Mexico's Top-Selling Cars in January 2026: INEGI

The Mexican automotive market began 2026 showing signs of sales recovery, production adjustments, and positive export performance. According to the Administrative Registry of the Light Vehicle Automotive Industry (RAIAVL) by INEGI, 131,491 light vehicles were sold in January 2026, representing an annual growth of 8.71% compared to the same month in 2025. January’s figures position the automotive market on a positive trajectory. Compared to the 120,953 units sold in January 2025, the sector added 10,538 additional vehicles in the first month of this year, reflecting greater commercial dynamism. Of total sales, 122,699 units corresponded to brands affiliated with AMDA, with an annual growth of 6.5%. Additionally, 8,792 units were from non-affiliated brands, a segment that notably increased by 53.03%, demonstrating the rapid penetration of new market players.

Mexico’s Top-Selling Cars in January-

- Nissan: 24,695 units (+21.8%) - General Motors: 16,339 units (+3.9%) - Toyota: 11,669 units (+6.3%) - Volkswagen: 11,195 units (-7.8%) - KIA: 9,032 units (+5.0%) - Mazda: 8,704 units (+11.1%)

The Advance of Asian Brands in the Mexican Automotive Sector

One of the most revealing data points from the INEGI report is the performance of emerging brands, particularly those of Chinese origin, which continue to gain ground in the Mexican market.

Brands with Highest Percentage Growth in Sales:

Geely: 3,356 units (+245.3%)
MG Motor: 6,198 units (+55.0%)
Changan: 1,568 units (+89.8%)
Subaru: 400 units (+32.0%)
Lexus: 220 units (+30.2%)

This growth is attributed to competitive pricing, high-tech equipment, and aggressive dealership expansion. In contrast, traditional premium brands like Mercedes-Benz (-33.0%), Volvo (-35.9%), and BMW Group (-8.1%) faced downward adjustments in sales, reflecting a more cautious consumer in the luxury segment.

Automotive Production in January 2026

In January 2026, total light vehicle production in Mexico was 303,980 units, representing an annual decrease of 2.65% compared to the 312,257 units produced in January 2025. Although this decline may seem significant, the data should be interpreted cautiously. The industry continues to adjust its production lines to respond to more specific and profitable demand. A key element is that light trucks accounted for 78.5% of the total produced, while passenger cars made up the remaining percentage.

Brands with Highest Production in January 2026

Key light vehicle producers:

General Motors: 73,260 units (+21.9%)
Volkswagen: 34,580 units (+66.4%)
Ford Motor: 35,292 units (+8.3%)
Stellantis: 24,744 units (+9.4%)
KIA: 25,600 units (+5.3%)

In contrast, some manufacturers registered significant declines, such as Nissan (-31.1%), Toyota (-43.1%), and Mazda (-43.9%), associated with production reconfigurations, plant maintenance, and adjustments in their global strategy.

Exports: United States Remains the Key Destination

Despite moderated production, light vehicle exports grew by 2.33% in January 2026, reaching 224,528 units, compared to 219,422 in the same month of the previous year. The United States remained the primary destination, accounting for 73.2% of total shipments, reaffirming the relevance of the USMCA for the Mexican automotive industry.

Notable Exports by Brand: