Lula's celebration in a Chinese car is a new portrait of the national automotive industry

A few hours after the TSE (Superior Electoral Court) confirmed the re-election of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), a black GWM Haval H6, year 2025, headed towards Avenida Paulista, in São Paulo. Standing in the vehicle, wielding a megaphone and with part of his body sticking out of the sunroof, the president created a portrait of the new national automotive industry.

The vehicle in question is of Chinese origin and arrived in Brazil months before assembly began in Iracemápolis (interior of São Paulo). The current production line occupies the space that once belonged to the German Mercedes-Benz. The model chosen for the victory tour could also be the equally Chinese BYD Tan that was transferred to the Planalto in 2024.

Until the beginning of this decade, the cars used by the authorities in Brasília were from brands present in the country since the first years of the 20th century. With the creation of Geia (Executive Group of the Automobile Industry) in the government of Juscelino Kubitschek (1956-1960), there was a natural incentive to use national cars.

On November 18, 1959, JK paraded in a convertible Beetle through the corridors of the Volkswagen factory in São Bernardo do Campo (ABC). The tour was part of the inauguration ceremony of that plant which, for decades, was the greatest symbol of the national automotive industry.

Lula also visited the same plant in a VW at different times. The last time was in February 2024, alongside vice-president Geraldo Alckmin. At the time, the government had announced the Nova Indústria Brasil program, which generated a series of investment announcements from automakers.

But then the Chinese came with their electrified cars. What was initially limited to announcements of national production amid timid imports soon gained volume. In 2024, BYD brought 76,700 vehicles to Brazil. This year, between January and September, the Chinese company has already sold 169,100 units in the country.

The brand intends to double the production capacity of the Camaçari (BA) factory, reaching 600 thousand cars assembled per year. The nationalization rate of its products will jump in 2027, when the welding, stamping and painting operations will be localized. The plan includes more hiring.

With a second factory confirmed for the city of Aracruz (ES), GWM continues with its investment plan until 2032, which will reach R$10 billion in contributions.

Lula always used imported models, although brought by companies with factories in Brazil and associated with Anfavea (an entity that brings together car manufacturers installed in Brazil). In his first two terms (2003 to 2010), he reached official commitments on models such as the Australian-made Chevrolet Omega and the Mexican Ford Fusion.

With the Chinese, this tradition is being modified. Although the vehicles given to the Presidency of the Republic are from brands that already have factories in the country, GWM and BYD are not part of the automakers' association.

It is up to the GSI (Institutional Security Office) to choose or approve the cars that transport the head of the Executive. Travel takes place in trains, and it is not uncommon for models from another Chinese brand, Chery, to appear in the entourage.

It will not be surprising if, throughout his fourth term, Lula was seen aboard other vehicles from these and other automakers coming from China with plans to produce in Brazil. There will be multiple portraits of this new phase of the automotive industry.