Chevrolet (Brazil) - AllCarIndex

Chevrolet do Brasil, a subsidiary of General Motors, was established in São Caetano do Sul, Brazil. The company began assembling Chevrolet vehicles in São Paulo in 1925, producing approximately twenty-five units per day. However, it was not until 1954 that the first truck cabs were manufactured locally, followed by the production of the first Brazilian-made Chevrolet engine in 1958.

The first significant passenger vehicle produced by General Motors do Brasil was the C-141, a station wagon designed for rough terrain. This model featured a 4.3-liter six-cylinder engine, which was a direct descendant of the original Chevrolet six introduced in 1929. The C-141 marked a notable milestone as it was the last of its series to be produced globally.

In 1969, the company launched the Opala series, which included sedans and coupes that combined elements from Chevrolet and Opel Rekord designs. The Opala was equipped with either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine, which was later enlarged to 4.1 liters, producing 140 bhp by 1972. The Opala line continued until 1982, with the Diplomat version featuring advanced options such as a four-speed transmission and air conditioning.

The Chevette, introduced in 1974, was another significant model for Chevrolet do Brasil. Initially powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, it underwent various updates, including the addition of front disc brakes in 1976 and a diesel engine variant. The Chevette remained in production until 1992. In 1985, the Monza was introduced, followed by the Mega in 1997. The Corsa sedan, featuring a 1.6-liter engine, debuted in 1994, and by 1999, it was available in multiple configurations, including 2 and 4-door versions.

The Vectra, a four-door sedan with a 2-liter engine, was also introduced in 1994 and continued production into 1999. The Astra sedan, with a 2-liter engine, began production in late 1998 and was exported to Argentina as part of the Mercosur trade agreement, which included Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Additionally, in 1996, General Motors initiated a joint venture to assemble Chevrolet Blazer off-road vehicles in Tatarstan, Russia, utilizing Brazilian-made car kits to enhance local component production.