China Identifies 10 Technologies That Will Transform the Automotive Industry by 2027

The Brazilian automotive market has its own characteristics. Although Chinese electrified vehicles are gaining ground in more common segments, such as SUVs, hatchbacks, and sedans, there are still niches where established brands maintain dominance and models that lack direct competitors.

Some of these Brazilian segments are quite specific, depending on local projects, or are areas of less interest for Chinese manufacturers. Below, five types of cars that are unlikely to be overtaken in the country are detailed.

Minivans and tradition

Chevrolet renewed its entire passenger car line using new platforms and three-cylinder engines. However, the Spin minivan remains a strong point from the previous generation, maintaining its Gamma II architecture and the 1.8 Family 1 engine.

Despite being an older model, the Spin received a major update in 2024, incorporating six airbags, active safety assistance systems, greater connectivity, and other modernizations. The automaker itself justified this maintenance with internal data, indicating that the minivan audience is the most loyal within the company.

This vehicle is popular among taxi drivers, large families, ride-share drivers, tourism professionals, bidding agencies, and corporate fleets. The Family 1 engine is known for its durability and low maintenance cost, having been present in the Brazilian market since the introduction of the Corsa in 1994.

Stellantis tried to compete with the Spin through the Citroën Aircross, which offers seven seats and comparable prices. However, the model's simplicity, the absence of a manual transmission, the use of a turbo engine, and the limited presence of the brand in the national territory were unfavorable factors.

Although there are compact and simple minivans manufactured by Chinese companies, such as the Wuling Hongguang (sold as Chevrolet in certain markets), this model is considered more basic than the Spin and is primarily focused on Asian markets.

Compact Pickups and the Italian legacy

The Fiat Strada has held the title of best-selling car in Brazil for several years. This segment of compact pickups was conceived in Brazil by the Italian manufacturer, with the launch of the 147 Pick-up in 1979.

The main challenge to Strada's leadership does not come from Chinese brands, but rather from the Volkswagen Tukan. The German automaker replicated crucial elements of Fiat's success, such as the rear suspension with semi-elliptic springs and the availability of a naturally aspirated engine as an entry option.

BYD is preparing the launch of the Mako, an intermediate pickup derived from an SUV, aiming to compete with the Fiat Toro. Furthermore, there is information that the Chinese company is developing a rival for the Strada, but in this entry-level segment, simple work-oriented models are still highly valued.

An electrified compact Chinese pickup would have a limited impact, affecting at most the Chevrolet Montana.

Compact SUVs and distinct proposals

Currently, there are options for compact Chinese SUVs available in Brazil, including the GAC GS3, Caoa Chery Tiggo 5X, BYD Atto 2, and GWM Ora 5. These models have generated significant competition for traditional brand vehicles in retail, betting on embedded technology to gain market share.

The Renault Duster also falls into the compact SUV category but operates with a different proposal. It resembles a classic utility vehicle, characterized by its high ground clearance, durable suspension, uncomplicated mechanics, and large trunk.

This configuration has made it one of the most popular vehicles used as police patrol cars in Brazil. Stellantis tries to capture part of this audience with the Citroën Aircross, but Chinese brands do not come close to developing an SUV as simple as the Duster.

Mid-size Pickups and American dominance

Chinese brands are entering the mid-size pickup market, with GWM, JAC, and Foton adopting the traditional approach by launching models equipped with diesel engines. However, there is an upper range explored exclusively by North American manufacturers: large trucks.

Specifically, we are talking about robust vehicles with diesel engines and a gross weight exceeding 3.5 tons. In Brazil, only Ram explores this category with its 2500 and 3500 models.

These pickups are highly appreciated by the agricultural sector and attract an audience divided between those seeking ostentation and real users who employ the Ram to tow trailers, often pulled by horses.

The largest Chinese trucks in the global scene are classified as mid-size; some are hybrid and exceed 400 hp, but none possess the operational capabilities of a Ram 3500.

Sports Cars and the preference for classic experiences

Although modest, Ford registered the sale of 858 Mustangs in Brazil in 2025. When the company announced the importation of 200 units with a manual transmission, they sold out quickly.

There is a dedicated public for sports cars in Brazil; the Mustang had notable sales through independent importers before Ford began official distribution. With the discontinuation of the Chevrolet Camaro production, the pony car's position has become even more favorable.

