The Used Car’s Comeback: Why Maintaining Your Car Is Now the Best Investment for Chileans
With a vehicle fleet exceeding 6.7 million units and rising resale prices, the aftermarket has become a strategic pillar. Motortec Chile 2026 will bring together at Espacio Riesco the key players in an industry that no longer merely repairs vehicles, but also protects the assets of families and businesses.
The unmistakable smell of a new car is being replaced by the shine of professional detailing and the precision of modern mechanics.
Given that the Chilean automotive market now has a fleet of over 6.7 million vehicles, the trend is toward extending the engine’s lifespan.
According to figures from the Internal Revenue Service, there are 7,155 mechanical service shops registered as such in the Metropolitan Region alone.
Thus, the aftermarket has evolved from an emergency service to a strategic pillar for the vehicle fleet. All of this converges at Motortec, which will open its doors from June 18 to 20 at Espacio Riesco to showcase how technology and specialization can add value to any vehicle.
An Aging Fleet That Is Gaining Value
According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the composition of the fleet is clear: 4 million private sedan-type cars dominate the streets, followed by 1.58 million pickup trucks and SUVs. However, the data that is making the biggest impact is the rising value of used cars.
A recent report by Chileautos reveals that the average price of used vehicles rose by 5% in 2025, reaching $18,396,548.
What does this mean for the average person? It means that their car is now an asset they need to take better care of than ever before. If a used vehicle costs more, keeping it in top condition through regular maintenance, giving it a little extra TLC with detailing, and having access to quality parts and certified technical services is no longer a luxury, but a strategy for protecting one’s assets.
The pickup truck boom and the service challenge
Market dynamism is also reflected in consumer preferences: pickup trucks lead search trends with iconic models like the Ford F-150 and the Toyota Hilux. This segment, which accounts for 18% of total interest, demands a specialized aftermarket: from cargo accessories to engine upgrades for mixed-use (work and family).
Added to this is the steady growth of electrified vehicles and a 10% increase in the total vehicle fleet since before the pandemic. This critical mass of vehicles requires an aftermarket network capable of addressing two fronts: traditional combustion mechanics and the new era of electromobility.
Motortec 2026: Where the Industry Takes Shape
In this context, Motortec Chile positions itself as the most important trade show for industry players. From June 18 to 20, Espacio Riesco will welcome mechanics, shop owners, distributors, and detailing specialists seeking to address this massive market of 6.7 million vehicles.
“Motortec Chile is not just an exhibition; it is a necessary milestone for an industry that today generates more than $600 million a year. Our goal is to provide a meaningful platform where the entire value chain—from manufacturers and distributors to mechanics with their own shops—can stay up to date on critical trends such as electrification and digitalization. With a vehicle fleet averaging 12 years old, the professionalization of the aftermarket is what ensures that Chile continues to move safely and efficiently,” explains Carola Fuentes, General Manager of FISA.
Key figures for the Aftermarket in Chile:
6.7 million vehicles in circulation (INE).
A 5% increase in the price of used cars over the past year.
40% of searches on automotive portals focus on SUVs, the segment with the highest demand for cosmetic maintenance services.
720,000 motorcycles requiring agile, niche aftermarket services.
The aftermarket industry in Chile doesn’t just repair engines; it keeps the country moving. The event in June will be the time to see how this massive fleet is preparing for the future.
MOTORTEC CHILE 2026 will establish itself as the epicenter of knowledge and business for the national aftermarket. The trade show will take place June 18–20, 2026, at Espacio Riesco in Santiago.