Automotive industry in Mexico

Motorcars first arrived in Mexico City in 1903. Since then, several vehicle brands have been especially successful. A number of manufacturers make vehicles in Mexico, and many brands have been and continue to be available.

History

Early years (1903–1960)

In 1903, motorcars first arrived in Mexico City, totaling 136 cars in that year and rising to 800 by 1906. This encouraged then president Porfirio Díaz, to create both the first Mexican highway code (which would allow cars to move at a maximum speed of 10 km/h or 6 mph on crowded or small streets and 40 km/h or 25 mph elsewhere) and, along with this, a tax for car owners which would be abolished in 1911 with Francisco I. Madero's successful campaign against Díaz's presidency at the outbreak of the Mexican Revolution. In 1910, Daimler and Renault both established small facilities for the local assembly of vehicles primarily for the Mexican government at the behest of Porfirio Díaz, but these functioned for little more than a few months before being destroyed in the Mexican Revolution. A short time after the end of the armed struggle, Buick became the first automobile producer to be officially established in Mexico, beginning in 1921. In 1925, Ford Motor Company was established and began manufacturing vehicles in the country, and, as of 2020, remains the longest-running brand in the country. In 1961, Mexico produced its first fully domestic vehicle, a small truck called the Rural Ramírez, produced by the Ramirez truck company.

Decline (1961–1993)

Many car makers were already operational by 1961 when the first decline of the Mexican economy showed up. In the early 1960s, government regulations forced car companies to assemble cars in Mexico, using local as well as imported components. The idea was to develop a national car industry in the country, to promote employment and technological advances. Those companies that would not comply with these regulations left the country; these included Mercedes-Benz, FIAT, Citroën, Peugeot and Volvo. The American Big Three (General Motors, Ford and Chrysler) remained along with American Motors, Renault, Volkswagen, Datsun and Borgward.

In this same year, due to the announcement of the upcoming 1968 Summer Olympics to be held in Mexico, the Government reissued Diaz's car ownership tax, purportedly to afford the construction of new facilities for such an event; this was named the Tenencia Vehicular (from the verb tener; "to have" in Spanish). However, the tax remained to finance the 1970 FIFA World Cup, also held in Mexico. Ironically, the tax remains today in most states, and it must be paid year after year.This tax is variable depending on the car's value, number of cylinders, type of transmission, air conditioning and further features, adding up to a payment of up to 10% of the car's total value.

A second tax exists as well when purchasing a new vehicle called Impuesto sobre Automóviles Nuevos or ISAN ("Tax on new cars"), also depending on a vehicle's specifications and cost. Unlike the Tenencia, this tax is paid only once. Federal law requires all listed car prices in media or dealerships to have the standard 16% VAT tax and ISAN included in the listed price.

Since many Mexican drivers default on paying this[which?] tax, the Government started taking countermeasures. However, due to this being perceived as uncontrollable, politicians started making proposals to abolish this tax, remarkably Felipe Calderón.Tenencia has, as of 2011, only been abolished in Querétaro. On 4 March 2011, President Calderón announced Tenencia will be completely abolished by 2012 in all states, but not in the Federal District which comprises most of Mexico City.

Rebirth (1994–2006)

The growth of Mexico's economy during the late '90s stimulated car sales in Mexico and, eventually, most of the retired carmakers re-established themselves in the country. Makers such as Honda and Porsche arrived for the first time during the last years of the 20th Century, and others such as Peugeot and Mercedes-Benz gave Mexico a "second chance", both re-establishing in 1997.

Annual passenger vehicle sales in Mexico reached the one million milestone in 2005. The increasing sales figures encouraged carmakers to offer cars with alternative fuels like the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Such cars hadn't been available in Mexico since the first diesel-powered Volkswagen Caribe in the late 70's and early 80's (see paragraphs for each maker: Honda and Volkswagen); still few carmakers have released their diesel-powered versions in the Mexican market due to stricter government emissions laws than those of the European Union Euro IV standard. This results in a petrol only car market in which drivers cannot reap the potential benefits of diesel automobiles. Diesel cars are not suited/permitted for every day driving in Mexico City; brand new diesel vehicles face the "Hoy no Circula" restrictions.

Mastretta-MXT-lg

Current market (2007–present)

Mexican studio Mastretta Cars first announced the creation of their MXT through Automóvil Panamericano magazine in May 2007. The vehicle is the first Mexican sports car ever built, and features specifications similar to those of Lotus Elise and Porsche Cayman.The production of MXT started in January 2011.

In 2010, Mexican bus maker Cimex announced that it was expanding into the passenger vehicle field and was developing a pickup truck called the Conin which would be Mexico's first domestic pickup truck when expected to enter production in 2013.[1]

To date, 42 makers have official representation in the country with nearly 400 different models, making Mexico one of the most varied automotive markets in the world.

The automotive sector accounts for 17.6% of Mexico's manufacturing sector.[2] Mexico is the second largest automobile manufacturing nation in the Western Hemisphere, after the United States, having produced 4 million vehicles in 2017.[3] The industry produces technologically complex components and engages in research and development.[4] The "Big Three" (General Motors, Ford and Chrysler) have been operating in Mexico since the 1930s, while Volkswagen and Nissan built their plants in the 1960s.[5] In Puebla alone, 70 industrial part-makers cluster around Volkswagen.[4] In the 2010s, expansion of the sector was surging. In 2014, more than $10 billion in investment was committed in the first few months of the year. Kia Motors in August 2014 announced plans for a $1 billion factory in Nuevo León. At the time, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan were already building a $1.4 billion plant near Aguascalientes, while BMW was planning a $1-billion assembly plant in San Luis Potosí. Additionally, Audi began building a $1.3 billion factory near Puebla in 2013.[6] Of the Mexican car exports to the US, most are carried by rail, and some by sea.[7]

Vehicle use restrictions

In Mexico City the "Hoy no circula" ("Cannot be driven today") program is implemented. Every vehicle has a color sticker depending on the ending number of its plate, as well as a number to determine its pollution rate. Brand new cars "00" and recent models "0" are exempt; "Hoy no circula" only applies to vehicles older than 8 years, which have "1" and "2" designations.The program works by removing these vehicles from circulation one day during the week, and recently one Saturday per month, depending on their last license plate digit number.Said limitations occur as follows:

  • Plates ending with 5 or 6 (yellow) cannot be driven on Mondays and the 1st Saturday of the current month.
  • Plates ending with 7 or 8 (pink) cannot be driven on Tuesdays and the 2nd Saturday of the current month.
  • Plates ending with 3 or 4 (red) cannot be driven on Wednesdays and the 3rd Saturday of the current month.
  • Plates ending with 1 or 2 (green) cannot be driven on Thursdays and the 4th Saturday of the current month.
  • Plates ending with 9 or 0 (blue) cannot be driven on Fridays and the 5th Saturday (if any) of the current month.

For example, a fictional 1985 Volkswagen Golf with 903-NRX plates won't be allowed to be driven on Wednesdays, 18 September 2010, nor 16 October 2010, etc.The newer weekends restrictions have received criticism. Only a few months a year have five Saturdays, and so the blue-stickered cars will be removed only four or five weekends a year from circulation, while the rest of the cars will be weekend-banned once every month.

Automotive culture and Mexico's auto show

Since the first "Autoexpo del Automóvil", the automotive culture in Mexico has been growing. The first Mexican auto magazines were published in November 1982 by Motor y Volante magazine, which became famous instantly for its irreverent criticism and professional performance testing of local versions of many cars. After more than 10 years of being the sole specialty magazine, other publishers decided to jump on the bandwagon; in early 1995, 4 Ruedas Magazine, and shortly after, Automóvil Panamericano saw light. Technological advances have resulted in Motor y Volante remaining the sole digital auto magazine (by subscription only) but with an extremely large affiliation due to its 30 years of existence.The Autoexpo changed denomination in 2004 to the "Salón Internacional del Automovil" to reflect its growth into an international size event. It is in fact an event comparable to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In the first two editions of Mexico's Auto Show, brands new to Mexico, like Mazda, were introduced. Jaguar and Volvo did not attend the 2004 or the 2005 editions. Renault would typically attend every two years. However, the 2006 edition of the auto show was considered a failure and a fraud since over 15 carmakers missed the event, including Volkswagen Group, Renault and Peugeot.After the 2006 edition and for the first time since 1994, SIAM was not hosted the following year. A two-year event is currently hosted.

