GM-owned automotive brand Chevrolet is gearing up to bring its new electric vehicle offensive in Brazil with the Chevy Blazer mid-size sporty SUV, GM Authority reported.
Blazer EV heads to Brazilian market
The Chevy Blazer EV will kick off the American brand’s new electric vehicle push in Brazil, which is currently Latin America’s largest automotive market.
The move is apparently part of GM’s efforts to challenge the growing popularity of China-made electric cars, particularly from NEV giant BYD, in the region.
Chevrolet plans to launch the Chevy Blazer EV in the Brazilian market on Chevy Blazer EV, marking a “new era for the brand” in the country.
“Modern cars have their own internet and more advanced electronic architecture. [This allows] systems that offer a more complete and personalized connectivity experience for the consumer.”
GM’s South American Director of Electrical Engineering, Plinio Cabral
Can Blazer EV challenge BYD’s strong presence in Brazil?
Chevrolet unveiled the Chevy Blazer EV in 2022 as one of the models in its next-gen electric vehicle portfolio, which also includes the Equinox and Silverado. With a progressive production ramp-up, the Chevy Blazer EV reported 7,234 unit sales through H1 2024.
Interestingly, GM revealed that 40% of Chevy Blazer EV buyers came from competing brands like Jeep, Ford, Hyundai/Kia, etc. Therefore, the company believes the model can also steal customers’ interest from BYD in the Brazilian market.
BYD is currently ushering the country’s shift to electric mobility with its innovative yet low-cost offerings. It sold almost 15,000 clean energy cars in the domestic market in Q1 2024 alone.
BYD expects to be able to defend its dominance in the coming quarters with the launch of its cheapest model, the Dolphin Mini (Seagull in China), in Brazil in March 2024. The EV starts at only around $20,000 (99,800 BRL).
For reference, the base Chevy Blazer EV costs $50,195 in the US market with up to miles range. The federal tax credit of up to $7,500 can reduce this price to $42,695.
Capitalizing on Brazil’s growing EV market
Statista‘s data shows Brazil became the sixth largest automotive industry worldwide in 2023, owing to its 2.18 million+ new car registrations.
In addition, the country also ranks among the top ten when it comes to vehicle manufacturing.
These considered, it is unsurprising that Chevrolet is aiming to penetrate the local market and potentially grab a considerable market share.
Chevrolet has yet to reveal the Brazil-spec Chevy Blazer EV’s final prices and technical details next week. The model will initially be available in only one trim in the Brazilian market, the RS.
