El automóvil y la industria automotriz chilena, 1925-1990

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Abstract (English)

This article examines the development of the automotive industry in Chile during the twentieth century, tracing its evolution from the first imported automobiles at the turn of the century, such as the Darracq brought by Carlos Puelma in 1902, to the rise of a local assembly industry. It highlights key milestones including the establishment of Ford's first plant in 1924, the later installation of Fiat's facility in Rancagua and Automotores Franco Chilena in Arica and Los Andes, and the consolidation of the sector between the 1940s and 1970s. The article also analyzes the impact of automotive policies implemented from 1956 onward, the economic crises of the 1970s and 1980s that led to the closure of local plants, and the trade liberalization that, from the 1990s onward, transformed Chile into a net importer of vehicles. Additionally, it reviews the most representative models assembled in Chile and concludes that the industry reflected the country's economic, political, and technological changes, demonstrating a notable capacity for adaptation while maintaining its relevance to national mobility and development.