Successful cars in Mexico

Some cars have been especially successful in Mexico, depending on their cost and viability.

Chevrolet Corsa

A couple of Chevy sedans in Mexico City

The second-generation Opel Corsa (imported from Spain) was first introduced in Mexico in 1994 under the name "Chevrolet Chevy" as a response to the successful Volkswagen Sedan. General Motors used a practical, supermini with an affordable price tag for the Mexican consumer that gave excellent results. From 1996, when the Chevy Popular or Chevy Pop budget trim was introduced, and the Chevy began to be produced in the Ramos Arizpe GM assembly plant, it replaced the Volkswagen Sedan (Beetle) as the top selling car in Mexico. Chevrolet soon launched the also Mexican made Chevy Monza, similar to the 4-door saloon version of the Chevrolet Classic still produced in Argentina, for those who wanted a bigger trunk and more room for the same low price.

A 2006 Corsa sedan made in Brazil

The design was not changed until 2000 when it was facelifted in Europe with transparent headlights, newer rear lights and a new interior. A Station Wagon imported from Argentina was also launched, as well as a Brazilian-made pickup variant. With the introduction of the Corsa III, however, the older Corsa was no longer manufactured in European GM plants. This generation Corsa remained in production in Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. In 2004, Mexican designers redesigned the Chevy inside and out and upgraded the 1.6-liter engine to reach 98 bhp. This newer Chevrolet was called C2 as a reference to the Corvette generations. In July 2008, a facelift designed in Detroit was introduced for the new 2009 Chevy, available in 3- and 5-door hatchback, and 4-door sedan bodies.

Nissan Tsuru


Nissan Tsuru

The Datsun 160J was a mid-size sedan that sold well but did not meet the sales number benchmark set by its successor.In 1983 the first Nissan Sentra was launched as a replacement for the 160J under the name "Tsuru", Japanese for crane. While the Tsuru was quickly accepted by Mexicans as a comfortable and affordable car, it did not replace the VW Sedan as the top-selling car in Mexico.

A second-generation Tsuru was launched in late 1987 as a 1988 model with a more square-shaped and larger design. Neither generation, however, managed to become the best-selling car in Mexico.

The third generation Tsuru (the Sentra III) was introduced in November 1991. This Tsuru featured a more rounded 1990s type design scheme. Soon the third generation Tsuru was known for being powerful and comfortable, yet affordable.With the new Chevrolet Chevy in 1994, however, the Tsuru had a new rival. It didn't take long for it to overtake the Chevy, and, soon after, the Sedan. It reached number 1 in 1998, and it stayed there until 2005, with the Volkswagen Pointer.The Renault-based Nissan Platina was thought to be its successor, but the incredible sales ranking of the Tsuru kept the Platina as another option. The Platina remained in the top 10 until it was discontinued in 2010, alongside its hatchback counterpart, the Clio.

The Tsuru remains the most popular choice for city (but not for highway due to a lack of stability) taxicab drivers in Mexico (airport and hotel taxis usually drive higher end vehicles, such as Audi), along with the MkIII. It is currently the longest-running car in terms of consecutive years sold in Mexico in the century (18 years), ended only by concerns over crash safety and emissions.[8]

Volkswagen Jetta (Volkswagen Clásico from 2010 to 2015)

2010 Volkswagen Jetta Europa

The first Jetta was renamed Atlantic for the Mexican market. It sold well, so Volkswagen decided to start manufacturing it in their factory at Puebla, Mexico.In late 1998, the fourth generation Jetta (called Bora in Europe) reached Mexico. The car showed off a new design, which did not appeal initially to Mexicans. However, good marketing tactics and phrases like "No cambies, evoluciona" (Don't change, evolve) resulted in a quick change of opinion, and for the first time, a mid-sized vehicle made it into Mexico's top 10 sellers list; the Jetta became a hit and ranked as the fourth best-seller. The catch phrase "Todo mundo tiene un Jetta, al menos en la cabeza" (Everyone has a Jetta, at least in their mind) became a reality or so it seems as it is common to see many Jetta's driving nearby on the streets.The car's success was such that it was not replaced in 2005 by the Jetta V, which adopted the Bora moniker, so the Jetta IV continued to be offered for sale. Both cars achieved even greater success in their later years: Jetta IV placed number one for a month in June 2009, and Bora has stayed among the top five since 2008.A redesigned Jetta was released in 2009 and advertised with a new slogan: "Porque el corazón no da explicaciones" (Because the heart gives no reasons).

On July 22, 2010, the sixth generation Jetta was released. As of August 2010, Mexico was the only country in the world where fourth, fifth and sixth generation Jetta's were being sold at the same time. Bora left the dealerships in late 2010, but Jetta IV was still being offered afterwards due to its high sales. Incidentally, Volkswagen changed this version's moniker to simply Clásico (Spanish for "classic"). The Volkswagen Clásico sold very well until the 2015 model, which was the year it was discontinued, with the new Indian-built Vento taking its place.

Volkswagen Sedan

A Volkswagen Sedan.


The first Volkswagen car sold in Mexico was the 1954 Beetle, called Sedan in this country. The popularity of the Beetle led VW to build their own factory in the state of Puebla, Mexico.In the early 80s, Mexico and Brazil were the only countries producing the Beetle (Sedan in Mexico, Fusca in Brazil), so many foreign enthusiasts used to import the car and keep it as a collectible.Brazil stopped producing the Fusca in 1997, and Mexico became the sole producer until 2003.

Volkswagen broadcast a minute-long farewell TV advertisement with people waving goodbye to the Sedan as it made its way through the avenue. On July 30, 2003, the last Beetle came out from the Puebla factory, closing a chapter in automobile history. The 3000th last edition Sedan was given to Pope John Paul II and now resides in the Volkswagen museum in Germany.

Companies with official brands in Mexico

This is a brief history of the car makers in this country.

Audi

Audi operates a car factory at San José Chiapa with a capacity of 150,000 units per year, including the Q5. Some parts are exported to China and India.[9][10][11]

Aston Martin

Aston Martin entered the Mexican auto market in 2014 with the opening of their first dealership in Mexico City located in the Polanco neighborhood.

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

Brands BMW and Mini.

See: BMW Mexico

Chrysler Group, LLC

Brands Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep; and vehicles by Hyundai (until 2014).

Chrysler entered Mexico around 1937. In the 1960s, the company was renamed Automex. Then in the 1970s, their name changed again to Chrysler de México. The latest models are launched just after those in the United States are launched.Chrysler markets several brands including Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Smart, Maybach, and Mitsubishi (in partnership). They sold Hyundai passenger cars, cargo vans, and passenger vans under a "by Dodge" badge. This was because Hyundai had no official representation in Mexico until 2014. Strangely enough, the Dodge Ramcharger 2-door SUV was popular in the Mexican market. Chrysler even developed a version of the Ramcharger based on the 1994 Ram (not offered in the US) due to the popularity of 2-door SUVs in Mexico and the lack of market in the US.

For many years, Dodge vehicles were sometimes rebadged as Chryslers, for example, the Neon.

First Automobile Works

Brands FAW.
In spite of offering the least expensive vehicles in Mexico, FAW saw extremely low sales after its first arrival, amounting to less than 2,300 nationwide as of 2010.

The first Chinese car maker in Mexico was introduced in January 2008 through the Elektra convenience stores, owned by Grupo Salinas. Although the F1 is the least expensive automobile in the country, FAW received very poor sales in comparison with popular brands such as GM, Volkswagen and Nissan. While some critics dismissed FAW due to its origin and the main purpose of offering an economy product, others supported it by showing videos recorded during the Euro NCAP tests for the F5. Its latest slogan was "impulsa tus sueños" (impulse your dreams), and it was marketed towards people unable to afford an expensive car. FAW initially planned to construct a factory in Mexico capable of producing over 100,000 vehicles annually; however, after the company saw the poor initial sales, they cancelled the plan. FAW has since left Mexico, but thanks to Great Wall Motors, it still is operating today under its commercial vehicle division.[12]

Fiat S.p.A.

