Grupo Corven CEO Nicolás Ballestrero expects Argentine car sales to remain near 500,000 next year. He cited high borrowing costs and said reduced tax-favored imports of electrified vehicles could push prices higher.
Ballestrero expects Argentina's auto market to close 2026 at about 510,000 vehicles, below the industry's earlier consensus of more than 600,000. He said financing costs are the main obstacle to a sales recovery, with interest rates affecting monthly payments more than vehicle sticker prices.
In 2027, the quota for imported electrified vehicles under a preferential regime will be 50,000 units. Two rounds of allocations overlapped this year, so supply could be lower next year. Ballestrero said that could put upward pressure on prices, although competition between brands will continue.
Corven took over representation of Chinese automaker Chery in Argentina last year. Ballestrero said the brand now has more than 30 dealers and coverage in over 90% of areas where vehicles are registered. Its lineup includes the Himla pickup, Tiggo 4 Pro Luxury compact SUV, Arrizo 8 CSH Luxury plug-in hybrid sedan and Tiggo V concept.
Ballestrero said buyers have become more receptive to Chinese vehicles as quality and technology have improved. He said the growing number of brands could eventually lead to consolidation, adding that companies need strong dealer and after-sales networks to sustain their businesses.
Motorcycle sales are performing differently from car sales. New registrations are up 40%, Ballestrero said, led by smaller bikes with engines of 110cc to 250cc. He said urban motorcycles can replace public transport and lower day-to-day travel costs. Corven expects its motorcycle production to continue growing with the market in 2027.
In commercial vehicles, Corven distributes Foton, which Ballestrero described as one of the country's three largest truck brands by volume. He said it holds more than 20% of some specialized-vehicle segments. The group is focusing on electric vans for urban deliveries. Ballestrero said the price premium for an electric truck had narrowed from about 70% two years ago to 15% to 20%.
For passenger cars, he sees plug-in hybrids as the best fit for Argentina because they can cover daily trips on electricity without relying on charging infrastructure for longer journeys. Corven has also begun selling compressed-natural-gas buses unveiled two to three weeks before the interview.