Latin America’s automobile sales rose for an eleventh month in March and at their fastest pace since early 2021 amid surging demand in Brazil and Mexico.

Auto sales of more than 446,000 in March rose from around 337,000 the previous month and by 21pc from year-earlier levels, combined data from eight regional automobile associations showed.

The volume was the second highest in more than two years.

Demand got a boost from a 36pc rise in sales in Brazil and a 49pc rise in sales in Mexico.

Auto sales extended their fall in Chile. But the pace of the drop was the slowest in seven months.