Brands Ferrari, Fiat and Maserati.

Fiat re-entered Mexico in 2004 in collaboration with General Motors, before its commercial rupture. Fiat hadn't achieved much sales success due to having only one model for sale until the beginning of 2006. Upon its introduction, the Punto was a hit for the carmaker.

Ferrari entered the country in 1998 with the F355 Spider. The Enzo Ferrari arrived in early 2004 at the former dealership at Avenida de los Insurgentes (now Alfa Romeo taking its place) in Mexico City with a price of $1,285,000 US dollars. Five units were sold. Furthermore, Ferrari chose Chiapas to test its F430 in 2004 before it came out. Curiously, they are the only carmaker to offer their entire catalogue in Mexico.

Ford Motor Company

Brands Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo.

Ford Motor Company México had excellent sales during the 1950s, '60s and '70s, before being overtaken by General Motors. It used to hold the second place in sales. For several decades, Ford sold various successful Mercury models under a Ford badge, most notoriously the Mercury Zephyr as the Ford Elite II (with a Ford Granada front end), Grand Marquis, Cougar, Topaz (an upmarket Ford Tempo) and Ghia (an upmarket Mercury Topaz).

From 1996, Lincoln dealerships became Lincoln-Mercury dealerships selling both brands.

For a time, the hot hatch Focus ST was the only hatchback Focus available in Mexico. It offers a 2.5i 5-cylinder engine like the European versions—Mexico being the only country in America in which Ford offers this European version (imported from Germany). Family versions were released with two trim levels and a 2.0i petrol engine.This is not the same as the Focus sold in the United States, which is based on the original 1998–2005 version.

The European Ford Mondeo appeared in 2003, although it was different from the mainland Europe version; being more luxurious, it sold for approximately £20,000 for a 2.0i model.

Their successful Ikon (sedan version of the Fiesta II) remained a favourite for low income families, sharing similar success with the next generation model in 2005, the Fiesta III Sedan. However, it is the Brazilian EcoSport compact SUV which now holds the Ford's best seller title.

The latest Mustang remains a favourite with men in their 20s and 30s, as its previous generations did.

In 2010, the Taurus badge returned to Mexico after a 12-year absence, and was discontinued thereafter.

Ford has two factories in Mexico, producing around 400,000 cars per year at Hermosillo and Cuautitlán, mostly for export to US and Canada.[13][14][15][16]

General Motors Company

Brands Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC and vehicles by Opel and Holden.

General Motors was the sales leader in Mexico until 2009, when Nissan overtook GM.[17] From the early '60s to the early '90s, Chevrolet was the only brand available, even in the '90s when GM sold Buicks and Oldsmobiles under the Chevrolet brand (e.g. the Buick Century as the Chevrolet Century Limited and the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera as the Chevrolet Cutlass and Chevrolet Eurosport). GMC models were also previously sold as Chevrolets in Mexico. Chevrolet was one of the first carmakers to establish itself in Mexico. The second formal GM brand to re-enter the market was Cadillac in 1991. Then more brands came throughout the decade. GM now markets several brands like Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC.

The first Opel car in Mexico was the Rekord produced in the '60s. The carmaker retired from the country from 1972 until 1994, the year GM introduced the Opel Corsa under the name Chevrolet Chevy. Opel vehicles are currently sold under the Buick brand name in Mexico. The success of the Chevrolet Chevy (C2 redesigned in Mexico) kept GM ranked as the number one seller from 1995 until 2009.[17]

GM introduced the Caprice and Lumina to the Mexican market again in the late 1990s, and turned massive profits off of those vehicles, where the Caprice is a popular taxi and police car. Chevrolet stopped importing the Lumina in 2013, which its slots were filled by the Malibu, Silverado (known in Cheyenne in this market), Camaro, and SS. The Caprice's slot was then filled by the Impala and Malibu in 2017.

GM introduced the previous Daewoo Matiz to Mexico under the name Pontiac Matiz, but shortly after Pontiac's discontinuation, the Matiz was sold under the Chevrolet logo in Europe. With the G3 and Aveo, GM offered the same model in Mexico as the Saturn models in the United States.

The Hummer H1 was available for the Mexican Army through the '90s. With the late 2007 scandal involving former president Vicente Fox (portraying him as the owner of diverse vehicles from unknown funds, notably a Hummer), jokes referring to the Hummer became popular throughout the country.After the Pontiac brand stopped production of all cars in late 2010 as GM announced, Buick is expected to replace Pontiac in the Mexican market and become GMC's partner brand as most dealerships in Mexico are GMC-Pontiac.

Saab had a reputation similar to Volvo's. Both brands are respected for their safety concept and Swedish design. They left in 2010 due to Spyker buying out the firm, except for Volvo, which returned to the market a few years later after its absence.

The Cadillac Catera became a successful model in Mexico during the '90's. Nowadays the Escalade is the top selling Cadillac.

Honda Motor Company, Ltd.

Brands Acura and Honda.

HCL - Honda Celaya Plant

Hyundai Motor Company

Brands Hyundai and Kia.

Hyundai Motor México entered the Mexican market in 2014 with the Grand i10, Elantra, and the ix35. Soon afterwards, the Sonata joined the lineup. Prior to the introduction of the Hyundai brand for non-commercial vehicles, Hyundai passenger vehicles, light-duty cargo vans, and passenger vans were distributed by Chrysler de México, branded as Dodge.

Isuzu Motors, Ltd.

Isuzu Motors de México started operations in November 2005, thanks to the Economic Partnership Agreement that had been signed by Mexico and Japan. Isuzu is the first Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturer to enter Mexico, and it is a joint venture between Isuzu Motors Limited (51%) and Mitsubishi Corporation (49%). The company started sales with the ELF in 3 different versions: ELF 300 with payload capacity of 3.4 tons, ELF 400 with a 4-ton payload and ELF 450 with a 4.5 ton capacity. Since then the brand has expanded throughout the country, as of 2008 has 27 dealers and will start assembly operations for the model ELF 600 in 2009.

GM Mexico sold an Isuzu pick-up truck as the Chevrolet Luv, imported from Chile (GM Chile). There was a Single Cab and a Crew Cab 4x2 model with a 2.3 cc Petrol engine. It was the first South American compact truck (before the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux from Argentina).

Jaguar Land Rover

Brands Jaguar Cars and Land Rover.

The X-Type is the most successful Jaguar in the country with a price of US$40,000. Less than 1000 Jaguars are sold per year however as the company has faced stiff competition from Mercedes-Benz and BMW, which have domestic manufacturing facilities in Mexico.The SUV maker Land Rover is very popular among the middle and high classes in Mexico. The LR3 and the Freelander are the most successful models.

Mazda Motor Corporation

Mazda was introduced in Mexico in November 2005 with the release of the then current Mazda3 and Mazda6 models.

While it was common to spot imported B2000 pick-ups and 626 sedans on the streets, Mazda vehicles were virtually unknown in Mexico. When the Mazda3 was introduced, both hatchback and notchback versions became a success among youngsters.

Throughout 2007 and 2008, Mazda fulfilled most of its clients' requests by presenting the MPV Mazda5, the SUVs CX-7 and CX-9, and the popular roadster, the Miata, rebadged MX-5. Though the Coupe, the RX-8, had been considered, the modifications needed to achieve good performance in the Valley of Mexico led to the idea being dropped. The only RX-8 delivered by Mazda Motor de México to an individual was raffled by Mazda itself in 2008.

The new generation Mazda3 and the CX-7 have kept Mazda among the most successful brands in Mexico; Mazda6 and MX-5 maintain regular sales, while Mazda5 and CX-9 have the weakest.

McLaren Automotive

McLaren Automotive entered the Mexican market in 2015 by opening its first dealership in the capital city Mexico City (Santa Fe). One year later they opened a second dealership in León, Guanajuato to serve León and the rest of the bajio region.

Mercedes-Benz

See: Mercedes-Benz Mexico

PSA Peugeot Citroën

Brands Peugeot, Opel and a vehicle by Citroën.

Peugeot returned to Mexico in 1997 with the 306 Saloon. The 206 has had very good sales despite having the Renault Clio as a tough competitor. Peugeots rank high in sales mostly because of their design.

Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance (Renault S.A., Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.)

