Car production in Portugal up 32.6% in March

Production of automobiles in Portuguese factories grew 32.6% in March, year-on-year, to 38,852 units, according to data from the Portuguese Automobile Association (ACAP), released this Tuesday.

In the first three months of the year, a total of 85,268 vehicles left the industrial units located in Portugal, representing a 5% increase compared to the same period last year.

According to the ACAP, this performance “confirms the importance of exports for the automotive sector, since 98.5% of vehicles manufactured in Portugal are destined for the foreign market, which has contributed positively to Portugal’s trade balance.”

Europe remains the leading export market, absorbing 92% of national production, with Germany (19.5%), Italy (14.6%), Turkey (13.6%), and France (11.4%) standing out. The African continent—led by Tunisia (1.1%)—maintains second place with 2.8% of exports, while the Americas come in third with 2.4%.

Regarding the assembly of heavy vehicles, 17 units were assembled in March, representing a 6.2% year-on-year increase. In the period from January to March 2026, 52 heavy vehicles were assembled, reflecting a 6.1% growth compared to the same period of the previous year.

In the first three months of the year, 88.5% of the vehicles assembled in Portugal were exported, representing 46 factory units. Germany (56.5%) and the UK (43.5%) are the only destinations for these exports.

Source: ACAP; Credits: VW Autoeuropa.