The Mexican automotive market set a new historical record in the first quarter of 2026. Light vehicle sales reached 381,632 units, surpassing the previous record set in 2017 by 0.7%. This represents a 3.7% annual growth compared to the first quarter of 2025, equivalent to an additional 13,643 vehicles sold. Guillermo Rosales, president of the Mexican Association of Automotive Distributors (AMDA), highlighted that this performance was favored by a more stable price environment compared to general inflation. He added that while the national consumer price index recorded an annual increase of 4.63%, the corresponding increase for car purchases was only 2.21% by mid-March. In March alone, 131,548 units were sold, a 2.4% increase from the same month last year. This marks the highest figure for a March since 2017 and the second-highest in the historical series starting in 2005. The growth was strongly driven by Chinese brands like Geely and Jetour, which saw explosive sales increases. In contrast, traditional players like Nissan and Toyota reported declines. This phenomenon is beginning to reshape the competitive landscape in Mexico's automotive sector, with Chinese automakers gaining market share through competitive pricing and features.
Mexican Auto Market Sets New Record
Mexico sold a record 381,632 vehicles in Q1 2026, surpassing 2017 figures. Stable prices and aggressive expansion of Chinese brands drove growth, while some traditional manufacturers saw sales decline.
