In January 2026, new car sales in Mexico reached a record high, with 131,491 vehicles sold, representing an 8.7% year-on-year increase. Notably, according to data from the Mexican Association of Automobile Dealers (AMDA), 22.3% of these vehicles were imported from China.

According to Cristina Vázquez, economic research coordinator at AMDA, this growth reflects the increasing influence of the Chinese automotive industry in the Mexican domestic market, solidifying its position as a key player in the sector. The data, based on information from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), also shows that the proportion of cars imported from China has increased from 19.1% in January 2025.

The report also noted that 11.4% of the total units sold in the country were entirely from Chinese brands,  indicating that Chinese brands are strengthening their presence in the Mexican market.

The SUV and pickup truck segments also set records

The growth wasn’t limited to light vehicles. Total sales in the SUV and light truck segments, including pickup trucks, reached 139,884 units, a 9.9% increase year-over-year.

The agency predicts that the Mexican auto market will maintain moderate growth for the remainder of 2026, with light vehicle sales expected to grow by 0.7% considering only brands officially registered with the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). However, if all automakers operating in Mexico are included, the growth rate could reach 1.8%.

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