Brands Nissan, Mitsubishi and Renault, and vehicles by Dacia, Infiniti and Samsung.

Nissan is a well-known carmaker in Mexico and number one in sales thanks largely[17] to its model Tsuru II, based on the 1991–94 Sentra and being facelifted every four years. The Tsuru III's driveline currently uses Renault-sourced parts, which are locally manufactured. This car is especially prized by taxicab companies for being affordable (around $131,000 MXN or $9500 USD), strong, spacious, fast and trustworthy. This has kept it in the number one sales position since the 90s, and that has kept Nissan at the top of the sales rankings in the country. With the Renault-Nissan Alliance, Nissan México designed the Platina, based on the Renault Clio Symbol. The Platina was an option for Mexican families who wanted more space for a smaller price. Nissan Mexicana sold the Dacia Logan (made by Renault Brazil) as the Nissan Aprio.Nissan also sells one Infiniti model.

First established in 1959, Renault was quite successful in Mexico during the late 70s and early 80s with their R5 (nicknamed "zapatito" or "little shoe") and R12. The French pronunciation of the marque was mis-conceived as "Reh-nol", "Roh-nol" and even "Roh-ñol". Renault's Mexican assembly was carried out by DINA S.A.[18] Renault remained successful until 1986 when it left the country because of financial reasons.

Following in the footsteps of Peugeot, Renault returned to Mexico in late 1999 via the Mexican Auto Show (then Autoexpo) of 1999, where they offered the first generation Mégane Scénic's (or simply Scénic) for test-drives — a model seen for the first time at the Auto Show. This vehicle, known for being the first mid-size MPV, was introduced in 2000 and was received warmly by the Mexican buyers. The small family sedan Mégane followed the next year, along with their best seller Clio's sporty version, the Clio II Renault Sport. Regarding the success of the hot hatch, Renault decided to present for sale in Mexico their Mexican-made Clio II, featuring the 2001 restyling (though the 1998 type original dashboard remained), dark gray rims and a unique 1.6i—mounted on other Renaults in order to resist Mexico's central states' heights. The Nissan factory in Aguascalientes was used for the assembly of the Clio, the Platina (Nissan's Clio sedan version) and, formerly, the previous Scénic. The facelifted Clio was introduced in late 2006 featuring a new front and rear end and new interior design (from the European 2001 version). It was planned for it to remain on sale, as in most countries, until 2010. Ironically, the Clio outlasted this new Clio II's presence on the Mexican market. It is now one of the two remaining French Renault models, since the Mégane II hatch production ended in Spain. Korean Koleos, Safrane, and Fluence, and the Colombian Sandero were expected to replace all French models by 2012.

Mitsubishi entered Mexico in 2003 with the previous Galant and Montero. Mitsubishi has had success with the SUVs Endeavor and Outlander, and, recently with the Lancer.

Subaru

Arrived to Mexico in 2006, through an importer, and by 2017 Subaru arrived officially as a brand to Mexico opening Corporative offices in Mexico City

Suzuki Motor Corporation

Suzuki came to Mexico in 2005 thanks to the free trade agreement between Japan and Mexico in October of that year. The first dealer began by selling two models: Model year 2006 Grand Vitara V6 and the four-door Aerio. The current dealer network consists of 40 agencies spanning the length and breadth of the country. The Grand Vitara is still doing great and inspired Suzuki to import the Swift, which has also been a successful model. As of 2012, Suzuki of México offered a total of five products with many different options: Swift GL MT, GLS MT & GLS AT, SX4 Crossover MT & CVT, SX4 Sedan MT & CVT, Kizashi CVT and Grand Vitara GL AT, Grand Vitara HIMALAYA AT, GLS AT & 4X4 AT.

Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota officially entered Mexico in July 1959 with the Crown and Land Cruiser and established local assembly of Land Cruisers and large trucks in December 1960. Toyota later withdrew from the Mexican market in 1964, and returned in April 2002 with the Camry and Corolla.[19]

Before its re-entry, the carmaker was already known in the country for the pick-ups and cars imported from the United States. The Tacoma is built in manufacturing plants in Tecate, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico and San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A. The Corolla and the RAV4 are very successful in Mexico as in the rest of the world.

Volkswagen Group

Brands Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, SEAT, Porsche and Volkswagen.

Volkswagen is a sales leader in Mexico, just behind Nissan and GM. The commercial success of the Pointer, Jetta and Lupo models have helped Volkswagen's sales. Volkswagen hasn't introduced the ultra-luxury brand Bugatti in Mexico (which may only be bought through specialist car dealers in major cities such as Mexico City with reports of at least 2 Bugatti being imported from the US), however, even though Audi and Bentley are selling well in Mexico, they are not as common as VW due to the fact they are more expensive. Lamborghini de Mexico officially entered the Mexican car market in 2010 with the opening of a dealership in Mexico City.

Audis are very popular amongst Mexican youths and businesspeople. The most successful models are the A4 sedan and the A3 Sportback.

The Spanish carmaker SEAT arrived in Mexico in 2001 with the Ibiza. The brand has been very successful with the strong sellers being the Ibiza and the León (new 1.4 and 1.8 TSi variants have been recently introduced). The Seat Córdoba will be produced starting next year in the Volkswagen assembly plant in Puebla, as the 2.0 Tiptronic variant.

Volkswagen was introduced in Mexico in 1954 with the offering of the popular Beetle. A major investor in the Volkswagen de Mexico dealership was Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg. The Type 1 was officially called Sedan and commonly called "Vocho" as an abbreviation of Volkswagen.

Volkswagen recently introduced the Jetta TDi with a 1.9 Diesel engine. It is the second diesel-engineered car in Mexico since the Volkswagen Caribe Diesel (1979–1983), which was slow-selling in this country. Unfortunately, the sales of the Jetta TDi (unlike the huge number of sales of the 2.0i edition) have been small, encouraging its end in this country. VW is trying to convince government and environmental authorities of the advantages of using diesel and to encourage the reduction of taxes and other stimuli to increase the sales of the TDi.

VW has factories in Cuautlancingo (in Puebla) and Silao,[9] and uses rail, trucks and the ports of Veracruz and Lázaro Cárdenas for imports and exports.[10]

Porsche is also sold in Mexico although it is supplied directly by Porsche and not through VW due to the fact Porsche was once an independent company before it was bought by VW and VW has not yet merged the two supply chains.[citation needed]

Mainstream carmakers

Notes:

  • If a car's retiring year reads 2021 and its availability cell is coloured green, it means no more units will be produced nor imported, but the last units are still on sale.
  • If a car has no retiring year marked but its availability cell is coloured red, it means either that car is in the middle of a restyling, or the maker is waiting for new units to arrive.
  • No future dates shall be given.
  • Family, executive and leisure cars are found below in the following Mexican body configurations: microauto (microcar), auto de ciudad (city car), subcompacto (supermini), compacto (small family car), mediano (large family car), lujo (executive car), minivan (MPV by size), SUV (by size), pick-up (by size), van (small LAV), van mediana (light van), and van larga (van). Sport cars are found on the lower part of each table following the same format and including (if any): roadster and Coupe. Convertibles may not be considered sport cars.
  • Blue link/text indicates a car whose brand and name are/were the same as the original model.
  • Green link/text indicates a car whose name is/was different from its original market.
  • Gamboge link/text indicates a car whose brand is/was different from its original market.
  • Dark red link/text indicates a car whose brand and name are/were different from its original market.

