President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his intention to boost the Brazilian automotive industry's exports, aiming to expand sales to Latin American and African markets. This statement was made on July 22 during a meeting in Brasília with various ministers and executives from Stellantis.
The President mentioned that, in addition to seeking export expansion, there is an expectation that the domestic market will reach three million vehicles sold in 2026, according to Anfavea estimates.
In conversation with Antonio Filosa, Stellantis' global CEO, and Herlander Zola, the company's president for South America, Lula offered his support to help the industry overcome obstacles hindering foreign sales, emphasizing the need to understand these difficulties to contribute to increased exports.
This presidential call comes amid a reduction in vehicle shipments. Anfavea data indicates that Brazilian exports decreased by 21.2% in the first half, totaling 216.6 thousand units. Furthermore, the entity revised its forecast for 2026, changing the growth projection from 1.5% to a contraction of 12.8%.
Argentina, which is traditionally the main destination for cars manufactured in Brazil, recorded a purchase of approximately 60 thousand fewer Brazilian cars during this period. This decrease was attributed to the country's economic slowdown and strong competition from models from China and Mexico.
Conversely, the volume of imported vehicles grew, reaching 280.6 thousand units registered between January and June, half of which originated from China. As a result, the sector returned to operating with a trade balance deficit, with about 63 thousand more vehicles entering the country than leaving.
Lula's remarks came after a presentation by Filosa, who was in Brazil to celebrate Fiat's 50th anniversary. The executive reaffirmed the commitment to invest R$ 30 billion until 2030. This investment covers the production of the Fiat Argo X in Betim, Minas Gerais, and the Jeep Avenger in Porto Real, Rio de Janeiro.
According to the automaker, 2 thousand direct jobs will be created in 2026: 1,5 thousand in Betim and 500 in Porto Real. This move enabled the implementation of the third shift at the Minas Gerais factory and the second shift at the Rio de Janeiro unit. Considering the entire production chain, Stellantis projects the generation of 20 thousand new jobs in the year. In 2025, the company had already created 3.7 thousand direct jobs and another 35 thousand through its suppliers.
Filosa also emphasized the high level of nationalization of operations. He reported that Stellantis annually acquires over R$ 60 billion from Brazilian suppliers, and that 95% of what is produced in the country is of local origin, including items such as steel, plastic, chemicals, engines, and transmissions.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva formalized his candidacy for the presidency of Brazil, emphasizing the need to implement major changes in the country. During his speech, the PT politician highlighted the importance of increasing investments in industrial technologies for the exploration of critical minerals and rare earths, warning that powers such as China, the United States, and France will not interfere in this process.
Lula also expressed a desire to transcend the image of being merely the 'president of Bolsa Família,' the income transfer program created during PT administrations. He declared that it will be necessary to be bolder to promote the desired transformations.
At 80 years old, Lula da Silva is running for a fourth term. His main opponent in the polls is Senator and Liberal Party (PL) candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Although he did not directly mention his opponent, Lula stressed the relevance of left-wing activism and the party in winning the vote of undecided voters, warning that the country cannot allow the return of the far-right to power.
Recent surveys by the Brazilian institute Datafolha indicated that Lula has 40% of the voting intention in the first round, against 32% for Flávio. For the second round, projections show Lula with 48% against 43% of Bolsonaro's supporters.
Speaking for approximately one hour, the Brazilian president addressed political reform, defended by the PT, focusing specifically on the legislative power and the funds allocated to parties, without mentioning the judiciary. He stated that his fourth presidency aims to change a lot in the country, foreseeing conflicts related to parliamentary amendments and the current role of the legislature.
Lula reinforced his position that he cannot allow the weakening or loss of prerogatives of the head of the federal Executive Branch. As an example, he cited the nomination of judges to the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and directors to regulatory agencies. He emphasized that the President of the Republic will need a democratic struggle to bring about changes in the country, because, according to him, 'no right' would be guaranteed without this battle.
This year, a proposal from Lula for a STF judge was rejected by the Brazilian National Congress, something unprecedented in 132 years. Furthermore, Lula argued that the left must stop neglecting Defense, discussing the territorial dimension of Brazil's land and maritime borders. He expressed a desire to be prepared to prevent invasions, citing the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by the US in January, and concluded that he seeks preparation for peace, not war.
