The Fiat Strada remains Brazil’s best‑selling vehicle by a wide margin, but July 2026 data show Chinese electric cars making inroads across the country.
Strada dominates regional rankings
According to a CNN Brasil survey, the Fiat Strada pickup was the top‑selling model in 16 of Brazil’s 27 states. It led in Pará (342 units), Acre (54), Rondônia (298), Tocantins (182), Maranhão (341), Piauí (200), Ceará (414), Pernambuco (538), Bahia (779), Minas Gerais (4,132), Espírito Santo (596), Santa Catarina (570), Mato Grosso (582), Mato Grosso do Sul (215) and Goiás (724). Minas Gerais accounted for the largest single‑state volume, with over 4,100 Stradas sold.
In the year‑to‑date through June, the Strada had accumulated 83,041 units, maintaining a comfortable lead in the light‑vehicle market.
Chinese EVs claim nine states
Chinese manufacturers secured the top spot in nine states. BYD’s Dolphin Mini led in Roraima (54 units), Amapá (60) and Alagoas (293). The larger BYD Dolphin won in Rio de Janeiro (561), Rio Grande do Sul (589) and the Distrito Federal (645). Geely’s EX2 was the leader in Rio Grande do Norte (387), Paraíba (239) and Sergipe (158).
This means electric models from BYD and Geely were the best‑selling cars in one‑third of the federation, a notable development for a market where internal‑combustion engines have long dominated.
Electrification advances beyond the traditional hubs
The advance of EVs is particularly pronounced in Brazil’s North and Northeast regions. Of the nine states where an electric vehicle led sales, four are located in those areas: Roraima, Amapá, Alagoas and Rio Grande do Norte. Historically, EV adoption has been concentrated in wealthier southeastern states such as São Paulo, where the Volkswagen Tera was the top seller with 3,930 units in July.
The spread of EVs to states with lower average incomes suggests that falling prices, improved charging infrastructure and incentive programs are beginning to broaden the appeal of zero‑emission vehicles.
Outlook
While the Fiat Strada’s nationwide supremacy remains unchallenged for now, the July results indicate a shifting competitive landscape. Analysts note that if current trends continue, electric models could challenge traditional leaders in additional states over the next 12‑18 months, especially as new locally produced Chinese models enter the market.