Despite a decline in production, Portugal continues to play an important role in the international automotive market, with 97.9 percent of vehicles manufactured destined for export.
Automobile production in Portugal fell by 10.1 percent between January and September 2026 compared to the same period last year, with 231,473 vehicles manufactured, according to figures released by the Portuguese Automobile Association (ACAP).
Of the total vehicles produced during the first nine months of the year, 181,651 were passenger cars, representing a decrease of 10.3 percent compared to 2025, while 47,974 were light commercial vehicles, down 8.4 percent year-on-year.
Production of heavy vehicles also declined, falling by 25.7 percent to 1,848 units during the same period.
Despite the overall reduction, ACAP emphasised the sector’s continued importance to Portugal’s trade balance, noting that “97.9 percent of vehicles manufactured in Portugal are destined for the foreign market”.
September production figures
In September alone, 24,691 vehicles were manufactured in Portugal, representing a year-on-year decrease of 32.7 percent.
Passenger car production fell by 34.4 percent to 19,114 vehicles, while light commercial vehicle production declined by 25.9 percent to 5,367 units. Heavy vehicle production also decreased by 31.6 percent, with 210 vehicles manufactured.
Europe remains the leading export market
Europe continued to dominate Portugal’s vehicle exports, accounting for 93.1 percent of national production. Germany was the largest destination, receiving 21.2 percent, followed by France (12.5 percent), Italy (12.4 percent) and Turkey (11.3 percent).
Africa remained the second-largest export market, accounting for 2.9 percent of exports. South Africa and Tunisia were the main destinations, each receiving 1.1 percent.
Meanwhile, the Americas accounted for 1.6 percent of motor vehicle exports from Portugal.
Heavy vehicle assembly records growth
Regarding heavy vehicle assembly, a total of 210 vehicles, all intended for passenger transport, were assembled between January and September, representing year-on-year growth of 16.7 percent, according to ACAP.
In September alone, assembly increased by 12 percent to 28 vehicles.
ACAP also reported that 75.2 percent of vehicles assembled in September were exported, with Germany accounting for 87.3 percent of these exports and England receiving the remaining 12.7 percent.