Product

South America is Volkswagen’s FastestGrowing Region Worldwide  

07/13/2026
  • With 281,865 vehicles sold during the first half of 2026, South America became the region with the highest sales growth for the Volkswagen brand worldwide, increasing by 10.6%. 
  • Across the Latin America (LAM) markets, sales between January and June increased by 14% compared to the first half of 2025, achieving the best first-half result since 2022. 
  • Brazil is Volkswagen’s third-largest global market by sales volume, behind only China and Germany. During the first half of the year, the brand sold 224,945 vehicles, an increase of 21%. 
  • The Volkswagen Tera is Volkswagen do Brasil’s most exported model in 2026, followed by the Volkswagen Saveiro. During the first half of the year, the company exported 51,428 vehicles. 
  • Between January and June 2026, Volkswagen do Brasil recorded export growth in several key markets, including Mexico (+21%), Colombia (+38%), and Uruguay (+51%).  

São Bernardo do Campo (Brazil), July 13, 2026 – South America continues to strengthen its position as Volkswagen’s fastest-growing region worldwide in terms of sales volume. During the first half of 2026, Volkswagen sold 281,865 vehicles across the South America (SAM) Region, representing a 10.6% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 254,771 vehicles were sold.

South America also stands out globally in terms of market share. Between January and June 2026, Volkswagen achieved a 12.2% market share in the region, the second highest worldwide, behind only the Germany Region with 15.4%. Volkswagen’s global sales strategy considers Germany as a separate sales region.

"South America is a strategic region for Volkswagen and continues to be the brand’s fastestgrowing region worldwide in sales volume.

This success reflects the strength of a consistent regional strategy: Brazil remains our largest market, with Volkswagen’s highest global market share and leadership in retail sales. Argentina has also strengthened its leadership in the retail market, while the remaining Latin American markets continue to grow strongly, achieving their best first-half performance since 2022.

This growth is supported by US$3.7 billion in investments through 2028, the launch of 21 new models, and the integration of development, production, sales, and exports across the region.

The Volkswagen Tera is a clear example of this strategy. Developed in Brazil, it became Volkswagen do Brasil’s most exported model in 2026 in less than one year and has strengthened the brand’s presence in 17 Latin American markets. South America continues to grow as an important center for Volkswagen’s business, competitiveness, and global success."

Hendrik Muth, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Volkswagen South America (SAM)

Latin America (LAM) Achieves Best First Half Since 2022

Sales across the Latin America (LAM) markets increased by 14% between January and June compared to the same period in 2025, delivering the best first-half result since 2022.

  • Bolivia: Sales increased by 54%, with 248 vehicles sold during the first half of 2026.
  • Colombia: Sales increased by 47%, reaching 1,907 vehicles sold. The launch of the Tiguan MHEV, Volkswagen’s first hybrid model in Colombia, was highly successful. The nationwide launch event attracted more than 1,000 customers, and 221 units were sold —a record for the model in Colombia. 
  • Ecuador: Sales increased by 38%, with 437 vehicles sold. 
  • Paraguay: Sales increased by 29%, with 1,521 vehicles sold. 
  • Chile: Sales increased by 15%, while the overall automotive market grew by 5%. Volkswagen sold 3,274 vehicles during the first half of the year. 

Argentina Strengthens Volkswagen’s Position in South America

In Argentina, Volkswagen remained the leader in retail sales during the first half of the year.

In total sales, the brand maintained a strong second-place position, with 37,946 vehicles registered and a 13.7% market share between January and June.

These results reinforce Volkswagen’s strong position in one of the key markets within the South America region. The brand continues to benefit from a strong retail presence, a competitive product portfolio, and leadership in key market segments.

Among the standout models are the Tera, ranked 6th, and the Amarok, ranked 7th, both among Argentina’s ten best-selling vehicles across all segments.

These results demonstrate the success of Volkswagen’s regional strategy, with vehicles developed and produced in South America gaining market share throughout the region.

Exports: Tera Is Volkswagen do Brasil’s Most Exported Model in 2026

The Volkswagen Tera has become Volkswagen do Brasil’s most exported model in 2026.

Between January and June, 19,175 units were exported to 17 Latin American markets: Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay, Guatemala, Bolivia, Panama, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.

The Saveiro pickup ranked second, with 11,397 units exported to 15 Latin American markets. Volkswagen do Brasil’s

Top 5 exported models during the first half of 2026 were: 

  • Tera – 19,175 units 
  • Saveiro – 11,397 units 
  • Polo – 8,444 units 
  • T‑Cross – 6,728 units 
  • Nivus – 5,298 units 
Overall, Volkswagen do Brasil exported 51,428 vehicles during the first half of 2026.
 
The company also recorded export growth in several key markets, including Mexico (+21%), Colombia (+38%), and Uruguay (+51%).

Brazil Has Volkswagen’s Highest Market Share Worldwide

As South America’s largest market, Brazil recorded Volkswagen’s highest market share worldwide, reaching 16.5% during the first half of 2026.
 
Brazil is also Volkswagen’s third-largest market globally by sales volume, behind only China and Germany. Between January and June, the brand sold 224,945 vehicles, representing 21% growth compared to the same period in 2025.
 
Volkswagen continues to lead the retail market in Brazil, which represents sales to private customers. During the first half of the year, the brand sold 90,215 vehicles in this channel, reaching a 13.2% market share.
 
Volkswagen has maintained its leadership in Brazil’s two largest vehicle segments—SUVs and hatchbacks—for four consecutive years (2023–2026), as well as in the passenger car segment.
 
The T‑Cross remained the country’s best-selling SUV, with 48,047 units sold, while the Tera ranked second with 41,421 units.
 
The T‑Cross has been Brazil’s best-selling SUV since 2023. In June, it also became Brazil’s best-selling passenger vehicle, with 10,961 units sold.
 
The Polo continues to be Volkswagen’s best-selling model in Brazil. Between January and June, 54,095 units were sold, making it the top-selling hatchback and passenger vehicle. The Polo has held both positions continuously since 2023.