Argentina Medium and Heavy Duty Truck Market Overview, 2030

Argentina’s medium and heavy-duty truck market has undergone structural changes since 2020, marked by a sharp shift toward locally assembled vehicles and a post-pandemic recovery in agricultural logistics and industrial freight. Historically reliant on diesel-powered units imported from Brazil and Europe, the market now sees rising investments in domestic assembly by Iveco, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, and Agrale, partly due to currency fluctuation risks and trade restrictions. Newer models introduced since 2022, like the Iveco Tector and Scania’s Euro 6-compliant R Series, incorporate telematics, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and automated transmissions to meet modern logistics demands. Innovations in fleet management software, real-time diagnostics, and fuel optimization systems have disrupted traditional trucking, especially in large-scale agricultural distribution networks across Córdoba, Santa Fe, and Buenos Aires provinces. Argentina follows the Mercosur regulatory framework and IRAM-AITA standards for vehicle safety, emissions, and axle loads. While Euro 5 norms are currently enforced, a transition toward Euro 6 standards is planned, especially for new heavy-duty imports. National Highway Traffic Law No. 24.449 and CNRT (Comisión Nacional de Regulación del Transporte) guidelines mandate compliance on vehicle dimensions, braking systems, and noise emissions. In comparison to Brazil, Argentina's regulatory structure is less stringent but more prone to sudden policy changes due to inflation and fiscal pressures. Tax incentives are minimal; however, automotive firms may access credit lines under the FONDEAR scheme or local provincial subsidies for fleet modernization. Government policies such as selective import barriers, high import duties (up to 35%), and the “Buy Argentine” policy create unequal competition between local assemblers and importers. The lack of consistent tax incentives across Latin American countries further complicates regional harmonization, though bilateral trade via Mercosur provides limited relief for compliant, locally produced units.

According to the research report ""Argentina Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Argentina Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck market is anticipated to grow at more than 2.87% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. This market is driven by Argentina’s reliance on road freight for moving over 85% of its domestic cargo, especially grains, meat, fuel, and industrial goods, creating demand for robust medium and heavy-duty trucks. The market thrives in key provinces like Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Córdoba, and Mendoza where agribusiness, mining, and retail logistics dominate. Truck production and assembly are anchored by local plants of Iveco (Córdoba), Mercedes-Benz (Virrey del Pino), and Scania (Tucumán), which assemble vehicles from semi-knocked-down kits to reduce import costs. Raw material sourcing depends heavily on imported components such as transmissions, engines, and electronics, largely from Brazil, China, and Europe. Risks arise from exchange rate volatility, import licensing delays, and port bottlenecks that disrupt supply chains and increase production lead times. Distribution channels rely on dealership networks, with brands like Volkswagen, Volvo, and Agrale offering flexible leasing or financing via provincial banks or automotive credit programs. Sales are skewed toward agricultural cooperatives, grain exporters, and regional logistics firms, while urban municipalities procure specialized trucks for waste collection and public works. CNH Industrial’s expansion of Iveco operations and investments by Scania in local green tech, have tightened OEM control over distribution and aftersales, reducing competition for smaller players. Startups focusing on telematics and fleet management software are gaining traction but struggle with funding and fleet integration due to fleet owners’ conservative purchasing habits. New entrants face high homologation costs, certification hurdles from CNRT, and limited access to foreign exchange for importing parts. Leading players maintain dominance by securing direct government contracts, offering long-term service packages, and customizing models for Argentina’s rugged terrain and load needs.

Medium-duty trucks (3.5 to 16 tonnes) play a key role in intra-provincial logistics, last-mile delivery, municipal operations, and agricultural input transport. These trucks are commonly deployed in cities like Rosario, Córdoba, and Bahía Blanca, where flexible cargo handling, maneuverability, and fuel economy matter. Models like the Iveco Tector and Mercedes-Benz Accelo dominate this space, offering configurations suitable for refrigerated goods, construction material supply, and light commercial utility. Their relatively lower cost and favorable maintenance economics make them attractive for SMEs and public service agencies. On the other hand, heavy-duty trucks (above 16 tonnes) are the backbone of Argentina’s freight-intensive corridors. These vehicles serve grain exports from Pampas to Rosario ports, meat processing supply chains, and long-distance transport from industrial hubs in Santa Fe and Buenos Aires to the Andean and Patagonian regions. Trucks in this class are mostly articulated or multi-axle configurations, compliant with CNRT axle load laws. Scania’s R Series, Volvo FH, and the Mercedes-Benz Actros dominate this category, equipped with Euro 5 engines, retarder braking, and digital telematics. These trucks often operate under cooperative fleet systems or third-party logistics contracts serving agribusiness, retail distribution, and energy infrastructure projects. Manufacturing of both classes occurs through semi-knocked-down kits assembled at local plants to bypass high import duties and maintain cost efficiency. Demand is cyclical, peaking around harvest seasons or during government infrastructure drives. Price segmentation is pronounced: heavy-duty trucks cost 2–3 times more than medium-duty ones due to drivetrain complexity, payload capability, and safety systems.

