese car brands now dominate Argentina's electric vehicle market, sparking fears for local automakers. Chinese manufacturers hold 88.4% of Argentina's…
- Keywords: argentina, chinese cars, electric vehicles, byd, geely, baic, argentina automotive market, chinese brands, hybrid vehicles, trade liberalization, argentina automotive dealers association, stellantis
- Source: Argentina Reports — https://argentinareports.com/chinese-cars-making-inroads-in-argentine-market-sparking-concerns-from-local-manufacturers/4363
- Author: Natalia Garcia
- Published: 2026-11-02T21:00:31+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: argentina, chinese cars, electric vehicles, byd, geely, baic, argentina automotive market, chinese brands, hybrid vehicles, trade liberalization, argentina automotive dealers association, stellantis
## Chinese Cars Enter Argentine Market
Chinese-made cars are becoming increasingly common on Argentine streets, modernizing the country's vehicle fleet.
## Rapid Growth in Chinese Registrations
Between January and September 2026, 39,954 Chinese vehicles were registered in Argentina, a fivefold increase from 2025.
## ACARA Reports Market Shift
ACARA's president Sebastián Beato stated the market is shifting with less domestic production and more imports due to trade liberalization.
## Electric Vehicle Dominance
Chinese manufacturers hold 88.4% of Argentina's electric vehicle market with 5,335 out of 6,033 battery-electric vehicles registered.
## Hybrid Vehicle Market Growth
Chinese brands account for 45.1% of hybrid vehicles registered, with 27,143 out of 60,129 vehicles.
## Policy Changes Facilitate Entry
President Milei's 2025 decree reduced import duties on electric and hybrid vehicles from 35% to zero with annual limits.
## Expo Auto Chino Attendance
Over 33,000 people attended Expo Auto Chino in Buenos Aires from October 2 to 4, 2026, where 26 Chinese brands showed 100 models.
## Challenges for Local Manufacturers
Argentina produced 314,975 vehicles in January-September 2026, a 16.9% drop from the previous year.
## Stellantis Faces Pressure
Stellantis' South America president Herlander Zola expressed concerns about plant closures in Argentina due to market conditions.
## Aftermath of Market Shift
Local automakers face pressure to improve competitiveness as Chinese brands expand their presence in the market.
## Key takeaway

Chinese manufacturers hold 88.4% of Argentina's electric vehicle market, threatening established local car producers.