Tecumseh do Brasil has announced the launch of the VR³ inverter compressor, the first of a new generation manufactured in the country for air conditioning systems. The presentation took place on March 25 at the Suframa headquarters in Manaus. The new model was developed to meet the energy efficiency requirements of the Brazilian market and is expected to support the company’s growth in the sector.
The VR³ compressor offers 5% higher efficiency compared to the previous model (VR²) and reduces noise levels by 5 decibels. According to the company, these improvements enable compliance with the INMETRO Seasonal Cooling Performance Index (IDRS) standards. The model is also more compact and uses fewer metallic raw materials.
During the launch event, Tecumseh’s global CEO, Ricardo Maciel, announced that a feasibility study is underway for the establishment of a new factory in Manaus by 2027. The projected plant is expected to have the capacity to produce up to 1 million compressors per year and generate between 200 and 300 direct jobs. The project also includes the creation of an application engineering center.
“Our goal is to respond more quickly to local players. The new facility will also serve as an export platform for North America and Europe, focusing on mobile applications and electric mobility,” said Maciel.
The company estimates that the VR³ compressor will account for 25% to 30% of its revenue by 2027. The air conditioning compressor segment grew by about 50% in sales between 2023 and 2024.
Tecumseh’s strategy aligns with the growing demand for climate control systems in Brazil. According to ABRAVA, over 6 million split-type air conditioners are expected to be manufactured in the Manaus Free Trade Zone in 2025.
Over the past 12 months, the company has intensified its investments in Research & Development (R&D) and the modernization of its unit in São Carlos (SP), where 70 engineers work in a 4,000 m² (approximately 43,000 ft²) area. The VR³ compressor was developed in less than a year.
According to Tecumseh do Brasil’s Engineering Director, Gustavo Weber, “the efficiency level achieved with the VR³ is 5% better than with its predecessor, the VR². We are extremely proud of the VR³’s performance results, which are the outcome of extensive work by our Engineering team.”
The VR³ uses refrigerants that do not harm the ozone layer and do not contribute to global warming. Domestic production also aims to reduce dependency on imports, as the main competitors manufacture in Asia.
Tecumseh remains the only manufacturer of inverter compressors for air conditioning in the Western Hemisphere, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and local industrial development.
