MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazilian automobile industry, still strong, begins to feel the tight money pinch

Car production in April slipped 0.4% and sales grew by 11.7%

Automobile production in Brazil fell 4.9% and sales dropped 5.5% in April from March, the national automakers' association said on Friday.

Production in the month totalled 280,128 new cars and trucks, while sales reached 289,189 vehicles, according to data released by industry group Anfavea. Auto output had slipped 0.4% and sales had risen 11.7% in March.

Brazil, whose economy grew a hefty 7.5% last year, is a key market for the world's biggest automakers, including Italy's Fiat, Germany's Volkswagen AG and U.S.-based General Motors Co and Ford Motor Co). Asian automakers are also increasing their presence in Brazil.

Economic growth is expected to slow to a pace of around 4% this year as Brazil feels the impact of government measures to cool demand, which has been fuelled by abundant consumer credit.

Fiat retained the top spot in Brazil's auto market in April, selling 60,452 vehicles, a 6.3% drop from March. Volkswagen was second with sales of 52,498 cars and trucks, a 10% fall from the previous month.

GM sold 51,427 vehicles in April, a 7% slip from February, while Ford sold 27,597 cars and trucks, a dip of 0.27%.