Light vehicle production and exports in Mexico increased by 2.5% and 4.2%, respectively, during March, with 343,520 units assembled and 310,205 cars shipped worldwide. Despite facing a challenging international environment with tariffs, the automotive industry is successfully diversifying its markets.
According to INEGI figures, automotive companies achieved the fourth-highest production figure in the sector’s history and the third-highest export figure. March saw the highest export figures since 2019, while production reached its highest level since 2023.
Even though high-volume brands like Nissan, General Motors, Mazda, and Ford experienced a slowdown in production and exports, brands such as Kia, Audi, and Volkswagen saw double-digit growth, which helped accelerate the industry’s overall performance.
In the first quarter of 2026, the automotive sector reported a slight increase in production of 0.5% compared to the same period in 2025, with a total of 969,294 units. Of these, 80% (775,717) were SUVs and pickup trucks, and the remainder (193,577) were passenger cars.
The Mexican Automotive Industry Association (AMIA) stated that the cumulative production for the first quarter of 2026 ranks as the second best in the entire historical series, with 969,294 units produced (the best was in 2019), representing a 0.5% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Regarding exports in the first quarter, Mexico grew by 2.5% compared to January-March 2025, totaling 795,631 vehicles shipped.
The United States remains the primary destination for Mexican auto exports, accounting for 75.8% (602,887 units) during the first quarter of 2026.
However, the U.S. market experienced a 6.4% decline in exports from January to March 2026, compared to the previous period, when 644,274 vehicles were shipped.
Brands such as Nissan, Mazda, Honda, BMW, and Toyota faced decreased shipments due to the impact of tariffs on these companies.
Automakers like Kia, Volkswagen, and Audi accelerated their production growth and diversified their exports to markets such as Germany, Brazil, Colombia, and Canada.
Source: eleconomista
