In 2008 Mexico produced 2'102,801 cars. An increase of 4% compared to 2007 and exported 1'661,406 cars, 3% more than the last year. These increases are remarkable when compared with the vertiginous fall of sales of 18% registered by the American automobile industry.

In 2008 the exportations of automotive vehicles rose Mexico through greater market diversification. The export drive to Europe increased by 9.8%, while sales to Asia and Latin America grew in the same period 2.2% and 7.3% respectively.

The Mexican automotive industry focuses on both the investment market and the export. The primary vehicles manufactured in Mexico to the world are: the Lincoln MKZ, the Volkswagen Beetle, Nissan Tiida, the Honda CR-V, Dodge Journey and armored BMW X5. The precision machining, plastic injection molds, cast aluminum, ductile iron, hot and cold forging and stamping foil, represent a window of opportunity for the sector.

Auto consultancy CSM forecasts that in Mexico, car production will reach 3.1 million units in 2013, double the level of 2008.

The study, "Competitive Alternatives Guide to International Business KPMGs Location 2008 Edition", of KPMG, in conjunction with Mercer, Colliers International, Economic Research Institute and decisions, placed Mexico as the number 1 country for the manufacture of auto parts.

Also, the study "Outsourcing Manufacturing Cost Index 2009", Alix Partners, confirms the country's competitiveness:

Skilled labor

• Mexico has more than 750 000 students in engineering and technology.
• At year 90 thousand students graduated of engineering and technology.
• There are more than 900 graduate programs related to engineering and technology in Mexican universities.

Extensive network for suppliers

• 100 of the largest auto parts companies in the world are in the country, among those that stand out: Robert Bosch, Denso, Delphi, Magna, Visteon, Eaton, Valeo, Bridgestone / Firestone, Johnson Controls, Michelin, Alsina, Seiki, Goodyear , Lear, ThyssenKrupp, Faurecia, Siemens, San Luis Rassini, Metals and Brembo, and many more.
• During 2008, Mexico produced about 30 billion dollars in auto parts, which have had as principal destiny the United States, with 80 percent of production

The models that are produced exclusively in Mexico for the world meet the strictest environmental standards, quality and safety.

Some examples are:

• VW: Beetle, Bora Bora Sedan and Variant
• Ford Mercury Milan, Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ
• GM: Luxury SUVs, compact cars and type "Crossover"
• Nissan: Sentra and Tiida (aka Versa in the U.S.)
• Honda: CR-V and its first Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV) called "Big Red"
• Chrysler PT Cruiser, Journey and the motor "HEMI" of 5.7 and 6.1 liters

Among the most important companies in this industry in the county are:

Toyota, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Nissan, Honda, Volvo, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, Cummins, Daimler, Kenworth, Freightliner, Navistar International, Robert Bosch, Denso, Delphi, Magna, Visteon, Eaton, Valeo Bridgestone / Firestone, Johnson Controls, Michelin, Asin Seiki, Goodyear, Lear, Krupp, Faurecia, Siemens, San Luis Rassini and Metalsa.

Success Stories

• General Motors opened 3 operations centers in 2008, with a total investment exceeding U.S. $ 3 billion in the last five years.
• Ford announced in 2008 an investment of 3 billion dollars in an effort to conversion of several plants for 2010.
• Nemak is one of the most important Mexican auto parts firms, has expanded its operations to over 13 countries in Europe, Asia and America.