Ups and downs in Mexico’s export and production of light vehicles

Exports of light vehicles this month rose 1.26% year-over-year, following two consecutive declines of more than 9%, according to data released by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).

According to the Administrative Registry of the Light Vehicle Automotive Industry (Raiavl), maintained by INEGI, Mexico's light vehicle industry exported 300,475 units, which was 3,741 units more than in August of last year.

Data from INEGI show that this was the best eighth month of the year since the same month in 2018, when 322,779 light vehicles were sold.

However, during the first half of the year, 2,251,254 units were exported, representing a 0.06% decline compared to the same period in 2025—the lowest level since the first eight months of 2023.

The United States became the top destination for vehicle exports, accounting for 76.3%.

Meanwhile, in August, automotive production in Mexico totaled 344,949 units, representing a 1.43% year-over-year decline—equivalent to 5,011 units—marking the fourth consecutive annual decline.

During the first eight months of this year, 2,645,140 units were produced, representing a 0.72% decline compared to the same period in 2025. Cumulative production for the year was the lowest since 2022.

During that period, light trucks accounted for 79.3% of total production, while the remainder consisted of passenger cars.

According to INEGI, 129,362 vehicles were sold in August, 2.23% more than in the same month of 2025; meanwhile, from January through August, the automotive industry recorded cumulative sales of 114,715 units for the year, the highest figure for a comparable period on record.