Acura

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngineTransmission optionsOriginAvailable?
TSXSedan20092014I4 2.4i 240 hpM Sayama, SaitamaNo
TL IIISedan20052008V6 3.2i 258 hpM Marysville, OhioNo
TL IVSedan20082014V6 3.5i 280 hpM Marysville, OhioNo
TL IVSedan20082014V6 3.7i 305 hpM Marysville, OhioNo
RL IISedan20052012V6 3.7i 305 hpMNo
RDXSUV2006Turbo 2.0 LA East Liberty, OhioYes
MDXSUV20073.0 L J-Series V6 (turbo, Type-S)
3.5 L J-Series V6
East Liberty, OhioYes
ILXSedan20131.5 L LDA/LEA15 I4

2.0 L R20A I4

2.4 L K24Z7 I4

2.4 L K24V7 I4 (2016-)

5-speed automatic (2013–15)

6-speed manual (2013–15)

8-speed dual-clutch (2016–present)

Greensburg, Indiana, United States (Honda Manufacturing of Indiana) (April 2012 - November 2014)

Marysville, Ohio (Marysville Auto Plant) (2015–present)

Yes
NSXSports Coupe20173492 cc JNC1 twin turbo V69-speed dual-clutchMarysville, Ohio, United States (Performance Manufacturing Center)Yes
TLXSedan201510-speed automaticMarysville, Ohio, U.S. (Marysville Auto Plant)Yes

[20]

Alfa Romeo

Current

Discontinued

Audi (1997–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngine/BatteryTransmission optionsOriginAvailable?
A1Hatchback20101.0 L EA211/EA211 DHSB TFSI I3
1.5 L EA211 EVO series TFSI I4
2.0 L EA888 TFSI I4
M/S tronic MartorellYes
A3 Typ 8LHatchback19972004M Ingolstadt, BavariaNo
A3 Typ 8PHatchback20052012M Ingolstadt, Bavaria
Brussels
No
A3 Typ 8P SportbackStation Wagon20062012M Ingolstadt, Bavaria
Brussels
No
A3 Typ 8P CabrioletConvertible20082013M BrusselsNo
A3 Typ 8V SaloonSaloon2013May 2020
  • 6-speed manual
  • 6-speed (S-Tronic) automatic
  • 7-speed (S-Tronic) automatic
No
A3 Typ 8Y SaloonSaloonOctober 20206-speed manual

7-speed S-tronic

Germany: Ingolstadt

(Audi AG Werk Ingolstadt)

Yes
A4 B5Notchback19972001MNo
A4 B5 AvantStation Wagon19972001MNo
A4 B6Notchback20012005MNo
A4 B6 CabrioletConvertible20032006MNo
A4 B7Notchback20062008MNo
A4 B8Notchback20082015MNo
A4 B9Saloon20166-speed manual

7-speed S-tronic

8-speed Tiptronic

Yes
A5 B8Coupe20092016MNo
A5 B8 SportbackFastback20092016MYes
A5Coupe20166-speed manual

7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic

8-speed tiptronic automatic (A5 3.0 TDI & S5 & RS5)

Germany (Audi AG)Yes
A5 SportbackFastback20166-speed manual

7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic

8-speed tiptronic automatic (A5 3.0 TDI & S5 & RS5)

Germany (Audi AG)Yes
Q5 Typ 8RSUV20082017M Ingolstadt, BavariaYes
Q5 Typ 80ASUV20178-speed automaticYes
A6 C5Saloon19972004MNo
A6 C6Saloon20052011MYes
A6 C7Saloon201120186-speed manual

8-speed Tiptronic ZF 8HP automatic

Multitronic CVT

7-speed S Tronic DCT

No
A6 C8Saloon20187-speed dual clutch S tronic

8-speed automatic tiptronic

  • Germany: Neckarsulm
Yes
A7Fastback2010MNeckarsulm, GermanyYes
Q7 Typ 4LSUV20052015M BratislavaYes
Q7 Typ 4MSUV20156-speed automatic

8-speed ZF 8HP Automatic

Yes
A8 D2Saloon19972002MNo
A8 D3Saloon20032009MNo
A8 D4Saloon20102019MGermany: NeckarsulmYes
A8 D5Saloon20198-speed Tiptronic automatic

8 Speed Plug-In Hybrid ZF 8HP90 Tiptronic automatic

GermanyYes
TT Typ 8NCoupe20002006MNo
TT Typ 8NRoadster20002006MNo
TT Typ 8JCoupe20062014MYes
TT Typ FVCoupe2014Yes
e-tronSUV2020Single speed with fixed ratioBelgium: Forest (Audi Brussels)Yes
S3Hot hatch2008I4 1.8T 222 hpM Ingolstadt, BavariaNo
S3 Typ 8LHot hatch2006I4 2.0T 261 hpM Ingolstadt, BavariaYes
S4 B6Saloon20032004V8 4.2S 339 hpM Ingolstadt, BavariaNo
S4 B7Saloon20052007V8 4.2S 339 hpM Ingolstadt, BavariaNo
S4 B8Saloon2008V6 3.0S 329 hpM Ingolstadt, BavariaYes
S5 B8Coupe2010M Ingolstadt, BavariaYes
RS5 B8Coupe2010M Ingolstadt, BavariaYes
S6 C6Saloon2007V10 5.2S 429 hpM Ingolstadt, BavariaYes
RS6 C5Saloon20032004V8 4.2T 444 hpNo
S8 D2SaloonNo
R8Coupe2009V8 4.2i 414 hpM Neckarsulm, Baden-WürttembergYes
R8Coupe2010V10 5.2i 518 hpM Neckarsulm, Baden-WürttembergYes

[21]

Bentley (2008–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngine(s)Transmission(s)OriginAvailable?
MulsanneSaloon20112020V8 6.8i 530 hpM Crewe, CheshireYes
Continental GTCoupe20082010W12 6.0i 602 hpM Crewe, CheshireNo
Continental GT IICoupe20112018W12 6.0i 602 hpM Crewe, CheshireYes
Continental GT IIICoupe2018England: Crewe (Bentley Crewe)Yes
Continental Flying SpurSaloon20082013W12 6.0i 602 hpM Crewe, CheshireYes
Flying Spur IISaloon20132019No
Flying Spur IIISaloon2019Yes
BentaygaSUV2016United Kingdom: CreweYes

[22]

BMW (1997–present)

  • 1 Series The 120i and 130i are available in 3- and 5-door Hatchback, 125i and 135i are available as Coupe. The 1 series Convertible is scheduled to be introduced next December
  • 3 Series The 325i and 335i are available as Sedan, Coupe and Convertible
  • 5 Series The 525i, 530i, and 550i are available only as Sedan
  • 6 Series The 650i is available as Coupe and Convertible
  • 7 Series The 750i is available in short- and long-wheelbase bodies, while the 760i is available only as a long-wheelbase sedan
  • M3 Available as Sedan and Coupe
  • M5 Available as Sedan only
  • M6 Available as Coupe and Convertible
  • X3 2.5 and 3.0 variants are available
  • X5 3.0 and 4.8 variants are available as 5 or 7-seater SUV
  • X6 3.0i, 4.8i
  • Z4; 2.0i, 3.0i
  • Z4 M Coupe

[23]

Cadillac (1991–present)

Current

  • Escalade (2001–present)
  • XT6 (2019–present)
  • XT5 (2016–present)
  • XT4 (2019–present)

Discontinued

[24]

Chevrolet (1923–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngineTransmission optionsOriginAvailable?
SparkHatchback2010I4 1.2 80 hpSYes
ChevyHatchback1994I4 1.6 100 hpS/A Ramos Arizpe, CoahuilaYes
MonzaNotchback1996I4 1.6 100 hpS/A Ramos Arizpe, CoahuilaYes
ChevyStation Wagon19962002I4 1.6 100 hpS/A Ramos Arizpe, CoahuilaNo
AveoNotchback2008I4 1.6 110 hpS/A San Luis Potosí, San Luis PotosíYes
Corsa CHatchback20022005I4 1.4 89 hpS/A São Caetano do Sul, São PauloNo
Corsa CNotchback20022008I4 1.8 123 hpS/A São Caetano do Sul, São PauloNo
OptraNotchback20082010I4 1.8 120 hpSNo
CruzeNotchback2010S/AYes
Astra GHatchback20012005S/ANo
Astra GSedan20012005S/ANo
Astra GStation Wagon20012003S/ANo
Astra HHatchback20062008S/ANo
Astra HSedan20062008S/A GliwiceNo
EpicaSaloon20072008ANo
Malibu IVSaloon19781983 Ramos Arizpe, CoahuilaNo
Malibu IVCoupe19781983 Ramos Arizpe, CoahuilaNo
Malibu VSaloon19972003No
Malibu VISaloon20052007 Kansas City, KansasNo
Malibu VIISaloon2008Yes
HHRSUV20062009 Ramos Arizpe, CoahuilaNo
Camaro IVCoupe19932002V6 3.4 160 hpS/A Sainte-Thérèse, QuebecNo
Camaro VCoupe2010V8 6.2 426 hpS/A Oshawa, OntarioYes
Corvette C5Coupe19972005V8 5.7 350 hpS Bowling Green, KentuckyNo
Corvette C6Coupe2006V8 6.2 426 hpA Bowling Green, KentuckyYes