Consumers are aware that, for a much lower cost, there are Chinese electric cars with over 400 hp and impressive acceleration. However, those seeking a sports car value other aspects, such as excellent dynamic balance, engine sound, and the entire sensory experience provided by driving such a vehicle.

Current Chinese brands focus on producing generalist electric cars that are also extremely fast. Their sports models are supercars with over 1,000 hp and equally high prices. On the other hand, enthusiasts continue to prefer the Ford Mustang, the BMW M2, the Porsche 911, and other automobiles with traditional characteristics.

Toyota is preparing a significant shift for the Corolla, its best-selling model. The next generation of this vehicle will feature an all-electric version, with production scheduled to begin in China in 2028. It is important to note that the model will continue to offer hybrid and combustion engine options.

According to information released by Electrek on Monday (19), manufacturing will be conducted by FAW Toyota Motor, a joint venture between the Japanese automaker and the Chinese group FAW. This new generation is expected to be unveiled in 2027, launching as a 2028 model.

Since its initial launch in 1966, the Corolla has surpassed the mark of 57 million units sold globally. This new generation represents one of the most significant transformations in the history of the car, which has always been recognized as an affordable option for daily use.

The decision to start production in China is part of Toyota's strategy to optimize costs and accelerate both the development and manufacturing of electrified vehicles. The Chinese market has manufacturers that have rapidly advanced in areas such as battery technology, electrical systems, and digital features. Toyota, in turn, faces intense competition in the country, especially given the pressure on its traditional combustion and hybrid models.

The company has restructured its local operations with the aim of simplifying production and expanding the offering of more advanced technologies. This strategy covers its two joint ventures in China: FAW Toyota and GAC Toyota. Furthermore, Toyota also plans to manufacture longer-range electric vehicles for the luxury brand Lexus in China, starting in 2027.

There is still no clarity on whether the all-electric Corolla will be marketed in the United States, and Toyota has not confirmed all the markets that will receive this new version. The forecast is that the new generation will incorporate elements from the concept presented by the brand at the Japan Mobility Show, held in 2025. The prototype attracted attention due to its sportier design, characterized by angular lines and a silhouette distinct from the conventional sedan appearance.

In addition to the electric variant, the new Corolla family will include hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and combustion configurations. Sales prices have not yet been officially disclosed. The expectation remains that the new generation will be presented in 2027, with the introduction of the 2028 line. Until then, Toyota should provide more details on range, performance, equipment, and commercial availability.

Fernando de Noronha, which is a district of Pernambuco and not a municipality in itself, has the highest proportion of electric cars relative to its population among all Brazilian municipalities. The archipelago registered 78 fully electric vehicles since 2022. Considering its approximately 3,400 inhabitants, this represents one electric car for every 43 people, while the national average is one for every 639 inhabitants, meaning almost 15 times less.

Although there is an environmental justification related to the protection of a Brazilian natural heritage, Noronha's fleet is mostly charged using energy from a thermoelectric plant that consumes fuel. This data was compiled by a survey from AutoPapo, which cross-referenced registration records from ABVE (Brazilian Electric Vehicle Association) from January 2022 to September 2026 with population estimates from IBGE. Vehicle registration considers the owner's address; for companies and public bodies, the headquarters is used.

The Tubarão plant, with a capacity of 10 MW, functions as the main electricity supplier for Noronha. The island's two solar plants, Noronha I and Noronha II, inaugurated in 2017 and 2018, generate 950 kW and supplied about 10% of consumption in 2024, according to Canal Solar portal. Thus, most of the charging of the island's electric cars depends on fossil fuels. This contradiction was mentioned by residents during a debate that led the Legislative Assembly of Pernambuco to postpone the ban on combustion vehicles.

For next year, there are plans for a new plant, which will have over 30,000 solar panels, a capacity of 22 MW, and include 49 MWh batteries, representing an investment of R$ 350 million from Neoenergia. A law sanctioned in January 2020 by the then Governor of Pernambuco, Paulo Câmara (PSB), aimed to prohibit the entry of gasoline, ethanol, or diesel-powered cars into Fernando de Noronha starting in August 2022 and remove these vehicles from circulation by 2030.

