1.197
Automotive industry companies
It concerns components and vehicles’ production. Source: Statistics Portugal and SABI (2021).
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Automotive and mobility industry
Portugal is renowned for its engineering proficiency in the automotive and mobility industries, developing new solutions for the future of smart mobility
Automotive and mobility industry at a glance
The automotive and mobility sector is one of the most important industrial value chains in the Portuguese economy and one of the leading exporters. In 2022, seven of the top ten largest exporters of goods in Portugal were companies from the automotive sector.
This thriving sector encompasses a significant number of suppliers for the automotive industry and major car manufacturers such as VW and Stellantis.
Automotive and mobility industry insights
Portugal has a strong R&D and innovation ecosystem, based on an internationally recognized engineering education, which presents a highly qualified talent. The country’s strategic position makes it easier and faster to supply European Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), in Spain and France, where 2 million and 1 million vehicles are produced every year, respectively.
Recently, Portugal has been on the radar of several key international investors, namely through the successful creation and expansion of sophisticated engineering hubs performed by large OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers, such as BMW (through Critical Techworks), Mercedes, Volkswagen Digital Solutions, Daimler, Bosch and Continental.
Based on an excellent and export-driven metalworking industry, Portugal was the largest manufacturer of bicycles in Europe, in 2022, presenting a consistent growth over the last years.
Recent FDI projects in Portugal
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Volkswagen AutoEuropa (Germany)
Volkswagen plans to invest €600m in the production of a new hybrid model that will take place in its Palmela factory (Setúbal region), reported to reach the market in 2026. The company highlighted the importance and quality of the vehicles production teams in Portugal, ensuring further investments.
Stellantis (France)
In 2023, Stellantis announced plans to manufacture EVs in Mangualde, thus becoming the first assembly plant in Portugal to build battery electric light commercial vehicles for Citroën, Fiat, Opel, and Peugeot in large scale production.
Borgwarner (USA)
In 2021, the American Borgwarner has invested €100m in a new plant in Viana do Castelo to produce motors for electric vehicles, creating over 300 new jobs. According to the company, this investment demonstrates Portugal's attractiveness for high value added projects and ensures a clear commitment with the future of electric mobility.
Bosch (Germany)
In 2018, the German company Bosch has established in Braga an R&D Centre for smart integration solutions for entertainment, navigation, telematics and driver assistance. The company trusts the excellence of Portuguese engineers and believes that investing in this new facility will lead them to the greatest automation development.
