Portugal’s Auto Industry Shines in 2025 as Exports Dominate and Two Factories Led
Table of Contents
- 1. Portugal’s Auto Industry Shines in 2025 as Exports Dominate and Two Factories Led
- 2. Export-Driven Growth and Key Markets
- 3. Production by Segment and factory
- 4. Export Balance and december Snapshot
- 5. Key Facts at a Glance
- 6. What It Means for Portugal’s Industrial Outlook
- 7. Two Questions for Readers
- 8. 2025, allowing simultaneous build of ICE, hybrid, and battery‑electric variants without line change‑overs.
- 9. 2025‑2026 Production Snapshot
- 10. Autoeuropa’s Surge – From Opel to Multibrand Platform
- 11. Stellantis Mangualde – All‑Time High Production
- 12. Export Dynamics – Portugal’s Growing Role in the EU Supply Chain
- 13. Electric & Hybrid Transition – Where Portugal Stands
- 14. Supply‑Chain resilience – Lessons from 2025
- 15. Practical tips for Investors & Suppliers
- 16. Future Outlook – 2026‑2028 Roadmap
Breaking news from Portugal’s car sector: 2025 closed as the second-best year on record for vehicle production,underscoring a strong,export-driven economy for the industry. Nationwide output climbed to 341,361 units, topping the 2024 total and only trailing the record set in 2019.
Two flagship plants steered the gains. autoeuropa recorded its second-best year ever, delivering 240,400 vehicles — up 2% from 2024 — and cementing a prominent position in the national podium. in the north, Stellantis Mangualde posted its best annual tally to date with 91,662 units, a 7% rise over the previous maximum.
Portugal’s automotive backbone remains Volkswagen, which accounts for more than 70% of total production, while Stellantis contributed about 27% of output, according to the national auto association’s data. The industry’s deep export orientation continues to shape the country’s trade balance.
Export-Driven Growth and Key Markets
Exports dominated production in 2025, with 98% of vehicles destined for foreign markets. Europe remained the primary destination, absorbing 88% of exports.germany led with more than 61,000 units from Autoeuropa, representing 26% of the factory’s total and the largest single market. Italy followed, with over 26,000 units (around 11%), while france and Spain each accounted for about 7%.
Stellantis Mangualde reported france as its top export market at 21%, followed by Spain (17%) and Italy (14%). Together, these markets reflect a European export footprint of 84% for Mangualde and 67% for the producer’s EU share illustrating the EU’s central role in Portugal’s automotive export strategy.
Production by Segment and factory
The passenger-car segment led the gains, rising more than 3% to 269,469 units. Light commercial vehicles edged up 0.2% to 68,809 units, while heavy vehicles grew by more than 5% to 3,084 units.
Autoeuropa’s output concentrated on exports, with 89% of its cars shipped abroad. Its top markets include Germany (the largest), Italy, France, and Spain. the plant’s export share and geographic mix underscore Portugal’s integration with European supply chains.
Stellantis Mangualde has benefited from the shift to electrification, having started 100% electric production in 2024. The plant now builds a lineup featuring the Citroën ë-Berlingo and ë-Berlingo Van, Fiat e-Doblò, Opel Combo Electric, and Peugeot E-Partner and E-Rifter, aligning with broader european electrification trends.
Export Balance and december Snapshot
ACAP notes the production level represents 129% of the number of vehicles sold domestically in portugal — more cars are manufactured than consumed within the country, a sign of an export-oriented industry that strengthens the trade balance. About 98% of total production was destined for export.
Geographically,Europe remains the dominant market (88%),followed by Africa (4%) and the Americas (3%). Morocco stands out within Africa with a 2% share. December brought a seasonal dip: total output fell 17% to 21,079 units, driven by declines in passenger cars (about 19%) and light commercial vehicles (about 8%), while heavy vehicles rose by roughly 23%.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Metric | 2025 Value | notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total vehicle production (Portugal) | 341,361 | 2nd-best year ever; +3% from 2024 |
| Autoeuropa production | 240,400 | +2% year over year; 89% exported; largest market Germany |
| Stellantis Mangualde production | 91,662 | +7% year over year; best year yet |
| Export share | 98% | Exports drive nearly all output |
| European export share | 88% | Main markets: Germany, Italy, France, Spain |
| December performance | 21,079 | -17% overall; passengers and light commercial vehicles down, heavy vehicles up |
What It Means for Portugal’s Industrial Outlook
The year underscores the resilience of Portugal’s auto sector, anchored by large-scale manufacturing and a steady pivot toward electrification. With Autoeuropa and Mangualde leading gains and European markets absorbing the bulk of production, the industry remains closely tied to broader EU supply chains and the continent’s rapid move to electric mobility.The robust export base also suggests continued focus on efficiency, quality, and regional partnerships as Portugal positions itself within Europe’s automotive future.
Two Questions for Readers
What should be Portugal’s next strategic move to maintain momentum as electric models rise in prominence across Europe?
Which markets outside Europe would be moast valuable to expand Portugal’s auto exports, and why?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation as Portugal’s carmakers navigate a pivotal year for global mobility.
2025, allowing simultaneous build of ICE, hybrid, and battery‑electric variants without line change‑overs.
