In light of the strong performance of the automotive sector in exports and the improvement of the economy, companies are beginning to take projects out of the drawer. Just this year, five major automakers announced over R$ 10 billion in investments for expansion, construction, and improvement of production lines. The size of the sector’s bet on Brazil, according to specialists, highlights how much these companies believe in the country’s future.
Economic projections explain the reason for this bet on Brazil. Expectations show the country back on the path to growth. 
Analysts have revised upward the growth projection for the Brazilian economy for next year.
For 2018, projections indicate a growth of 2.38% for the Brazilian economy. Previously, this estimate was at 2.30%. The numbers are from the Boletim Focus, a weekly document prepared by the Central Bank with estimates from around 100 analysts.
With this scenario on the radar, Toyota announced an investment of R$ 1 billion in the Sorocaba (SP) unit for the production of the Yaris. Production is set to begin in the second half of 2018 and is expected to create 500 new jobs, according to the company.More investments
In March of this year, the Japanese automaker had already announced R$ 600 million for the production of a new generation of Corolla engines, which will no longer be imported but produced at the Porto Feliz (SP) factory, increasing production capacity from 108,000 to 174,000 engines per year. The expectation is that this expansion will generate 250 new direct jobs.
In addition to Toyota, Volvo, Renault, General Motors (GM), and Volkswagen have also announced their investment plans. GM, for example, will split the financial contribution between the Industrial Complex in Gravataí (RS) and the units in São Caetano do Sul (SP) and Joinville (SC).Polo
“We continue to have enormous relevance for Brazilian exports, with a very strong growth rate of 62% in the accumulated figures for 2017,” said David Powels, president and CEO of Volkswagen do Brasil and South America. Volkswagen will invest R$ 2.6 billion in the Anchieta (SP) factory to produce the New Polo.Source: Portal Brasil