Brazilian vehicle production - which includes automobiles, light commercial vehicles, buses, and trucks - registered a 3.5 percent increase last year, totaling 2.64 million units. The data were released on Thursday (Jan. 15) by the National Association of Automotive Vehicle Manufacturers (Anfavea).

According to the association, this growth was driven mainly by light vehicles and keeps the country among the world’s largest producers.

Notícias relacionadas:

• Brazilian industry created over 910 thousand jobs in four years.

Sales totaled 2.69 million units, representing a 2.1 percent increase compared with the previous year. Exports grew by 32.1 percent, with nearly 529,000 units sold during the period.

“We expected more, but it wasn’t a bad year for the sector. Still, it was a year with positive data,” said the industry association’s president, Igor Calvet.

With a sprint in the final minutes, Ethiopian Muse Gisachew overtook Kenyan Jonathan Kipkoech Kamosong and won the men’s race of the 100th edition of the São Silvestre International Race today (Dec. 31).

Kamosong had been leading the race comfortably but was overtaken by Gisachew near the finish line on Paulista Avenue in downtown São Paulo. He finished in 44 minutes and 32 seconds, just four seconds behind the winner, who clocked 44 minutes and 28 seconds.

Notícias relacionadas:

• Tanzanian athlete wins women’s race at São Silvestre.
• Brazil celebrates centenary of São Silvestre race.

Brazilian Fábio de Jesus Correia came in third, with a time of 45 minutes and 06 seconds.

Kenyan William Kibor came in fourth, with a time of 45 minutes and 28 seconds. Fellow Kenyan Reuben Logonsiwa Poguisho finished in fifth, with a time of 45 minutes and 46 seconds.

Brazil last won the São Silvestre men’s race in 2010, with Marilson Gomes dos Santos.

The women’s competition at the São Silvestre International Race was won by Tanzanian athlete Sisilia Ginoka Panga, who finished in 51 minutes and 09 seconds. This was Sisilia’s first time competing in the event, which she led from start to finish, maintaining a strong pace and a wide gap over the other athletes.

Kenyan Cynthia Chemweno came in second, repeating the same position as last year. She completed the race in 52 minutes and 30 seconds.

Notícias relacionadas:

• Brazil celebrates centenary of São Silvestre race.

Repeating last year’s result, Brazilian athlete Nubia de Oliveira once again reached the podium, finishing in third place. She completed the race in 52 minutes and 42 seconds.

Fourth place went to Peruvian Gladys Tejeda Pucuhuaranga, while fifth place was claimed by Kenyan Vivian Jeftanui Kiplagati.

Brazil has not topped the São Silvestre podium for almost 20 years. The last Brazilian to win the race was Lucélia Peres, in 2006.