Portugal’s Auto industry Records Second‑Best Year Ever
Date: 2026‑01‑21 13:04:17
2025‑2026 Production Snapshot
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 (YTD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total passenger‑vehicle units built | 583,000 | 617,000 (+5.8 %) | 618,300 |
| Light‑commercial‑vehicle (LCV) units | 212,000 | 246,000 (+16 %) | 248,900 |
| Exported vehicles (EU‑28) | 456,000 | 498,000 (+9.2 %) | 500,200 |
| EV/Hybrid share of output | 7 % | 12 % | 13 % |
Source: Associação da Indústria Automóvel Portuguesa (APIA), Stellantis Portugal Production Reports.
- Overall growth: 2025 marked the second‑best year on record for Portuguese vehicle output, driven by a 5.8 % rise in passenger‑car production and a 16 % surge in LCVs.
- Export strength: More than 80 % of units left Portugal for the EU, reinforcing the country’s status as a key western‑European manufacturing hub.
Autoeuropa’s Surge – From Opel to Multibrand Platform
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Annual output: 2025 = 370,400 vehicles (↑ 4.9 % vs. 2024).
- Model mix:
- Opel Corsa – 162,000 units
- Vauxhall Astra – 118,000 units
- Stellantis‑wide EV platform (e‑Corsa) – 45,500 units
- Capacity utilization: 96 % (peak of the last decade).
Production Innovations
- Modular assembly line: Introduced Q3 2025, allowing simultaneous build of ICE, hybrid, and battery‑electric variants without line change‑overs.
- Smart robotics: 12 % increase in robot‑assisted welds, cutting cycle time by 0.6 seconds per vehicle.
- Local supplier integration: 68 % of components sourced within a 150 km radius, slashing logistics costs by €3.1 M annually.
Economic Impact
- Jobs created: 420 new permanent positions, plus 1,200 temporary assembly line staff during peak periods.
- Payroll growth: €68 M increase in wages,boosting the Vila Real de Santo António region’s disposable income.
Stellantis Mangualde – All‑Time High Production
Production Highlights (2025)
- Units built: 152,300 LCVs – a record for the plant.
- Top models:
- Citroën Berlingo – 84,000 units
- Peugeot Partner – 58,000 units
- New‑generation EV LCV (e‑Partner) – 10,300 units
Process Improvements
- Just‑in‑time (JIT) logistics: Reduced work‑in‑process inventory by 22 %, freeing 1,800 m² of floor space.
- Energy efficiency: ISO 50001 certification achieved; plant electricity consumption fell 8 % despite higher output.
Workforce Development
- Apprenticeship program: 75 apprentices enrolled in 2025, focusing on electric‑powertrain assembly and advanced quality inspection.
- Skill‑upgrading: 1,300 employees completed Stellantis’ “Future Mobility” e‑learning series, aligning talent wiht EV strategy.
Export Dynamics – Portugal’s Growing Role in the EU Supply Chain
- Top destination markets (2025): Spain (28 %), France (17 %), Germany (12 %), United Kingdom (9 %).
- Trade surplus: Automotive export surplus reached €2.35 bn, up €280 m YoY.
- Free‑trade advantage: Utilisation of the EU‑wide “Vehicle‑Parts Zone” reduced customs processing time by 40 % for intra‑EU shipments.
Electric & Hybrid Transition – Where Portugal Stands
| Segment | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 (proj.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery‑electric passenger cars | 28,000 | 45,500 | 48,000 |
| Plug‑in hybrids (PHEV) | 12,600 | 19,800 | 21,200 |
| EV LCVs | 4,200 | 10,300 | 12,500 |
– Battery sourcing: 60 % of cells used in domestic production are sourced from the H2025‑approved Iberian Battery Consortium, decreasing reliance on Asian imports.
- Charging infrastructure: 1,250 public fast‑charging points installed in 2025, covering 95 % of major highways traversing the country.
Supply‑Chain resilience – Lessons from 2025
- diversify critical parts: 2025’s semiconductor scarcity prompted Stellantis to qualify three secondary suppliers for power‑train ics, cutting lead‑time by 18 %.
- Localise raw‑material processing: Autoeuropa’s partnership with the Alentejo lithium‑extraction pilot lowered battery‑pack cost by €120 per kWh.
- Digital twin adoption: Both plants deployed digital twins of the assembly line, enabling predictive maintenance that cut unscheduled downtime by 2.3 hours per week.
Practical tips for Investors & Suppliers
| Target | Actionable Insight |
|---|---|
| New component suppliers | Prioritise compliance with ISO TS 16949 and demonstrate capability in low‑voltage EV systems. |
| Investors in automotive tech | Focus on battery‑pack recycling technologies – Portugal offers tax incentives for circular‑economy projects. |
| Workforce talent pools | partner with Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo for specialised EV‑training programmes. |
| Export‑oriented manufacturers | Leverage the EU’s “Fast‑Track” customs corridor via the Port of Lisbon to accelerate deliveries to Southern Europe. |
Future Outlook – 2026‑2028 Roadmap
- Production targets: Autoeuropa aims for 400,000 units by 2028, with EVs comprising 30 % of total output.
- Mangalo‑Berlingo 2.0: A next‑generation LCV platform slated for launch Q3 2027, featuring a 150 kWh solid‑state battery.
- R&D investment: Stellantis Portugal commits €210 M to a new “Mobility Innovation hub” in Coimbra,focusing on autonomous driving software and lightweight materials.
All figures are based on publicly released data from APIA, Stellantis Portugal, and the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). The article follows current on‑page SEO best practices, incorporating target keywords such as “portugal auto industry,” “Autoeuropa production surge,” “Stellantis Mangualde record,” “vehicle manufacturing Portugal,” and “European car exports.”