Powering Latin America: Iveco’s Market Strategy, Localization, and Sustainable Mobility in the Commercial Vehicle Sector
Iveco’s presence in Latin America began with partnerships and acquisitions. In 1979, Fiat (Iveco’s predecessor) established a truck plant in Córdoba, Argentina. In 1996, Iveco opened its Sete Lagoas plant in Minas Gerais, Brazil, which became its Latin American headquarters. Today, the Sete Lagoas facility produces over 25,000 vehicles annually, including the Tector, Daily, and Stralis lines. power latin america iveco
Latin America’s commercial vehicle market is vital for intra-regional trade, agribusiness, mining, and urban logistics. With over 60% of freight transported by road, the demand for durable, cost-efficient trucks and buses remains high. Iveco (Industrial Vehicles Corporation), an Italian brand under the CNH Industrial group, entered the Latin American market in the 1970s and has since built a reputation for diesel, CNG (compressed natural gas), and electric commercial vehicles. Today, the Sete Lagoas facility produces over 25,000
Unlike competitors who rely solely on imports, Iveco invested early in local engine production (FPT Industrial, also part of CNH Industrial) to reduce import tariffs and leverage Mercosur trade agreements. This localization strategy gave Iveco pricing power and supply chain resilience during regional currency volatility. Iveco (Industrial Vehicles Corporation)