Continuing the discourse focused on national sovereignty, the PT politician reiterated the importance of greater investment in technology and national industry for the exploration of critical minerals and rare earths, stating that this wealth is the heritage of the Brazilian people and that external interference will cease.
The officialization of Lula's candidacy occurs at a time when his image is worn down, aggravated by investigations by the Brazilian Federal Police against his eldest son, Lulinha, on suspicion of influence peddling in the federal government. Additionally, a historical ally and friend of the PT politician, Senator Jaques Wagner from Bahia, is being investigated by the Federal Police regarding Banco Master.
The Federal Government has implemented an alteration to the Move Brazil program, now allowing the acquisition of used vehicles. This program functions as a line of credit with a total amount of up to R$ 30 billion, intended to facilitate the purchase of both new and used cars by taxi drivers and ride-share drivers, offering special conditions and reduced interest rates.
This expansion came into effect on July 15th and covers electric or hybrid flex models with a model year from 2024 onwards, maintaining the price limit set at R$ 150 thousand. Previously, the benefit was restricted to the purchase of brand-new automobiles. The change aims to broaden possibilities for workers who face difficulties obtaining full financing for a new car, while also encouraging the migration to more environmentally friendly fleets.
According to the first report released by the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) on July 14th, approximately R$ 1 billion of the R$ 30 billion available has already been utilized. This resource benefited 10,179 drivers, with an average financing value recorded of R$ 102 thousand.
The program is part of a Brazilian Government initiative to simplify vehicle purchases for taxi and ride-share drivers, offering financing with lower interest rates and facilitated conditions. It was created specifically to support self-employed professionals in individual passenger transport.
Eligibility criteria vary according to professional category. Ride-share drivers (such as Uber, 99, and similar) must have an active registration on the digital platform for at least 12 months and prove they have completed at least 100 rides on that same platform, with this aptitude confirmed by the platform itself. Taxi drivers, on the other hand, must possess valid licenses and registrations with competent municipal or traffic bodies, in addition to demonstrating fiscal and registration regularity with the Federal Revenue, which is validated via the gov.br portal.
Each beneficiary, identified by CPF, is permitted to finance only one vehicle. For taxi cooperatives, the maximum limit is one automobile per cooperative member. Additionally, to promote gender equality and support female entrepreneurship, Move Brazil offers differentiated credit conditions for women drivers and taxi drivers, including lower interest rates and greater flexibility in grace and payment periods.
Credit operations are managed by BNDES and executed by a vast network of partner banks. The program provides distinct interest rates: 0.91% per month (equivalent to 11.5% per year) for women, and 0.99% per month (12.6% per year) for men. The maximum repayment term stipulated is up to 72 months (six years), and applications can be made until September 15th. The grace period is up to six months, as defined by the National Monetary Council.
Initially, the Mover program financed only modern and clean fleets, requiring brand-new vehicles, powered by flex, hybrid, or 100% electric technology, with a maximum value of R$ 150 thousand on the invoice. With the inclusion of used vehicles, new requirements emerged: the price limit remains at R$ 150,000, the model year must be from 2024 onwards, and the propulsion must be exclusively electric or hybrid flex. It is mandatory that the manufacturer is enabled in the Mover Program (Green Mobility and Innovation).
The procedure to join the Move Brazil Program is entirely digital and free. The interested party must access the government portal at gov.br/movebrasil or the MDIC services section, log in with the gov.br account, and authorize data cross-referencing for eligibility verification. Within five business days, the candidate receives confirmation of service in the gov.br profile messages or via WhatsApp. After approval, the participant chooses the eligible vehicle, respecting the R$ 150 thousand ceiling, and seeks out an accredited dealership or store to contract the credit. Alternatively, the application can be made directly at the client's bank, where the credit analysis is rigorous and considers the banking history, not just the Serasa Score. Finally, after bank approval, the proposal is sent to BNDES for automatic validation, and the amount is released to the bank to settle the Invoice, allowing the driver to pick up the vehicle.
Lula participated in the presidential elections of Brazil in 1989, 1994, and 1998, being elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2006. In 2018, the PT had formalized its candidacy, but it was blocked by the Electoral Justice while he was imprisoned for the Lava Jato case. This year, the PT renewed the victorious partnership of 2022 with the Socialist Party of Brazil (PSB), uniting Lula da Silva and the current Vice President Geraldo Alckmin to defeat Jair Bolsonaro.
Lula's electoral campaign is scheduled to begin on August 16, with a rally in the São Paulo region.
