Brazil August 2026: Market at highest in 13 years, BYD Dolphin Mini breaks into Top 5

The BYD Dolphin Surf breaks into the Brazilian Top 5 for the first time.

The Brazilian new light vehicle market shoots up 22.7% year-on-year in August to 263,390, this is the strongest August volume in 13 years: since August 2013 (312,722). The year-to-date total after 8 months stands at 1,889,930, up 19.9% over the same period in 2025 and the largest tally at this stage of the year since 2014 (2,121,543). Fiat (+6.8%) and Volkswagen (+6.5%) continue to lead the way but disappoint, while Chevrolet (+25.1%) is more dynamic. Just three months after passing Hyundai (+0.5%) to #4, BYD (+149.3%) is already getting closer to the third spot overall with record volumes (24,467) and share (9.3%). Below Toyota (-13.2%) and Renault (-7.2%), both in deep trouble, GWM (+152.9%) also breaks its all time high volume (9,924) and share (3.8%) as well as ranking (#8). Honda (+29.5%) is solid at #9 ahead of Jeep (-0.2%). Just outside the Top 10, Geely (+4632.1%) reaches a record volume (7,524) and share (2.9%). Notice also Omoda (+4152.9%), Jaecoo (+260.2%), GAC (+243.4%) and Ram (+60.2%) all posting fantastic gains.

Model-wise, the Fiat Strada (+16.6%) cements its YTD lead with 5.2% share, distancing the VW Polo (-18.9%) and Tera (+148.7%). The Fiat Argo (-12.7%) is down significantly YoY but gains one spot on last month to #4 and ascends to #3 year-to-date, passing the Chevrolet Onix (+31.3%). The BYD Dolphin Mini (+151.5%), produced locally, breaks into the Top 5 for the first time at #5 and ranks #7 year-to-date. Outstanding performances also by the BYD Dolphin (+414.1%) at #9 and the GWM Haval H6 (+100.9%) at #10, for what is its first appearance inside the Top 10. The Geely EX2 slips to #11 but remains by far the best-selling recent launch above the Toyota Yaris Cross (#22), Honda WR-V (#25) and Omoda 5 (#27).

Previous month: Brazil July 2026: BYD at 8.8% share, Geely EX2 breaks into Top 10

One year ago: Brazil August 2025: BYD up 46.4%, Toyota Corolla Cross up to record #4

Full August 2026 Top 49 All brands and Top 273 All models below.