With 3 Million Units Produced, the Chevrolet Onix Becomes the Most Manufactured National Car by GM in Brazil, Leaving Icons Like Celta and Corsa Behind.
Chevrolet has reached a historic milestone in the national automotive industry: the Onix, its most popular compact hatchback, has achieved 3 million units produced at the Gravataí (RS) plant. This number places the model ahead of icons like Corsa (2.9 million) and Celta (2.1 million), solidifying the Onix as the most produced Chevrolet in Brazil’s history.
Since its market debut in 2012, the Onix has continued to grow in popularity and sales volume. In just over a decade, it became the best-selling car in the country for six consecutive years, surpassing rivals like Gol, HB20, and Argo, and securing a definitive place among Brazilian favorites.
Updated for 2026, Onix Maintains Leadership and Gains Sophistication
The 3 million units milestone comes at a time of renewal for the Onix lineup. The model is now being offered in hatch and sedan (Onix Plus) versions with an updated look, new equipment, and mechanical adjustments for the 2026 line. Highlights include tweaks to the front design, a more modern multimedia system, and improvements in safety features.
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While maintaining the mechanical basis—with the 1.0 naturally aspirated and 1.0 turbo engines, both three-cylinder—the 2026 Onix evolves in finish and technological offerings, aiming both for consumers seeking economy and those looking for connectivity and safety.
Versions with a 6-speed automatic transmission continue to be the preferred choice of app drivers and urban families.
How the Onix Surpassed Corsa and Celta to Become the “King of GM”
The success of the Onix can be explained by a combination of factors: modern design, efficient consumption, cutting-edge connectivity, and always competitive pricing. Since its launch, the model was designed to cater to the new Brazilian consumer who, in 2012, was beginning to transition from basic models to more complete cars.

Between 2015 and 2020, the Onix reigned supreme as the best-selling car in Brazil, a position previously held by the VW Gol.
During this period, it sold over 240,000 units in a single year, a rare feat for the segment. Even after losing the top spot to the Fiat Strada, Chevrolet’s hatchback still ranks at the top of the sales charts.
Criticism and Controversies Did Not Hinder the Progress of the Onix
Despite its enormous success, the Onix’s journey has not been free of controversies. One of the most significant episodes was the Latin NCAP crash test in 2017, where the model, in its version without airbags for export, received a zero safety rating. The backlash forced Chevrolet to reinforce the car’s structure and include protective items in all versions.
Another frequent criticism is related to the 1.0 three-cylinder engine with a oil-bathed timing belt, which requires careful maintenance and has generated complaints about durability. In response, GM has begun offering warranty of up to 240,000 km for the mechanical assembly, aiming to regain the trust of demanding customers.
Still, the Onix remains one of the most balanced options on the market, especially in versions with six airbags, traction and stability control, hill start assist, and multimedia with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Timeline: The Evolution of the Onix in Brazil
- 2012: Official launch of the Chevrolet Onix as the indirect successor to the Celta.
- 2015: Becomes the best-selling car in the country, surpassing the Gol.
- 2017: Receives the first facelift, with visual changes and new equipment.
- 2019: New generation arrives with global GEM platform, enhanced safety, and new turbo engines.
- 2020: Production is temporarily halted due to the pandemic and the semiconductor crisis.
- 2026: Receives a new visual update and reaches the mark of 3 million units produced.
Top 10: The Most Produced Chevrolet Cars in Brazil
Besides the Onix, other models have helped shape Chevrolet’s history in the country. Here is the ranking of the 10 most produced cars by the brand in Brazil:
- Onix – 3,000,000 units
- Corsa – 2,900,000 units
- Celta – 2,100,000 units
- Chevette – 1,400,000 units
- S10 – 1,300,000 units
- Opala – 1,000,000 units
- Monza – 900,000 units
- Astra – 615,000 units
- Vectra – 540,000 units
- Montana – 460,000 units


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