Government agency sees evidence of fraud at Lecar: without a factory, without a homologated car and with promises, projects generate distrust in the market
This outcome for the poorly explained projects of the future Brazilian “manufacturer” was already expected. The Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), an agency of the Ministry of Finance responsible for regulating fixed-odds betting and commercial promotions, concluded that there is “strong indication of potentially fraudulent conduct” on the part of Lecar. The information was conveyed by Tácio Lorran, columnist and investigative reporter for the website Metrópoles.
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Evidence points to a structure similar to the financial pyramid, misleading advertising, omissions and violations of four articles of the Consumer Protection Code. Irregularities include membership fee, sale of promises, psychological triggers and marketing of future delivery without the existence of a validated product.
The founder and chief executive of Lecar, Flávio Assis, admitted to the site that he does not have the car homologated or factory, but “everything is under development and nothing is different from what we communicate”. Regarding the industrial facility in Sooretama (ES), he assumed new delays, but says that the process has advanced well.
Changes in plans, so far, range from the apparent regret (or simple postponement) of producing a traditional electric model (Lecar 459) to the exchange of Rio Grande do Sul for Espírito Santo for the future factory, in addition to presenting a pickup truck named Campo, at the last Automobile Show, in the capital of São Paulo, last November. The model of the pickup without engine, gearbox and suspensions even showed reasonable visual appeal, although it entered the stage pushed by the rear wheels with the help of two supports on wheels.
The forecast at the moment is that the first units will leave the assembly line in Sooretama (ES) in the middle of next year. However, buyers need to be convinced, among other guarantees, about the clear appointment of a dealership network. The next steps of the SPA may cast more suspicion on the “programmed purchase” method. Lecar has been moving since 2022 with intentions and models. It is not known how many vehicles were actually sold in advance. Not forgetting that the Brazilian market has 15 Chinese brands between imports and local production.
If it’s already difficult for manufacturers established here for at least seven decades, one wonders what to expect from Lecar. Good luck.
B10 rear-wheel drive medium-compact electric SUV, the second product of the partnership with Stellantis, represents the brand’s volume model with a focus on technology and cost-effectiveness. It adopts clean and futuristic lines, LED headlights and taillights on two levels, and 18-inch wheels. Internally, it stands out for its sophistication, sustainability (hypoallergenic materials) and panoramic roof, in addition to a good trunk of 365 L (VDA) and another 21 L at the front. There are practical solutions such as automatic unlocking of doors by approximation carrying the key.
Leapmotor B10 has a 14.6-inch multimedia center. and 8.8-inch instrument panel. There are over-the-air updates (OTA) and wireless connection for smartphones. Rear engine delivers 218 hp and 24,5 kgf·m. 52.6 kW⋅h LFP battery is integrated into the chassis and accepts fast recharges up to 140 kW, as well as recovering 30% to 80% of the charge in 16 minutes. In safety, it includes seven airbags and full ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) level 2.
In the first evaluation of São Paulo, Cabreúva (SP), showed very good balance with 50% of the mass in each axis. Progressive, jerk-free power delivery and good sound insulation also required in electric cars. Energy regeneration intensity is adjustable and provides “one-pedal” driving style. Light steering in maneuvers, gains weight at higher speeds and filters irregularities from the ground well. Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8 s. Average range of 288 km (Inmetro standard).
The NFC card-shaped key, although modern, requires exact positioning at a specific point to unlock and energize the engine. This translates into less intuitive usability in everyday life, compared to traditional face-to-face keys. Overall, the B10 is positioned as one of the most competitive bets among electric SUVs for balancing performance, space and connectivity at an attractive price. And it will have local production in Goiana (PE).
Price: R$ 182.990.
Launch is scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027 in Brazil, yet to be confirmed, but will arrive in Mexico earlier under the name of Frontier Pro. It will be the Japanese brand’s first pickup with a plug-in hybrid system (PHEV). To ensure that it will meet all demands, the version with a diesel engine only will be offered because it is a product with a lower price and, therefore, greater commercial range.
Presented at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show, the pickup is based on the Chinese Dongfeng Z9 model. An unprecedented product that incorporates a four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine and an electric motor integrated into the gearbox. Combined power of 435 hp and 81.5 kgf·m. Inside, the large 14.6-inch multimedia screen stands out.
Nissan has now announced in Japan that it will reduce its current portfolio of models from 56 to 45 and thus move forward more quickly with its financial recovery plan. Three product families will cover 80% of the world’s sales volume. The N7 electric sedan will also arrive in Brazil.
Sporty-looking version of VW’s compact SUV presents discreet solutions, but in accordance with the party’s proposal since 1983 with the Passat GTS Pointer. First measures were to remove the useless bars on the roof, ride height discreetly lowered by 2 mm, roof deflector that is not just there for decoration and optional 18-inch wheels. with attractive suit design and separate price.
Other changes have everything to do with the acronym: new shock absorbers and cushions, rear springs, stabilizer bar and even McPherson front suspension control arms. Good results, without great sacrifice in ride comfort, even acceptable (for the proposal) on uneven ground.
All interior finishing touches are discreet and tasteful. The multimedia screen is the same (10.1 inches), not as intuitive as it should be even for simple radio tuning. In addition to six airbags, the Adas active safety package includes a semi-autonomous parking system in parallel and perpendicular spaces.
Dimensions (mm): length, 4.276; wheelbase, 2,566; width, 1,757; height, 1,499. Volumes (L): trunk, 415; tank, 49; Mass: 1,266 kg. 4-cylinder turbo 1.4 L flex engine: 150 hp (G)/(E); 25.5 kgf·m (G)/(E). Consumption (km/L, Inmetro): city, 8.1 (G); 9.9 (E); road, 14.2 (G); 11.6 (E). Range (km): city, 568 (G) and 397 (E); road, 696 (G) and 485 (E). Front-wheel drive. Epicyclic automatic transmission, six gears. Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h (s): 8.4.
Price: R$ 189.690.
Officially launched in Brazil as a result of the spin-off of Germany’s Continental, Aumovio positions itself as an independent company focused on software, connectivity and high value-added solutions. Created in 2025, the company employs 82 thousand employees, more than 80 global units and revenues of € 18.5 billion. The portfolio includes sensors, dials, braking systems, electronic platforms and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
The country is considered a strategic market due to its industrial relevance and the diversity of the automotive chain. It will develop partnerships with manufacturers installed here, in addition to expanding in the aftermarket. The operation integrates consolidated brands such as VDO and ATE. The new company intends to grow 3% to 5% per year in Brazil and is in talks with three Chinese brands for local production.
