Inchcape, one of the UK's largest investors in Chile, participated in Chile Day, a key event to promote trade relations between Chile and the United Kingdom. Liz Brown, Strategy Director at Inchcape, was invited as a speaker, highlighting the company's role in the country and its vision for the future of sustainable mobility.
During her speech, Brown shared why Inchcape considers Chile a strategic market and highlighted the company's achievements in the region: "Chile is an excellent place to do business. We have made significant investments in the country and are committed to its long-term development," she stated.
Inchcape's Presence in Chile
Inchcape has been operating in the Chilean automotive market since 1994, accelerating its growth since 2016 through key acquisitions and organic expansion. Today, the company distributes 24 automotive brands in the country, including leaders such as BMW and Suzuki, as well as emerging Chinese brands.
"We have invested over £1.4 billion in Chile, including the acquisition of Derco at the end of 2022," explained Brown. This acquisition has established Inchcape as the leading automotive distributor in Chile, responsible for one in every four vehicles sold in the country and directly employing more than 3,000 people.
Commitment to Sustainability and the Future
One of Inchcape's core pillars in Chile is its focus on sustainable mobility. With a 27% market share in electric vehicles, the company is leading the transition towards greener mobility in the country, offering both entry-level and premium vehicles.
Additionally, Inchcape has established an ambitious plan to reduce the environmental impact of its operations, aiming to make its facilities and fleet carbon-neutral by 2040.
Chile, a Strategic Market for Growth
For Inchcape, Chile not only represents a key market but also a regional operations hub. From its regional headquarters and a Digital Delivery Centre in the country, where it employs 70 IT professionals, the company provides global services, driving cutting-edge digital tools and data analytics.
"We value Chile's institutional and economic stability, as well as its pro-business regulatory environment," Brown emphasised. "The country offers great growth potential, and we are committed to continuing to invest and contribute to the development of Chile's economy and society."
A Long-Term Partnership
Inchcape views Chile as a key partner for the future of sustainable mobility. The company is ready to apply its global expertise in collaboration with the government and local regulators, supporting the country's transition to more sustainable mobility technologies, such as electric and hybrid vehicles.
"We are excited about what the future holds in Chile," concluded Brown. "We are here to stay, and we look forward to collaborating with many of the companies present at Chile Day to build a more sustainable future for everyone."