Agrale posted consolidated sales of R$1.075 billion (US$500 million) in 2012, up 16.5% from R$924 million in the prior year. The manufacturer of trucks, bus chassis, 4x4 utility vehicles, tractors and diesel engines expects to continue growing at this pace in 2013.

According to CEO Hugo Zattera, one of the main drivers of this performance was the strong sales of bus chassis and Marruá utility vehicles. “Reaching sales of R$ 1 billion in the year we celebrate our 50th anniversary is very emblematic. It’s the market’s recognition of all the challenges overcome by the company in such a competitive environment,” he said.

Agrale’s strong growth has led to the creation of 359 new jobs, of which 330 were in Brazil, and also required expansion of its industrial facilities. The company currently has 2,182 employees, 2,076 of whom work in Brazil.

Over these five decades, Agrale has achieved a prominent position in the local and international auto industry and business community, consolidating itself as an important manufacturer of vehicles and tractors and the Brazilian leader in light chassis production for 15 years.