[25]

Chrysler (1929–present)

[26]

Dodge (1928–present)

[27]

FAW (2008–2010)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngine(s)Transmission(s)OriginAvailable?
F1Hatchback20082010I3 1.0i 65 hpS Changchun, JilinNo
F4Notchback20082010I3 1.0i 65 hpS Changchun, JilinNo
F5Hatchback20082010I4 1.5i 101 hpS Changchun, JilinNo
F5Notchback20082010I4 1.5i 101 hpS Changchun, JilinNo

[28]

Ferrari (1998–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngineTransmission optionsOriginAvailable?
CaliforniaCoupe-cabrio2009V8 4.3i 453 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaYes
360 MódenaCoupe19992005V8 3.6i 400 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaNo
360 SpiderCabrio19992005V8 3.6i 400 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaNo
360 Challenge StradaleCoupe20042005V8 3.6i 420 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaNo
F430 CoupeCoupe2005V8 4.3i 490 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaYes
F430 SpiderSpider2005V8 4.3i 490 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaYes
F430 ScuderiaCoupe20052009V8 4.3i 508 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaNo
F430 Scuderia 16MSpider20082009V8 4.3i 503 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaNo
458 ItaliaCoupe2010V8 4.5i 560 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaYes
550 MaranelloCoupe19992002V12 5.5i 485 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaNo
550 BarchettaCoupe19992002V12 5.5i 485 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaNo
575M MaranelloCoupe20032006V12 5.7i 508 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaNo
575M SuperamericaCoupe20072007V12 5.7i 530 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaNo
599 GTB FioranoCoupe2008V12 6.0i 620 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaYes
456MCoupe19992004V12 5.5i 442 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaNo
612 ScagliettiCoupe2005V12 5.7i 540 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaYes
EnzoCoupe20032004V12 6.0i 660 hpS Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaNo

[29]

Fiat (2005–present)

[30]

Ford (1925–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngineTransmission optionsOriginAvailable?
KaHatchback20012008I4 1.6i 94 hpS São Bernardo do Campo, São PauloNo
Fiesta IVHatchback19982002S São Bernardo do Campo, São PauloNo
Fiesta IV IkonNotchback20012007S Cuautitlán Izcalli, MexicoNo
Fiesta VHatchback20022007S Camaçari, BahiaNo
Fiesta V IkonNotchback2005S Camaçari, BahiaYes
Fiesta VIHatchback2010S/A Cuautitlán Izcalli, MexicoYes
Fiesta VI SedanNotchback20102012S/A Cuautitlán Izcalli, MexicoNo
FocusHatchback20002004S/A Hermosillo, SonoraNo
FocusNotchback20002007S/A Hermosillo, SonoraNo
FocusStation Wagon20002004S/A Hermosillo, SonoraNo
Focus IIHatchback20092011S/A General Pacheco, ArgentinaYes
Focus IIHatchback20072011S/A General Pacheco, ArgentinaYes
Mondeo IIINotchback20022006S/A Genk, LimburgNoNo

[31]

GMC

[30]

Honda (1995–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngineTransmission optionsOriginAvailable?
Fit IHatchback20052008No
Fit IIHatchback2009Yes
City VNotchback2009Yes
Civic VINotchback19971999No
Civic VIINotchback20002005No
Civic VIIINotchback20062011No
Civic IXNotchback20122017No
Civic XNotchback2017Yes
Accord VNotchbackNo
Accord VINotchbackNo
Accord VIINotchbackNo
Accord VIIINotchbackYes
CR-V IISUVNo
CR-V IIISUV2007Yes
Pilot ISUV20042008No
Pilot IISUV2008Yes
Odyssey IISUV20002004 Lincoln, AlabamaNo
Odyssey IIIMPV2004 Lincoln, AlabamaYes

[32]

Hummer (2006–2010)

[33]

Hyundai (2014–present)

[34]

Isuzu

[35]

Jaguar

[36]

Jeep (1994–present)

Current

Discontinued

Kia (2015–present)

[37]

Lamborghini (2010–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngineTransmission optionsOriginAvailable?
Gallardo LP 560-4Coupe2010V10 5.2i 552 hp Sant'Agata Bolognese, Emilia-RomagnaYes
Gallardo LP 560-4 SpyderCabrio2010V10 5.2i 552 hp Sant'Agata Bolognese, Emilia-RomagnaYes
Gallardo LP 570-4 SuperleggeraCoupe2010V10 5.2i 562 hp Sant'Agata Bolognese, Emilia-RomagnaYes
Murciélago LP 640Coupe20102011V12 6.5i 631 hp Sant'Agata Bolognese, Emilia-RomagnaNo
Murciélago LP 640 RoadsterCabrio20102011V12 6.5i 631 hp Sant'Agata Bolognese, Emilia-RomagnaNo
Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloceCoupe20102011V12 6.5i 661 hp Sant'Agata Bolognese, Emilia-RomagnaNo

Land Rover

Lincoln (1991–present)

The Navigator is Lincoln's most popular and successful car in Mexico.

Maserati (1998–present)

Mastretta (1989–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngineTransmission optionsOriginAvailable?
MXACoupe19981998B4 1.6i 44 hpS Mexico CityNo
MXBCoupe19981998B4 1.6i 44 hpS Mexico CityNo
MXTCoupe2011L4 2.0ti 250 hpS Ocoyoacac, MexicoYes

[38]

Mazda (2005–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngineTransmissionOriginAvailable?
2 DEHatchback2011No
3Hatchback20062008L4 2.0i 148 hpSNo
3Notchback20062008L4 2.0i 148 hpSNo
3 IIHatchback2009L4 2.0i 148 hpSYes
3Notchback2009L4 2.0i 148 hpSYes
5 IIMPVNo
5 IIIMPV2011Yes
6SaloonNo
6SaloonYes
CX-7SUVYes
CX-9SUVYes
MX-5RoadsterYes
Mazdaspeed3Hot hatchYes

[39]

Mercedes-Benz (1984–present)

Mercury (1994–2011)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngineTransmission optionsOriginAvailable?
Mariner II 4X2SUV20072011V6 3.0i 240 hpM Claycomo, MissouriNo
Mariner II 4WDSUV20072011V6 3.0i 240 hpM Claycomo, MissouriNo

- MG (2020–present)

MINI (2002–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngineTransmission optionsOriginAvailable?
Cooper IICoupe2008L4 1.6i 118 hpS/M Oxford, OxfordshireYes
Cabrio IICoupe2008L4 1.6i 118 hpS/M Oxford, OxfordshireYes
Cooper II SCoupe2008L4 1.6i 172 hpS/M Oxford, OxfordshireYes
Clubman II SStation Wagon2008L4 1.6i 172 hpS/M Oxford, OxfordshireYes
Cabrio II SCoupe2008L4 1.6i 118 hpS/M Oxford, OxfordshireYes
John Cooper WorksCoupe2008L4 1.6i 208 hpS Oxford, OxfordshireYes
John Cooper WorksCabrio2008L4 1.6i 208 hpS Oxford, OxfordshireYes

Mitsubishi (2003–present)

Nissan (1984–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngine optionsTransmission optionsOriginAvailable?
Micra K12HatchbackI4 1.4i 88 hpSNo
AprioNotchback2008I4 1.6i 101 hpS/A São José dos Pinhais, ParanáYes
PlatinaNotchback20022010I4 1.6i 110 hpS/A Aguascalientes, AguascalientesNo
Tsuru B11Notchback19841986S Cuernavaca, MorelosNo
Tsuru B11Coupe19841986S Cuernavaca, MorelosNo
Tsuru B12Notchback19861990S Cuernavaca, MorelosNo
Tsuru B12Station Wagon19861990S Cuernavaca, MorelosNo
Tsuru B13Notchback1993I4 1.6i 105 hpS Cuernavaca, MorelosYes
Tsubame B13Station Wagon19932004I4 1.6i 105 hpS Cuernavaca, MorelosYes
Sentra B14Notchback19951999S Aguascalientes, AguascalientesNo
Sentra B15Notchback20002006S Aguascalientes, AguascalientesNo
Sentra B16Notchback2007S/CVT Aguascalientes, AguascalientesYes
Almera N16Hatchback20012006S Sunderland, Tyne and WearNo
TiidaHatchback2006I4 1.8i 125 hpS/A Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
Cuernavaca, Morelos
Yes
TiidaNotchback2006I4 1.8i 125 hpS/A Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
Cuernavaca, Morelos
Yes
RogueSUV2006I4 2.5i 160 hpS/A Yes

