Brazil's September numbers showed Chinese models at the top of several segments at once: entry hatchbacks, midsize SUVs and the retail ranking. Around that, Chinese brands launched a plug-in hybrid at R$261,000, a seven-seat flagship and two luxury BYD models, while one importer of a Chinese brand sought court protection again.
September: record market, Chinese models leading segments
Brazil registered 268,721 new vehicles in September, a record for the month, up 16.16% on September 2025. Within that, the BYD Dolphin Mini topped entry hatchbacks for a sixth straight month with a record 9,385 registrations, and it led six states and the Federal District. In retail sales, BYD placed third among automakers with 10.94%, after five straight months at the top.
In midsize SUVs, Chinese models took seven of the ten leading places: the GWM Haval H6 led with a record 6,433 units and the Caoa Chery Tiggo 7 rose to second with 4,102, up from 1,324 in August. Electrified vehicles held 23.07% of the market, down from 24.35% in August, with the Omoda 5 HEV leading full hybrids and BYD's Song Pro leading plug-in hybrids.
Not every Chinese model rose: Geely's EX2 fell from 5,804 in August to 2,724, and the report suggested limited stock may have held back deliveries.
Launches: plug-in hybrids and a seven-seat flagship
- GWM launched the Haval H7 plug-in hybrid at R$261,000, a price GWM says qualifies it for São Paulo's IPVA exemption. It produces 370 hp, and after pre-orders opened on October 5 the brand drew 900 paid reservations before the public launch.
- Caoa Chery introduced the seven-seat Tiggo 9 from R$249,990 in petrol or from R$299,990 as a plug-in hybrid, both imported from China, aimed at the segment led by the Jeep Commander.
- Jetour's S08 seven-seat plug-in hybrid is due at dealers in October as the brand's fourth Brazilian model. Pricing is not announced.
- Leapmotor detailed a 2027 update for the C10, expected to reach Brazil when assembly starts in Goiana, Pernambuco in 2027.
BYD's luxury marque moves up
Denza opened Z9 GT sales at R$670,000, up from the R$650,000 first announced, with 1,155 hp. It also confirmed the 1,604 hp Z sports car for Brazil, part of three new models it expects to announce by the end of 2026, and the B3 electric SUV was seen testing in São Paulo with an expected price near R$350,000.
What it means
- Chinese share is now visible across price points, from the Dolphin Mini at the entry level to R$670,000 Denzas. GWM's local COO argued that growth at Chinese brands is outpacing the market and questioned whether traditional makers will hold their positions; that is his claim, not a measured outcome.
- Supply can cap a launch: the EX2's drop shows stock, not demand, may be the limit.
- The weakest part of the picture is on the distribution side: the SHC Group, which represents JAC, filed again for court-supervised restructuring over R$239.5 million in debt while JAC trims its dealer network.