Mexico's auto sales poised for record year despite weak economy

Mexico's automotive market is on track to set a new sales record in 2026, with the Mexican Association of Automotive Distributors (AMDA) forecasting 1.677 million new vehicle sales. This represents a 3% increase, or about 50,919 more vehicles than last year.

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The sale of light vehicles in our country grows above 5% in the first five months of the year and, according to our econometric model, we are seeing a sales record in 2026.

AMDA's executive president, Guillermo Rosales, noted a disconnect between vehicle sales and the broader economy, which experienced a contraction in the first quarter and is expected to grow only 1% this year. He attributed the automotive sector's strength to consumers recognizing opportunities in low prices and fierce competition among manufacturers. Additionally, credit availability remains robust, with banks and finance companies offering competitive terms and extended payment periods, allowing consumers to manage affordability.

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What has been driving the automotive market is that consumers are recognizing the opportunity of low prices, hypercompetition.

Rosales highlighted that credit terms of 72 and 60 months are increasingly popular. AMDA is confident this sales momentum will continue unless a significant economic event disrupts the trend, which currently appears unlikely. Meanwhile, separate data from Inegi showed a 3.7% drop in auto production in May, though vehicle exports rose 1.7%. Exports to Canada, Germany, and Brazil saw notable increases, offsetting a decline in shipments to the United States.

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Credit availability continues at a good pace, not only is there strong competition between banks and finance companies, but the terms being offered allow for adjusting consumers' payment capacity and taking advantage of discounts on vehicle prices.