Peugeot (1958–1962; 1997–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngine optionsTransmission optionsOriginAvailable?
206Hatchback20022009I4 1.4i 75 hpS/ANo
206Hatchback20022009I4 1.6i 110 hpS/ANo
206 CCCoupe-cabrio20022006I4 1.6i 110 hpS/ANo
207 CompactHatchback2009I4 1.6i 110 hpS/AYes
207 CompactNotchback2009I4 1.6i 110 hpS/AYes
207Hatchback20092009S/ANo
207 CCHatchback20092009S/ANo
306Notchback19972002S/ANo
307Hatchback20022009S/ANo
307Notchback20052010S/ANo
307 SWStation Wagon20022005S/ANo
307 CCCoupe-cabrio20032009S/ANo
308Hatchback2009S/AYes
308 CCCoupe-cabrio2010Yes
405Saloon19971998S/ANo
406Saloon19982004S/ANo
406 CoupeCoupe19992005S/ANo
407Saloon20052012S/ANo
508Saloon2012S/AYes
607Saloon20032008S/A Sochaux, FranceNo
3008MPV2010S/AYes
207 RCHot hatch20092009SNo
RCZCoupe2010I4 1.6ti 197 hpS Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr)Yes

[40]

Pontiac (1994–2010)

Porsche (1995–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngine optionsTransmission optionsCountry of originAvailable?
986 BoxsterRoadster19972004S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergNo
986 Boxster SRoadster19972004S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergNo
987 BoxsterRoadster2005S/A/PDK Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergYes
987 Boxster SRoadster2005S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergYes
987 CaymanCoupe2005S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergYes
987 Cayman SCoupe2005S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergYes
987 Cayman SCoupe2005S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergYes
993 CarreraCoupe19971998S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergNo
993 TurboCoupe19971998S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergNo
996 CarreraCoupe19982004S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergNo
996 Carrera SCoupe19982004S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergNo
996 Carrera 4SCoupe19982004S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergNo
996 CabrioCabrio19982004S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergNo
996 TurboCoupe19982004S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergNo
996 GT3Coupe20002004S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergNo
996 GT2Coupe20002004S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergNo
997 CarreraCoupe2005S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergYes
997 TurboCoupe2005S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergYes
997 GT3Coupe2005S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergYes
997 GT2Coupe2005S Stuttgart, Baden-WürttembergYes

[41]

Radical

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngine optionsTransmission optionsOriginAvailable?
SR3 RSRacecar2009L4 1.5i 265 hpS Westwood, CambridgeshireYes

[42]

Renault (1963–1986; 2000–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngine optionsTransmission optionsOriginAvailable?
R4Hatchback19611970S Ciudad Sahagún, HidalgoNo
R5Hatchback19721984I4 1.3i 59 hpS Ciudad Sahagún, HidalgoNo
SanderoHatchback2010I4 1.6i 101 hpS/A São José dos Pinhais, ParanáYes
Clio IIHatchback20022010I4 1.6i 110 hpS/A Aguascalientes, AguascalientesNo
Clio IIIHatchback20062008I4 1.6i 110 hpS/A Strasbourg, AlsaceNo
EncoreHatchback19841986I4 1.7i 89 hpS Mexico, Distrito FederalNo
AllianceNotchback19841986I4 1.4i 59 hpS Mexico, Distrito FederalNo
ScalaNotchback2010I4 1.6i 101 hpS/A Busan, YeongnamYes
MéganeNotchback20002004I4 2.0i 140 hpS/A Bursa, BursaNo
Mégane IIHatchback20032009I4 2.0i 140 hpS/A Palencia, Castile and LeónNo
Mégane IINotchback20072010I4 1.6i 110 hp
I4 2.0i 138 hp
S
S/A
Bursa, BursaNo
Mégane II CCCoupe-cabrio20042009I4 2.0i 138 hp
I4 2.0t 162 hp
MNo
FluenceNotchback20102017I4 2.0i 138 hpS/A Bursa, BursaNo
R12Notchback19721978SNo
R18Notchback19781984I4 2.0iSNo
Laguna IIHatchback20022008V6 3.0iMFranceNo
Laguna II Grand TourStation Wagon20022007V6 3.0iMFranceNo
Safrane IISedan20092016V6 2.3i 168 hpM Busan, YeongnamNo
Safrane IIISedan20112016V6 3.5i 240 hpM Busan, YeongnamNo
Scénic IMPV20002005I4 2.0i 138 hpS/A Aguascalientes, AguascalientesNo
Scénic IIMPV20052009I4 2.0i 138 hpS/ANo
KoleosSUV2008I4 2.5i 170 hpA Busan, YeongnamYes
Kangoo ILAV20042019I4 1.6i 110 hpS Santa Isabel, CórdobaNo
Nueva KangooLAV2019N/AN/A Córdoba, ArgentinaYes
TraficPanel20072009I4 1.9d 99 hpSNo
TraficVan20072009I4 1.9d 99 hpSNo
Clio II RSHatchback20012004I4 2.0i 176 hpS Dieppe, Seine-MaritimeNo
Clio II RS TeamHatchback20052007I4 2.0i 188 hpS Dieppe, Seine-MaritimeNo
Mégane II GTHatchback20082009I4 2.0ti 165 hpS Palencia, Castile and LeónNo
Mégane II GTCoupe20082009I4 2.0ti 165 hpS Palencia, Castile and LeónNo
Mégane II RSCoupe20042009I4 2.0ti 247 hpS Dieppe, Seine-MaritimeNo
Clio RS 200Hatchback2014Yes
TwizySupermini2017Yes
LoganSedan2014Yes

[43]

Saab

SEAT (2001–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngine optionsTransmission optionsCountry of originAvailable?
ExeoSedan20112011I4 2.0i 200 hpS/ASpainNo
Ibiza IIHatchback20012003I4 1.6i 103 hpSNo
Ibiza IIIHatchback20032009I4 1.6i 103 hpSNo
Ibiza IVHatchback2009I4 2.0i 115 hpS/DSGYes
LeónHatchback20012005S/ANo
León IIHatchback2005S/DSGYes
Toledo IINotchback20012005S/ANo
Toledo IIILMPV20052007S/ANo
AlteaSMPV2005S/ANo
León Cupra RHot hatch20032005I4 1.8t 221 hpS/ANo
León II Cupra RHot hatch20032005I4 2.0t 261 hpS/ANo

[44]

Smart (2001–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngine optionsTransmission optionsCountry of origin[45]Available?
Fortwo ICoupe20012007I3 1.0i 70 hpS HambachNo
Fortwo ICabrio20012007I3 1.0i 70 hpS HambachNo
Fortwo IICoupe2007I3 1.0i 70 hpS HambachYes
Fortwo IICabrio2007I3 1.0i 70 hpS HambachYes
Fortwo II PassionCoupe2007I3 1.0i 84 hpS HambachYes
Fortwo II PassionCabrio2007I3 1.0i 84 hpS HambachYes
RoadsterCabrio20032005S HambachNo
Roadster CoupeCoupe20032005I3 1.0i 81 hpS HambachNo

Subaru (2017–present)

[35]

Suzuki (2005–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngine(s)Transmission(s)OriginAvailable?
Swift VHatchback2006SYes
AerioHatchback20052006I4 2.3i 155 hpS Kosai, ShizuokaNo
SX4Hatchback2007SYes
SX4Notchback2007SYes
KizashiSaloon2010I4 2.4i 185 hp Sagara, ShizuokaYes
Grand Vitara IISUV2005Yes
XL7 IISUV20082009 Hamamatsu, ShizuokaNo

