Mexico Vehicle Production Falls 15.1% in September 2026

Mexico Vehicle Production Declines in September

Mexico vehicle production totaled 301,803 units in September 2026, representing a 15.1% decline from the same month in 2025. Of the vehicles assembled during the month, 69,838 were passenger cars and 231,965 were light trucks. Production for the first nine months of 2026 reached 2,946,943 units, down 2.4% compared with the corresponding period of 2025. The September decline therefore extended a broader weakness in cumulative manufacturing output, with production adjustments across North America contributing to the changing manufacturing environment for major automakers operating in Mexico.

General Motors and Nissan Lead Lower Production

Among major OEMs and brands, General Motors recorded the highest September production volume at 58,255 units, although that figure was 24.7% lower year over year. Nissan followed with 44,355 units, down 26.3%, while Chrysler produced 35,834 units, an increase of 4.4%. Ford Motor production reached 29,480 units, down 16.4%, and Volkswagen produced 27,475 units, down 5.9%. The results show that production declines were widespread among several leading manufacturers, although Chrysler increased output compared with September 2025.

Mexico Vehicle Exports Also Decline

Mexico exported 277,369 assembled vehicles in September, an 11.9% decrease from September 2025. General Motors ranked first among exporting OEMs with 69,804 units, down 7.5% year over year, followed by Chrysler with 31,790 units, down 20.4%. Nissan exported 31,451 vehicles, representing a 33.0% decline, while Ford Motor shipped 30,650 units, down 13.2%. Toyota exported 25,568 units, a 6.2% decrease. The export performance indicates that lower shipments affected several major automakers at the same time that domestic production was weakening.

U.S. Exports Drive Cumulative Decline

Cumulative exports from January through September totaled 2,528,623 vehicles, down 1.5% from the same period in 2025. Shipments to the U.S. declined 4.6% to 1,931,750 units, while exports to Canada increased 9.4% to 314,185 units. Exports to Germany fell 14.2% to 64,963 units. The U.S. remained the largest destination by a substantial margin, meaning its decline had a significant effect on Mexico's overall export performance. Lower U.S. shipments were identified alongside North American production realignments as factors affecting the industry's cumulative results through September.

Domestic Sales Rise as Imported Vehicles Expand

Despite weaker production and exports, cumulative new vehicle sales in Mexico reached their highest level for the period beginning in 2016. The domestic market is also seeing increasing sales of imported vehicles, particularly products from Chinese automakers. This creates a contrasting market environment in which demand within Mexico remains comparatively strong while major Mexico-based manufacturers face weaker export volumes. The expansion of Chinese vehicle sales is changing the competitive balance in the domestic market, while established manufacturers remain exposed to shifts in North American production and export demand.

Industry Impact & Outlook

Mexico's September results highlight a growing divergence between domestic vehicle demand and export-oriented manufacturing performance. Strong cumulative local sales provide support for the domestic market, but declining shipments to the U.S. and lower output at several major automakers create pressure on Mexico's established production base. At the same time, expanding Chinese vehicle imports are increasing competition for manufacturers that have historically benefited from Mexico's export-focused industrial structure. The near-term outlook will depend on how production realignments across North America develop, whether export demand stabilizes, and how established manufacturers respond to stronger competition from imported vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Mexico's vehicle production decline in September 2026?
Mexico's vehicle production declined 15.1% year over year in September 2026, reaching 301,803 units during the month. Passenger cars accounted for 69,838 units, while light trucks represented 231,965 units. Production for the first nine months of 2026 totaled 2,946,943 vehicles, down 2.4% from the same period in 2025. Major manufacturers including General Motors, Nissan, Ford Motor and Volkswagen reported lower September production, while Chrysler was the notable major producer in the reported group to increase output compared with September 2025.