The Brazilian automotive scene is gearing up for the return of the São Paulo Motor Show, running from 22 to 30 November 2025, after a long hiatus since 2018. The event is already shaping up to be a significant battleground for new models, particularly as established brands and new Chinese players outline their strategies.

Fiat and Abarth Bring the Power

Fiat is making a major statement, confirming a 500 m² stand dedicated to its various brands. The clear headline-grabber will be the Abarth 600e Scorpionissima, the most potent model ever from the Italian brand. Developed by Stellantis Motorsport and leveraging Formula E test-bench technology, this electric powerhouse delivers (207 kW) 280 cv and 345 Nm of torque, claiming a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 5.85 seconds.

The 600e’s aggressive design draws inspiration from both classic racers, like the square radiator shape of the historic Abarth 850 TC, and the digital “gamer” universe, evident in its angular geometry. The unit displayed at the show will be finished in an exclusive Hypnotic Purple.

Beyond the electric hot-hatch, the stand will also feature the 2026 Fastback Abarth and a Pulse Abarth linked to a ‘Stranger Things’ immersive experience. A dedicated space will showcase the brand’s popular bakkies—the Strada, Toro, and Titano—complete with demonstrations of their load capacity. Fiat will also feature a new concept car, potentially the new Panda, alongside Fiatwear shops and a large LED panel counting down to the brand’s 50th anniversary in Brazil next year.

BYD’s Flex-Hybrid Takes Centre Stage

While Fiat focuses on performance, the buzz around new energy vehicles continues, dominated by Chinese brands. BYD, which is confirmed for the Motor Show, has just fired a major warning shot by officially delivering the first Song Pro flex-hybrid, its first model specifically developed for the Brazilian market.

The handover ceremony coincided with the first official day of COP30 and the inauguration of the new 700 m² BYD VEGA dealership in Belém. The event was attended by high-profile figures, including the governor of Bahia, Jerônimo Rodrigues, and BYD Brasil president, Tyler Li. This new Song Pro, capable of running on ethanol or petrol, was the main highlight.

This vehicle is part of a 30-unit fleet donated by BYD for official COP30 use, which will later be allocated to local schools and public institutions. The model itself, first spotted during the Camaçari factory inauguration, sports the brand’s latest “Dragon Face” restyling with slimmer headlights and a redesigned, sportier bumper.

Given the timing, it is widely expected that this new flex-hybrid Song Pro will be the star attraction at BYD’s stand at the São Paulo Motor Show. While full specs are pending, the vehicle adapts the current 1.5-litre aspirated engine (98 cv on petrol) for flex-fuel use. The electric system is expected to remain unchanged, pairing a 197 cv electric motor for a combined output of 223 cv (GL) or 235 cv (GS), with battery options of 12.9 kWh or 18.3 kWh.

Jetour Opts to Skip, Prepares 2026 Launch

However, not every new contender is using the Motor Show as a launchpad. Jetour, another Chinese brand from the Chery stable, has confirmed it will sit out the November event.

Jetour, which will operate independently from both Caoa Chery and the recently launched Omoda & Jaecoo, is targeting an early 2026 debut in Brazil with three hybrid SUVs. The operation is set to begin with an initial network of 40 dealerships and a launch stock of 1,500 imported units. According to the company, the timing of the 2025 show simply didn’t align with its strategic timeline.

Despite its absence, the brand’s local ambitions are serious. Jetour is already developing a flex-fuel engine for Brazil, taking advantage of synergies within the wider Chery group. Local production is also firmly on the short-to-medium-term radar. Henrique Sampaio, Jetour’s Director of Marketing and Product, confirmed local assembly plans and, when questioned by QUATRO RODAS about potentially sharing the Omoda & Jaecoo factory, noted that while it’s a possibility, “We could buy a factory, build one, or share. Everything is on the table.”