The central objective of this program, named Noronha Carbon Zero, is to eliminate the island's carbon emissions, which hosts a large part of its territory within a marine national park. Initially, the focus was on tourist rental buggies. Due to the fact that vehicle entry depends on authorization from the local administration, which usually requires replacement with a vehicle already present on the island, the government began issuing licenses for residents to acquire electric cars without this exchange requirement. Additionally, there were IPVA exemptions and assistance with maritime freight, estimated at around R$ 10,000. However, the deadline has been postponed three times, with the current date being August 2029. According to the Legislative Assembly of Pernambuco, there are still pending issues related to charging points and vehicle availability, in addition to the fragility of the local economy.

In June 2019, before the law was enacted, Renault provided the island's administration with three Zoe models, two Twizy, and one electric Kangoo on loan, along with four chargers, intended for official use and to support the Noronha Carbon Zero program. Since these vehicles were delivered before 2022, they were not included in the statistical survey.

The second location with a high proportion is Eusébio (CE). This city, with 84,000 inhabitants, borders Fortaleza and has the highest average income in Ceará, reaching R$ 4,607 per household head, according to Ipece, the state's governmental research institute. A similar pattern is observed in Lauro de Freitas, neighboring Salvador, in Santana de Parnaíba, in Greater São Paulo, and in Cabedelo, adjacent to João Pessoa. Brasília, which ranks third, combines high income with IPVA exemption for electric cars.

Much of this income is concentrated in residential condominiums, facilitating the installation of chargers in garages. In the seven states with the highest per capita household income, according to IBGE, 561 electrified vehicles (fully electric and hybrid) were registered per 100,000 inhabitants since 2022. In contrast, in the seven lowest-income states, all located in the North and Northeast, the number was 217, less than half.

In São Jorge do Patrocínio, a city of 6,700 inhabitants located on the banks of the Paraná River, in northwestern Paraná, the good performance is attributed to the public fleet. The city is the seat of Coripa, a consortium of municipalities established for the environmental conservation of the Paraná River banks, near the Ilha Grande National Park. It appears that the vehicles are registered in the name of this consortium. The two shipments registered in the city—13 BYD Dolphin Mini in February 2025 and 38 Geely EX2 in July 2026—coincide in quantity and date with electric vehicles donated by Itaipu Binacional to the consortium. These vehicles serve municipal departments such as environment, agriculture, social assistance, and health in associated municipalities that have very few other registered electric cars.

According to Itaipu, these donations are part of the Itaipu More Than Energy program, whose purpose is to assist smaller municipalities with limited budgets and difficulty accessing credit, providing many of them with their first electric car. The plant also justifies this investment by the impact of the region's environmental conservation on the hydroelectric reservoir.

Pinhal, in northern Rio Grande do Sul, near Palmeira das Missões, illustrates the impact of reduced numbers. With 3,000 residents, the city entered the top 10 with 20 100% electric cars, eight of which were registered in two batches of four units. In this scenario, each new car raises the index by 33 points per 100,000 inhabitants.

On the other hand, 1,059 Brazilian municipalities (19% of the total) did not register any electrified vehicle in the analyzed period, whether 100% electric or hybrid (excluding mild hybrids). Of those without 100% electric cars, there are 2,133. Among municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, 42% have no electrified vehicles. This does not occur among the 338 municipalities with more than 100,000 inhabitants.

The North Region concentrates the highest percentage of cities without registered electrified vehicles (34%), and Pará has the lowest state index, with 51 100% electric cars per 100,000 inhabitants. The largest municipality without any registered vehicle since 2022 is Santo Antônio do Descoberto (GO), with 76,000 inhabitants. This city borders the Federal District, which ranks third in the ranking.

This case is not unique. The eight largest cities in the Entorno region of Goiás, surrounding the Federal District, sum up to 1.2 million inhabitants and registered only 57 electrified cars since 2022, equivalent to less than 5 per 100,000 inhabitants. The other Goian cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants, excluding Goiânia, have 425 vehicles. Indices as low as those in the Entorno, among cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants, are found only in municipalities in the interior of Amazonas and Pará, such as Parintins (AM), which is accessible only by water or air.

One possible explanation lies in the fact that the Federal District is the only federative unit that exempts all electric and hybrid cars from IPVA, without value limits. In Goiás, the Secretariat of Economy has been investigating since 2024 about 700 owners of these vehicles who reside in the state but registered the automobiles with fictitious addresses in the DF or other locations. The estimated loss reaches R$ 10 million. The investigations do not specify the Goian cities where the suspects reside. If part of the electric cars circulating in the Entorno is registered in the DF, the effect is twofold: it raises Brasília's index and nullifies that of neighboring municipalities.