Chinese cars have been a hot topic recently, with new brands entering the Mexican market. However, some traditional automakers already sell cars manufactured in China under their own brands.
General Motors Leads the Way
General Motors, which includes brands like Chevrolet, GMC, and Buick, is the biggest user of Chinese manufacturing. Their most affordable models are produced in China and then imported to Mexico.
One of the best-selling Chinese-manufactured cars in Mexico is the Chevrolet Aveo, which sold 52,254 units in 2023. This model alone accounted for about 32% of the total vehicles imported from China under non-Chinese brands.
Types of Chinese Cars in Mexico
In Mexico, there are two types of Chinese-produced vehicles:
1. Openly Chinese Brands: Brands like MG Motors, Omoda, and Chirey, which are well-received by consumers.
2. Traditional Brands with Chinese Manufacturing: Brands from the U.S., Germany, and France that manufacture in China and sell these cars under their own logos.
In 2023, 166,520 units of these Chinese-manufactured cars were sold in Mexico, according to the National Institute of Geography and Statistics (Inegi).
The 13 ‘Undercover’ Chinese Cars in Mexico
1. Chevrolet Aveo: Previously produced in Mexico, now manufactured by SAIC Motor in China. Sold 52,254 units in 2023.
2. Onix: Another Chevrolet model now imported from SAIC plants in China. Sold 17,956 units in 2023.
3. S10: Chevrolet’s S10 pickup truck, produced by SAIC, sold 17,635 units in 2023.
4. Captiva: A Baojun 530 sold under the Chevrolet brand, with 17,345 units sold in 2023.
5. Groove: Manufactured by SAIC and sold as Baojun 510 in other markets. Sold 15,912 units in 2023.
6. Tornado Van: Known as Wuling Rongguang in Asia, sold 12,313 units in 2023.
7. Ford Territory: A variation of the JMC Yusheng S330, sold 12,313 units in 2023.
8. KIA Seltos: Manufactured in Yancheng, China, sold 7,710 units in 2023.
9. Dodge Journey: An adapted version of the GAC GS5, sold 7,516 units in 2023.
10. Chevrolet Cavalier: Another product of the GM-SAIC alliance, sold 2,501 units in 2023.
11. Buick Envision: A luxury vehicle from General Motors, sold 462 units in 2023.
12. BMW iX3: A fully electric pickup truck, sold 136 units in 2023.
13. Peugeot Landtrek: Produced in Shenzhen through a joint venture with Changan, sold 110 units in 2023.
These vehicles highlight the growing influence of Chinese manufacturing in the global automotive industry.
Source: El CEO
