According to Reuters, the first China Auto Show was held in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, on October 2nd, local time.
According to reports, under the leadership of President Milyán, Argentina's automotive market has shifted from a highly protectionist environment to a more open and competitive one.
After the Argentine government allowed the import of up to 50,000 electric and hybrid vehicles without tariffs this year, Chinese car brands have flooded into the market. Chinese brands accounted for 10% of Argentina's sales of automobiles and light commercial vehicles in August, a 2% increase compared to the end of last year.
Since its launch in Argentina at the end of 2025, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has become the ninth best-selling car brand in that market. Additionally, BYD leads the sales of electric vehicles in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay.
At the auto show on the 2nd day, more than 20 Chinese brands participated, including Geely Auto, Chery, GWM, and Dongfeng Automobile.
The German Morina is a 3D designer who already owns a Chinese-made car and wants to buy another one. That day, he visited with his wife and son. He said, "If you walk down the main streets or residential areas, you will see many Chinese-made cars. And it’s not just one brand; there are many different brands. I believe it’s only a matter of time before people start accepting these cars more."
Argentina Automobile Dealers Association (ACARA) President Sebastian Beato said that the "surprising" growth of Chinese brands has driven the production of new models in Argentina's automobile industry. Beato noted that if Argentina's automobile industry does not undergo transformation, it will "hold outdated cars."
Chinese car manufacturers have been steadily expanding their presence in Latin America, selling traditional and electric vehicles at alarming rates in some local markets. Reuters reported that Brazil and Mexico have introduced tariffs aimed at slowing down the influx of Chinese cars, while also protecting their domestic manufacturing industries.
However, Liberty-loving Milley said during an interview with Bloomberg last month that he is not worried about BYD's rapid growth, and does not believe this situation will affect his close relationship with the United States.
"Argentines buying what? That's a matter for Argentinians themselves," Mike said to Bloomberg at the New York Economic Club.
Live pictures on social media
Not only Chinese automakers, but Japanese companies and Tesla are also entering the Argentine market.
Earlier this week, the Argentine government announced that Japanese automaker Toyota will invest $1.34 billion in building an electric vehicle factory in Argentina.
In July this year, Tesla launched operations in Uruguay. There are indications that this American automaker may soon enter the Argentine market. Information about Tesla Argentina’s registration was published in the Argentine government bulletin in April. In June, YPF, Argentina’s national oil company, stated that it had signed a letter of intent with Tesla to discuss opportunities related to energy storage.
Abeceb Consulting Company economist Andreis Wesivita said Argentina's automotive industry should focus on pickup trucks, given the country already has a strong export position in the field and hasn't faced competition from Chinese brands.