In Argentina’s medium and heavy-duty truck market, propulsion-based segmentation is still dominated by internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks, primarily diesel-powered, due to their compatibility with the country's vast highway network, fuel availability, and rugged transport needs across agricultural and mining zones. Over 90% of trucks on Argentine roads use diesel, favored for long-distance freight from Córdoba, Santa Fe, and Buenos Aires to ports like Rosario and Bahía Blanca. ICE trucks, such as the Scania R Series and Mercedes-Benz Actros, are assembled locally or imported from Brazil under Mercosur trade agreements. These models meet Euro 5 emission standards enforced by the CNRT but often lack advanced particulate filters due to fuel sulfur content variations. Electric trucks are in the early stages of market entry, primarily limited to pilot programs in urban waste management and short-haul logistics. Brands like Foton and BYD have showcased electric medium-duty trucks in Buenos Aires and Mendoza, backed by public procurement or green transport trials. Infrastructure gaps, including limited fast-charging stations and grid instability in rural regions, restrict wider adoption. However, the government’s energy transition agenda and rising diesel prices have accelerated discussions on electric truck incentives and local battery manufacturing partnerships. The Other category includes trucks powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and hybrid systems, with CNG models gaining interest due to Argentina’s abundant natural gas reserves. Iveco offers dedicated CNG trucks like the Daily Natural Power, suitable for urban deliveries in areas like Salta and Tucumán. Fleet operators using hybrid powertrains, particularly in refrigerated and time-sensitive logistics, are exploring plug-in hybrid models, though imports remain limited and expensive. Propulsion strategy across segments is influenced by total cost of ownership, access to service infrastructure, and provincial-level subsidies.

Rigid trucks are widely used for short-haul and intra-city transport tasks, particularly in the delivery of beverages, construction materials, and agricultural supplies within Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Rosario. These vehicles are valued for their ease of maneuverability, straightforward maintenance, and suitability for stop-and-go operations. Rigid trucks dominate municipal services as well used in waste collection, utility repairs, and public infrastructure operations, often equipped with compactors, tankers, or aerial lift units. Tractor-trailers or articulated trucks make up the backbone of Argentina’s long-haul freight system. Commonly seen along the Rosario–Bahía Blanca–Buenos Aires logistics corridor, these trucks carry bulk commodities like soybeans, grains, oilseed meals, and chilled meat for export. Articulated trucks with three or more axles are crucial in connecting inland grain-producing provinces like Santa Fe and La Pampa with export ports, allowing high payload flexibility while complying with CNRT axle-load regulations. Popular models in this segment include Scania’s R Series, Volvo FH, and Mercedes-Benz Actros. Tipper and dump trucks serve the mining and construction sectors, particularly in Salta, Jujuy, and Mendoza, transporting limestone, cement, sand, and aggregates to infrastructure sites. Their high ground clearance, reinforced axles, and hydraulic tipping systems make them ideal for rough terrain and heavy-duty use in road-building and quarrying. The Other category includes specialized trucks such as refrigerated units used in Argentina’s meat and dairy supply chain, fuel and chemical tankers used in petrochemical logistics, and mobile medical or service units for rural access. These are often custom-built on rigid or semi-trailer platforms and require certification for hazardous goods or temperature-sensitive cargo.

Logistics and transportation dominate demand, with over 60% of truck movement linked to domestic freight operations across food, consumer goods, and industrial products. Corridors like Buenos Aires–Córdoba–Santa Fe handle high truck volumes, supported by fleets operated by cooperatives, 3PL firms, and agri-exporters. Trucks in this sector range from rigid vehicles for city deliveries to long-haul tractor-trailers for interprovincial cargo. Construction and mining activities in provinces like Mendoza, Neuquén, San Juan, and Salta heavily rely on dump trucks, tipper trucks, and articulated haulers to transport cement, aggregates, minerals, and tools. Infrastructure developments under Argentina’s federal road and housing programs have spurred demand for high-axle-load vehicles with reinforced chassis and hydraulic equipment. In agriculture and forestry, trucks serve as lifelines for transporting grain, fertilizers, livestock, and harvested timber from the Pampas, La Pampa, and Mesopotamia regions to processing units and export terminals. Harvest seasons significantly influence vehicle utilization patterns, and agro-cooperatives often use customized trucks with onboard weighbridges or crop-specific containers. Utility and municipal services particularly in urban centers like Rosario and Mar del Plata use medium-duty trucks for garbage collection, road maintenance, power grid access, and potable water distribution. These vehicles are often procured via public tenders and fitted with specialized equipment such as cranes, tanks, or hydraulic lifts. The other category includes mobile healthcare units, postal and courier fleets, armored cash vans, and firefighting trucks, which are gaining relevance post-pandemic as rural access and emergency services become priorities.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Medium and Heavy Duty Truck Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Vehicle Class
• Medium (3.5 to 16 Tonnes)
• Heavy (16 Tonnes and Above)

By Propulsion
• ICE
• Electric
• Other

By Body Type
• Rigid Trucks
• Tractor-Trailers / Articulated Truck
• Tipper / Dump Trucks
• Other

By end users
• Logistic transportation
• Construction and Mining
• Agriculture and Forestry
• Utility And Municipal
• Other Show more