BMW San Luis Potosí Plant Production Slows in 2026

Automotive production in Mexico in 2026 surpassed one million light vehicles between January and April, according to INEGI’s Administrative Registry of the Light Vehicle Automotive Industry (RAIAVL). Although the sector maintains its dynamism, the performance was not uniform across manufacturers. Some brands significantly accelerated their production in April, while others reduced their pace year-to-date.

2026 Mexican Automotive Production Reaches 1.29 Million Vehicles

INEGI data reveals that between January and April 2026, 1,299,157 light vehicles were produced, equivalent to 0.9% annual growth. Of the total assembled, light trucks accounted for 80% of national production. Figures also show that exports reached 1,081,948 units, an increase of 4.7% compared to the same period in 2025. Furthermore, the United States accounted for 76% of shipments from Mexico. Concurrently, domestic sales totaled 500,512 vehicles, representing a 4.8% annual advance.

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April 2026 Becomes Second Best Historical April for the Industry

The Mexican Association of Automotive Industry (AMIA) reported that 329,878 light vehicles were assembled in April, a 2.1% growth compared to the same month in 2025. This result positioned April 2026 as the second-best April in the entire historical series for national automotive manufacturing. Similarly, the January-April cumulative figure also ranked as the second-best historical record for the sector.

BMW San Luis Potosí Grows 72.6% in April, but Declines Year-to-Date

The BMW plant in San Luis Potosí reported one of the most significant monthly increases in April. During that month, the automaker assembled 9,118 units, a 72.6% annual growth compared to the same period in 2025. However, the cumulative performance of the first quarter showed a different trend. Between January and April, the San Luis Potosí plant produced 26,554 vehicles, a decrease of 18.2% year-on-year. BMW was also among the six AMIA-affiliated brands with year-to-date production declines in 2026. The automakers with negative variations were:

• Mazda: 11,229 units (-32.3%)
• Acura: 11,421 (-6.9%)
• Toyota: 104,421 (-1.2%)
• Ford: 134,775 (-4.6%)
• Nissan: 158,872 (-28.3%)

Volkswagen, Audi, and Stellantis Accelerate Production in Mexico

While some companies adjusted their manufacturing volumes, other automakers registered significant expansions during the first quarter of the year. Volkswagen produced 133,863 units, equivalent to 42.3% annual growth, one of the sector’s highest advances. Audi, for its part, assembled 50,430 vehicles, with a 37.5% increase. Stellantis also contributed, reaching 148,203 units produced, reflecting 33.2% growth compared to the same period in 2025.

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