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The future of Brazil's first hybrid car is at stake! Produced in China, the Lecar hybrid SUV promises to challenge the national market, but the decision to manufacture abroad could impact its identity.
The Brazilian automotive market is undergoing a revolution. A brand that promises to make history in the sector, Lecar, will begin production of its 459 hybrid SUV model, but with a detail that many did not expect: production will be in China, not in Brazil.
As a company that aims to be a pioneer in the manufacture of hybrid cars in Brazil, this choice raises many questions about the future of national industry and the impact of this hybrid flex model on the automotive market.
Lecar's surprising decision to produce in China
In one exclusive interview with G1, Flávio Figueiredo Assis, founder of Lecar, revealed that, despite the great desire to be the first manufacturer of 100% Brazilian flex hybrid cars, the company had to start its production outside Brazil.
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The Lecar factory in Sooretama, Espírito Santo, will only be ready in 2026. With a thousand orders already made and the promise of delivering the 459 hybrid SUV model by then, the brand decided to start production in China.
But, according to Assis, this does not mean that the model will lose its title of “first national flex hybrid”, since it will, in fact, be developed and manufactured with Brazilian technology, although initially on Chinese soil.
Can this decision be seen as a strategic move or a missed opportunity for Brazil?
The decision to start manufacturing outside the country could be a delicate issue for a brand that is proud to be Brazilian and has great ambitions to grow in the national hybrid car market.
The question that remains in the air is: How will Lecar deal with the production of high-tech vehicles in another country, keeping the promise of being a symbol of Brazilian potential in the automotive sector?
Lecar's Production Strategy and the Challenges Ahead
Despite his decision to produce the model abroad, Assis guarantees that, in the future, the manufacture of the 459 hybrid SUV will be 100% national.
According to him, the company is moving forward with the development of the vehicle and is currently in the Styrofoam machining phase, one of the initial stages of car production, when adjustments and adaptations are made to achieve the desired precision.
After machining, Lecar engineers will have to develop the panels, finishes, fittings and fastenings, which require high-precision adjustments to ensure the quality of the final product.
The production of mock-up, a prototype with the same dimensions as the model to be manufactured, is also planned.
The clinic with future clients and model approval are also part of the next steps.
Lecar's arrival in the Brazilian automotive market has generated great expectations, but also questions.
Will production in China affect consumers' perception of the car's true national character? And how will it impact the local industry, which is still reeling from pressure from foreign automakers?
The impact of manufacturing in China: challenges and opportunities
Producing cars in China has been a common practice for many global brands, given the low manufacturing cost and vast experience in mass production.
But choosing a company that claims to be Brazilian creates extra tension, especially when it comes to cars that seek to use national technology and promote sustainability in Brazil.
Production in China can be seen as a pragmatic decision, since the infrastructure needed to produce a state-of-the-art hybrid car in Brazil is not yet fully developed.
With a factory under construction and the need to deliver models to consumers quickly, China offers the ideal solution to meet immediate demand.
Production in China could also mean easier access to high-quality parts and components suppliers, in addition to allowing Lecar to reduce costs and, therefore, offer a competitive price.
However, there is a hidden cost. Reliance on Chinese factories can lead to a lack of control over the production process and result in unexpected delays or problems.
Lack of visibility into the process can generate uncertainty and affect consumer confidence, especially those who prioritize national production as an important factor when choosing a car.
Lecar's change of direction: from 100% electric to flex hybrid
In its initial plans, Lecar was focused exclusively on manufacturing cars 100% electric.
However, the shift in focus to a flex hybrid model was motivated by a key element: Brazil's vocation for hybrid technology.
Flávio Figueiredo Assis, responsible for the company, stated that, although 100% electric technology is promising, the flex hybrid is the best solution for the Brazilian market, which faces a still precarious electric charging infrastructure in many regions.
The decision to opt for a flex hybrid model also comes in response to the perceived flaws in electrical technology in Brazil.
Assis believes that, with the flexibility offered by the hybrid engine, the 459 model could be a viable solution to the challenges of the Brazilian automotive market., such as the shortage of charging points and the need for greater autonomy when traveling.
The 459 flex hybrid model will be equipped with a 1.0 turbo engine, offering a combined power of 163 horsepower and 26 kgfm of torque, a robust setup for an SUV.
The car's autonomy is one of its main attractions: with just one tank of fuel, the vehicle can run up to 1.000 km.
Furthermore, the model will not need to be recharged through power points, which makes it even more practical for Brazilian consumers.
Comparison with models already available on the Brazilian market
In Brazil, the hybrid car market is still recent, but it is growing rapidly.
Models like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and the Honda HR-V Hybrid have already won over a considerable number of consumers looking for an alternative to the 100% combustion engine.
Lecar's 459 hybrid SUV stands out for its modern design, inspired by Tesla Model Y, and by the flex technology that adapts to the national context.
Comparing with the Corolla Cross, the Lecar model offers a more competitive priceWith the 459 costing R$ 147.900, while the Corolla Cross Hybrid starts from R$189.990.
With a similar but more accessible proposal, Lecar has the opportunity to attract consumers who want to adopt a more sustainable technology, but with a lower initial cost.
Sustainability and the future of hybrid cars in Brazil
Sustainability is one of the great promises of hybrid and electric cars, but Brazil still has a long way to go when it comes to an efficient charging infrastructure and an economy focused on clean energy.
The flex hybrid model, which can be fueled with ethanol or gasoline, seems to be a balanced solution for a market that is not yet ready for the full transition to 100% electric cars.
With the popularization of flex hybrid cars, Lecar can play a key role in transforming the automotive sector in Brazil by offering more environmentally friendly and affordable alternatives.
Brazil, with its vocation for ethanol, has fertile ground for the growth of flex hybrids.
The future of this technology could be promising, especially if Lecar continues to innovate and expand its production in Brazil.
An Important Step or a Detour?
The future of Lecar’s 459 hybrid SUV is closely linked to this production and development strategy.
Will the choice to start production in China affect the brand’s perception of authenticity and patriotism? Or, on the contrary, will the strategic decision drive Lecar to become a successful player in the national and international market? Only time will tell.
And you, do you think that the production of a national hybrid car in China can be seen as an opportunity or a loss of identity? Leave your opinion in the comments!
Lecar is a promise and, above all, hope for a national car.
For us Brazilians, the few attempts to produce a national car have always encountered obstacles and lack of support from the governments in power. This, which seems like a great prospect, will come from China.
I hope Lecar is Brazilian.
If it is to honor the delivery of those who have already guaranteed the purchase of the car, I agree!
certain