By vehicle type, SUVs led sales with 8,292 units, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 23%.
Sales of new vehicles in the Peruvian market showed solid growth in January, reflecting the dynamism of demand and the recovery of key sectors of the economy.
“According to official figures from the National Superintendence of Public Registries (SUNARP), the sale of new light vehicles reached 16,629 units, which represented an increase of 17.5% compared to the same month in 2024 and a growth of 36.2% compared to December of last year,” said Alberto Morisaki, Manager of Economic Studies and Statistics of the Automotive Association of Peru.
By vehicle type, SUVs led sales with 8,292 units, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 23%. Pick-up trucks and vans also accounted for 3,801 units sold (+38.9% year-on-year), followed by pickup trucks with 2,197 units (+14.2% year-on-year). In contrast, car sales registered a year-on-year drop of 15% with 2,339 units sold.
The increase in light vehicle sales was driven by several factors. "The rebound in business expectations and improved private investment projections have favoured the acquisition of vehicles intended for productive activities, such as pick-ups and vans, which showed the greatest growth within the segment," Morisaki explained.
He also highlighted that the greater availability of imported units, combined with aggressive sales strategies by dealers, contributed to the market's dynamism. "Promotional campaigns and better financing conditions have played a key role in boosting sales," he added.
In the heavy vehicle segment, truck and tractor-trailer sales reached 1,563 units in January, marking a growth of 19.9 % compared to the same month in 2024 and an increase of 22.8% compared to last December.
"The growth in this segment is due to the recovery of strategic sectors such as mining, manufacturing and construction, which have increased their demand for heavy-duty vehicles," said Morisaki.
On the other hand, the sale of minibuses and buses closed January with 340 units sold, which represented a growth of 78% compared to the same month of the previous year.
"This result is related to the reactivation of passenger transport and the tourism sector, which has shown signs of recovery in recent months," said the specialist.
The small vehicle market also started 2025 with encouraging figures. In January, 33,627 units were sold, which meant a year-on-year growth of 39.6% and an increase of 55% compared to last December.
Of this total, motorcycles registered 23,726 units sold (+39.3% annually), while tricycles reached 9,901 units (+40.2% annually).
"The recovery of the smaller vehicle segment has been taking place since mid-2024, driven by commercial campaigns offered by dealers, renewal of units acquired during the pandemic, more competitive prices and the acquisition of fleets for public safety by municipalities, all in a context in which inflationary pressures are under control, which provides relief to the purchasing power of families from lower socioeconomic sectors, who demand these units to a greater extent," Morisaki explained.
According to the Peruvian Automotive Association, the automotive market is expected to maintain its positive trend in the coming months, supported by the recovery of private investment, inflationary stability and a more favorable financial environment.
"We expect private consumption to remain buoyant, driven by higher employment and lower financing costs. However, looking ahead to the second half of the year, the proximity of the 2026 presidential election could create uncertainty and affect the pace of economic growth," Morisaki warned.
Finally, he stressed that competition in the automotive sector will remain high, which will drive new commercial strategies to attract consumers. "Brands will continue to invest in promotions and financing facilities to maintain the pace of growth," concluded the AAP representative.