[46]

Toyota (2002–present)

Volkswagen (1954–present)

NameBodyIntroducedRetiredEngineTransmission optionsOriginAvailable?
SedanCoupe19542003B4 1.6i 44 hpS Puebla, PueblaNo
Pointer IIHatchback19982008I4 1.8i 98 hpS São Bernardo do Campo, São PauloNo
Gol VHatchback2008I4 1.8i 98 hpS São Bernardo do Campo, São PauloYes
Gol VNotchback2008I4 1.8i 98 hpS São Bernardo do Campo, São PauloYes
Lupo IIHatchback20042009I4 1.6i 100 hpS São Bernardo do Campo, São PauloNo
SportVanHatchback2004I4 1.6i 100 hpS General Pacheco, Buenos AiresYes
CrossFoxHatchback2005I4 1.6i 100 hpS São Bernardo do Campo, São PauloYes
Caribe IHatchback19771987I4 1.6i 66 hpS Puebla, PueblaNo
Atlantic INotchback19811985I4 1.6i 66 hpSNo
Caribe I GTHatchback19841987I4 1.8i 85 hpS Puebla, PueblaNo
Golf IIHatchback19871992I4 1.8i 72 hpS Puebla, PueblaNo
Golf IIHatchback19871992I4 1.8i 85 hpS/A Puebla, PueblaNo
Jetta IINotchback19851992I4 1.8i 85 hpS/A Puebla, PueblaNo
Golf II GTIHatchback19891992I4 1.8i 105 hpS Puebla, PueblaNo
Golf IIIHatchback19931999S Puebla, PueblaNo
Golf IIICabrio19931999S Puebla, PueblaNo
Jetta IIINotchback19931999S Puebla, PueblaNo
Golf III GTIHatchbackVR6 2.8i 172 hpS Puebla, PueblaNo
Golf IVHatchback19992007I4 2.0 115 hpS/A Wolfsburg, Lower SaxonyNo
Jetta IVNotchback1999I4 2.0 115 hpS/A Puebla, PueblaYes
Golf IVCabrio19992004I4 2.0 115 hpS/A Wolfsburg, Lower SaxonyNo
Golf IV GTIHatchback19992004I4 1.8ti 180 hpS Wolfsburg, Lower SaxonyNo
Golf IV R32Hatchback20032004VR6 3.2i 237 hpS/A Wolfsburg, Lower SaxonyNo
Golf IV R32Hatchback20032004VR6 3.2i 237 hpS/A Wolfsburg, Lower SaxonyNo
Golf V GTIHatchback20062010I4 2.0ti 197 hpS/DSG Wolfsburg, Lower SaxonyYes
Bora IINotchback2005I5 2.5i 172 hpS/M Puebla, PueblaYes
Bora IINotchback2007I4 1.9td 103 hpS/DSG Puebla, PueblaYes
Bora II GLINotchback2005I4 2.0ti 197 hpS/DSG Puebla, PueblaYes
Jetta VINotchback2010I5 2.5i 172 hpS/DSG Puebla, PueblaYes
Jetta VINotchback2010I4 1.9td 103 hpDSG Puebla, PueblaNo
Golf V GTI PirelliHatchback20062010I4 2.0ti 227 hpDSG Wolfsburg, Lower SaxonyYes
Golf VI SportwagenStation Wagon2009I5 2.5i 170 hpS/M Puebla, PueblaYes
Passat VI CCCoupe2008I4 2.0ti 197 hpDSG Emden, East FrisiaYes
Passat VI CCCoupe2008V6 3.6i 276 hpM Emden, East FrisiaYes
Volkswagen VentoNotchback2015I4 1.6lMPI/ 1.5TDI 103 hpM/DSG Pune, MaharashtraYes
  • Amarok (Imported from Argentina).
  • Eurovan (T5 Transporter cargo and passenger van w/long wheelbase. Only sold with the 1.9TDi/105 hp engine)
  • Jetta IV; 2.0i, 1.9TDi
  • Beetle(Sold as GLS with 2.0 115 hp engine, Sport, Cabriolet and Sport GLX trims with 5 cil. 2.5 lt 170 hp engine. All variants with 5-speed manual and 6-speed tiptronic gearboxes)
  • Routan
  • Passat (It is sold with 2.0 TFSi 200 hp, and V6 3.6 280 hp engines with 6-speed Tiptronic gearbox, the latter one is available also as a 4Motion model. Imported from Germany)
  • Tiguan
  • Touareg; V6, V8 Petrol, V6 TDI.
  • Crafter
  • Jetta GLI; 1.8T
  • GLI; 2.0 TFSi/DSG

[47]

Volvo

Current

Discontinued

Vuhl

Missing makers

Few are the mainstream makers that have not official representation in Mexico but all of their models can be imported through exotic car dealers located mostly in Mexico City, Puebla, Veracruz, Mérida, Monterrey and Guadalajara.

Citroën

Some people have begun to import C4 models to Mexican streets. There is a small unofficial importer in the Interlomas section in Mexico State just bordering Mexico City. The French maker has not made an official announcement or pointed out plans for entering the Mexican market in the near future, and remains one of the few countries in the world (along with the United States and Canada) where Citroën cars are not available.

Lancia

Lancia models were presented at the 2003 Mexican Autoshow, though dealerships have not yet opened in the country. The next generation Delta however and Lancia's opening for new Latin American markets gives a wide possibility the maker will be selling by 2009.

Lexus

After many false rumours in more than one decade, an official entry programmed for the final quarter of 2021, in September 2021, with vehicles of the 2022 model year.[48] The reason for this is to allow Lexus apply a marketing strategy and have time to make necessary adjustments to suspension and motor to all of its vehicles, to offer characteristic comfort of the brand in Mexico. The confirmed models for Mexico are the Lexus LS500h (hybrid), along with the ES, RX, LX, and UX, all of these models will be additionally offered in hybrid versions, as Lexus will find the most "green" lineup in the luxury segment in Mexico to offer all of its models with a hybrid variant. Once the brand arrives to Mexico, five agencies in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey will be opened, and the agencies will focus on creating a purchase experience to all of their clients. However, the sport F range of cars is not confirmed, but there will be plans to launch it. Finally, in late 2021, a factory plant will begin to operate in Guanajuato, where the Toyota Tacoma is built. In addition, the Lexus brand will be an independent division which will get help from Toyota de Mexico, and additional help from TMNA and Lexus USA (its home market).

Maybach

Rolls-Royce

The Phantom is the only model available at the moment, it has a cost of $415,000 US dollars. However it is known that several varieties of Rolls-Royces are owned throughout the country, these were individually imported.

Saleen

Saleen has no official subsidiary in Mexico, but they are imported through an official representative importer.

Scion

Toyota's youth line has not been introduced to the Mexican market. So far, there are no dates announced, even after the brand's discontinuation in 2016.

Škoda

Volkswagen and certain European car distributors import Skodas, but with the process, this economy line turns out to be more expensive than other higher end cars, making its purchase unattractive.

See also

Further reading

  • Bennett, Douglas and Kenneth Evan Sharpe. Transitional Corporations Versus the State: The Political Economy of the Mexican Auto Industry. Princeton: Princeton University Press 1985.
  • Bennett, Mark. Public Policy and Industrial Development: The Case of the Mexican Auto-Parts Industry. Boulder: Westview Press 1986.
  • Jenkins, Rhys Owen. Dependent Industrialization in Latin America: The Automotive Industry in Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. New York: Praeger 1977.
  • Moreno Brid, Juan Carlos. Mexico's Motorvehicle Industry in the 1980s. Geneva: International Labor Office 1988.
  • Shaiken, Harley. Automation and Global Production: Automobile Engine Production in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. LaJolla, CA: Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies 1987.
  • Fernando "Ferdle" Sanchez. Mexico's secondary advisor over the Motorcar industry in Chilpancingo, Mérida, and Guadalajara. The Los Angeles Council of Elders.

References

Sources

  • Automóvil Panamericano Archived 2022-05-01 at the Wayback Machine. Mexican magazine (issues from October 1996 to October 2006). Retrieved August 18, 2006.
  • 4 Ruedas Magazine. Mexican Magazine (issues from October 1996 to September 2006). retrieved August 18, 2006.