The Automobile Trade Association of Portugal (ACAP) revealed that car production in Portugal registered a drop of 1,3% in 2023 compared to 2022, with 318 231 vehicles produced.
Despite the slight drop, the year 2023 was the third best ever in the production of motor vehicles in Portugal, having, however, only been surpassed by the years 2019 and 2022, according to ACAP data.
“The statistical information for the year 2023 confirms the importance that exports represent for the automotive sector since 97,8% of vehicles manufactured in Portugal are destined for the foreign market, which contributes significantly to the Portuguese trade balance,” says ACAP in a statement.
Europe continues to be the leading market in exports of domestically manufactured vehicles – with 87.8% – with Germany (18.8%), France (14.0%), Italy (13.4%) and Spain (10.2%) at the top of the ranking.
In December, 19 050 motor vehicles were produced in Portugal, which represented a decrease of 36,2% compared to the same month in 2022.
Regarding the assembly of motor vehicles in Portugal, in December 2023 32 heavy vehicles were assembled, representing a growth of 100% percent compared to the same month of 2022.
In cumulative terms, in the twelve months of 2023, the assembly of heavy vehicles showed an increase of 7.6 percent compared to the same period of the previous year, representing 212 vehicles assembled in 2023.
From January to December 2023, 99.5% of the vehicles assembled in Portugal were exported, representing 211 units. Germany (50.2%) and the United Kingdom (49.8%) were the only destinations for these exports.