Ecuador Car Sales Surge 37% in January to Historic Highs -- and One in Five Is Now Electric or Hybrid

Ecuador's automotive market just had its best January ever, and the numbers tell an interesting story about where the economy -- and consumer confidence -- is heading.

The Numbers

According to AEADE (the Ecuadorian automotive industry association), 11,342 vehicles were sold in January 2026 -- a 37% increase over January 2025 and a historic record for the month.

Sales grew across 18 of Ecuador's 24 provinces, with some smaller markets posting extraordinary surges.

Provincial Breakdown

The top four markets by volume:

| Province | Units Sold | Notes | |----------|-----------|-------| | Pichincha | 4,589 | Quito metro area, ~40% of national sales | | Guayas | 3,156 | Guayaquil metro | | Azuay | 1,154 | Cuenca metro -- third in the country | | Tungurahua | 659 | Ambato area |

The growth wasn't just in the big cities. Several smaller provinces saw explosive increases:

• Santo Domingo: +510% (from 10 to 61 units)
• Pastaza: +356% (41 units)
• Santa Elena: +100% (26 units)
• El Oro: +97% (132 units)

Those percentages reflect small base numbers, but the trend is real: Ecuadorians outside the main urban centers are buying cars at rates not seen before.

The Electric Vehicle Boom

The most significant shift is in what people are buying. 22.2% of all vehicles sold in January were electric or hybrid -- more than one in five.

• Pure electric: 612 units (5.4% of total)
• Hybrid: 1,908 units (16.8% of total)

That's a dramatic change for a market that was almost entirely combustion-powered just a few years ago. The combination of tax incentives on EVs, lower import duties, and growing charging infrastructure is clearly having an effect.

What's Driving Growth

AEADE attributed the January surge to two main factors:

1. Reduced country risk -- Ecuador's improving security situation and economic stabilization under Noboa have lowered the perceived risk of major purchases
2. Improved credit access -- Banks are lending more freely for vehicle purchases, with interest rates that have come down from the crisis peaks of 2024

The SUV Dominance

By vehicle type, SUVs led the market with a 43.6% sales increase, followed by commercial vehicles at 38.9%. Ecuador's road conditions and the popularity of weekend trips to the coast or smaller towns continue to drive demand for higher-clearance vehicles.

The ANT Cloud

There's one concern hanging over the market. Ecuador's National Transit Agency (ANT) has suspended its vehicle registration system due to ongoing corruption investigations. AEADE warned that the suspension is already affecting approximately 400 daily vehicle sales nationwide, as buyers can't complete the matriculación process needed to legally register their purchases.

If the suspension drags on, it could dampen what's otherwise a strong sales trajectory. Buyers who've already purchased vehicles are stuck in limbo -- they own the car but can't legally drive it until registration reopens.

What This Means for Expats

Buying a Car

If you're in the market, the good news is that inventory and variety are at record levels. The bad news is the ANT registration freeze -- before you buy, confirm with the dealer how and when they can complete the matriculación. Don't take delivery of a vehicle you can't legally register.

EV Considerations

With one in five new cars now electrified, the charging network is expanding in response. Cuenca, Quito, and Guayaquil all have growing public charging infrastructure, though it's still sparse outside major cities. If you're considering an EV or hybrid, the financial case is getting stronger -- especially given Ecuador's cheap electricity relative to gasoline.

Resale Market

Strong new car sales typically depress used car prices as more inventory enters the market. If you're looking for a used vehicle, patience may be rewarded as the year progresses.

Economic Signal

A 37% jump in car sales is a strong consumer confidence indicator. People don't take on multi-year car loans if they're worried about the economy. This data point, combined with reduced country risk ratings, suggests the economic trajectory is positive.

Sources: Primicias, AEADE