Volkswagen do Brasil received R$2.3 billion from the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) to finance electrification projects and the development of safety and communication technologies, as well as exports. Of this total, R$600 million was regulated by Macke Consultoria. From 2026, every new Volkswagen model developed and manufactured in the South American region will be equipped with electric versions. The brand’s portfolio will contain hybrid vehicles in all possible forms: mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and plug-in hybrid. The first car will be produced with the MQB37 platform at the Anchieta plant, in São Bernardo do Campo (SP), with a flexible HEV propulsion system. It is worth noting that the Total Flex models will also remain in the Volkswagen do Brasil portfolio. The BNDES contribution also supports the development of engineering projects at Volkswagen do Brasil based on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and communication technologies (infotainment). The goal is to democratize access to advanced security technologies and increasingly improve the customer experience. These resources are part of Volkswagen’s investment program totaling R$20 billion in South America until 2028, of which R$16 billion is invested in Brazil.
The contracts were signed at the Ancheita factory in the presence of the Vice President of the Republic and the Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, Geraldo Alckmin; President of BNDES, Aloisio Mercadante; Volkswagen CEO for South America, Alexander Seitz; and President and CEO of Volkswagen do Brasil, Ciro Bussubom, as well as partners at Macke Consultoria, Andrej Maiski, Brendo Ribas and Angelita Nebel.
“A new era of electric vehicles for Volkswagen is starting in Brazil. From 2026, every new Volkswagen developed by our engineering and manufactured in the South American region will have electric versions. We will offer hybrids in all possible styles: mild hybrids, hybrids and plug-in hybrids, representing our commitment to the future of sustainable mobility. We will have a complete solution, democratizing electrification and access to advanced safety, connectivity and artificial intelligence technologies. R$2.3 billion possible “With BNDES, this project accelerates the energy and technology transformation at Volkswagen do Brasil and strengthens our engineering,” says President and CEO of Volkswagen do Brasil, Ciro Possobom. We are working to strengthen the national industry, which develops and produces cars here, generates jobs and accelerates the economy.”
Strengthening the relationship with BNDES
This announcement also represents a strengthening of the partnership between Volkswagen and BNDES, in line with the new industrial policy of the Federal Government. Aloisio Mercadante, President of the Bank, stressed the importance of credit lines aimed at innovation. “BNDES’s support for innovation by Brazilian companies is at the heart of the industrial policy of President Lula’s government. The most innovative industry, capable of developing technologies combined with decarbonization of the automotive sector, is an industry that looks to the future. The future is the energy transition,” he said.
Rafael Teixeira, Volkswagen’s CFO in the South American region, stressed that the operations confirm the company’s commitment to sustainable and technological development in the country. “By enabling investments in the field of electrification, digitalization and connectivity, we strengthen our partnership with BNDES and contribute to the consolidation of a new national industry, more innovative and green and ready to expand its presence in exports and global integration of the automotive chain,” the CEO said.
According to Andrei Maisky, partner at Macke Consultoria, the operation was the result of long-term work. It highlights that the consultancy has organized projects capable of demonstrating, in addition to technological potential, positive social and economic impacts, such as job creation and creating new opportunities for local suppliers.
For Brendo Ribas, also a partner at Macke, the role of consulting is to ensure the viability of initiatives that require large amounts of resources and long implementation times. “The experience accumulated by McKee allows us to translate innovation strategies into projects with concrete conditions for accessing public financing, bringing the industry closer to the available support tools,” he stated.
Commitment to clean energy
Electrification is another key pillar of Volkswagen’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy. Globally, the company aims to be carbon neutral by 2050, following its global “Road to Zero” strategy. Volkswagen was also the first car manufacturer on the planet to sign the Paris Agreement. In Brazil, Volkswagen is following the global strategy and taking several decarbonization measures. All units use 100% renewable energy and are Zero Waste certified. The company is also an industry leader in using biomethane in its energy matrix, reducing CO2 emissions in part of the production process by up to 99%, compared to the fossil alternative. The supply is mainly used in the coating of the Anchieta and Taubaté plants.
The investment package also highlights the importance of aligning private projects with public development policies. The initiatives combine sustainability, digitalization and economic development, enhancing the country’s role in the transition to future mobility.
The partnership reaffirms the strength of Brazilian engineering and the country’s potential to lead the development of sustainable and technological solutions for the future of mobility.