Chevrolet experienced a 42% reduction in sales volume in Brazil over a seven-year period and is dealing with the dissatisfaction of its own dealership network. This network expresses a desire to negotiate compensation with the automaker if it decides to close its operations.
In 2019, the brand held an absolute lead in the Brazilian market, registering 475,684 units sold and a 17.9% market share, driven by the Onix model, which surpassed the second-place holder, the Ford Ka, by more than double. In 2025, the number dropped to 275,965 cars, corresponding to a 10.8% market share.
It is important to note that during this same interval, the general market for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles did not suffer a significant decline, moving from 2,658,923 to 2,549,462 units. Thus, Chevrolet's loss of market share occurred because competitors gained participation, not because the total sales volume decreased.
The pressure on the brand became evident in August. According to Fenabrave, Chevrolet registered 27,500 vehicles that month, while BYD recorded 24,467, and Volkswagen reached 41,404. The Chinese manufacturer achieved a significant growth of 149% year-on-year. To try to maintain third place, the manufacturer offered bonuses and incentives to salespeople at the end of the month, managing to sell almost 5,000 cars in just two days.
In the retail sector, the outlook is more challenging. A recent survey conducted by Fenabrave indicated that the Chevrolet network received the lowest rating among all brands when asked whether its products met customer expectations. Furthermore, the network scored below average in aspects such as sales remuneration and perceived brand appreciation. Autoesporte found that specifically in region 1—which includes São Paulo, ABC Paulista, and Baixada Santista—there are dealerships with fewer than ten monthly sales to individuals, with the remaining volume directed to the corporate segment.
With over 550 establishments in the country, the network considers streamlining as a possible solution, although GM has not yet announced any cut plans. Some commercial groups are already sharing space with Chinese brands; for example, Carrera has begun operating points for GWM and Omoda Jaecoo next to units that were previously exclusive to Chevrolet.
In a statement sent to Autoesporte, the automaker stated that GM and Abrac maintain continuous and joint collaboration with the Chevrolet network, focused on increasing competitiveness, ensuring dealer profitability, and improving the consumer experience.
Future commercial movements will be coordinated by SAIC, GM's partner in China, in a joint venture renewed for another two decades, extending until 2047. From this agreement emerged the Spark EUV and the Captiva EV, already available in Brazil, and the Captiva PHEV and a compact electric hatchback called Joy EV are planned—the latter is based on the Chinese Wuling Bingo Pro and is scheduled for launch in 2027. Additionally, there is a sedan in development that will have both electric and plug-in hybrid versions.
Autoesporte also discovered that during a visit to China, dealers received confirmation that Buick will be launched in Brazil, which could enable the conversion of part of the existing network. However, this operation is not expected to begin before 2028, and GM has not officially confirmed this plan.