The Revival of the Mexican Automotive Sector: Auto Sales Reach Historic January in 2026

The Mexican automotive market has commenced 2026 with renewed vigor. While macroeconomic figures typically shake off post-December holiday sluggishness at a slow pace,

has opted to press the accelerator fully. According to the INEGI report published this February 5, Mexico commercialized 131,472 light vehicles during the first month of 2026. This is not merely an arbitrary figure; it represents an 8.7% growth compared to the previous year, setting a dynamic trend for the Bajío region and the northern part of the country, key drivers of this industry.

A Decade in the Rearview Mirror

To comprehend the significance of this data, one must look back. The January sales chart resembles a mountain profile that, following the abyss of 2022—when merely 78,585 units were placed—has managed to climb with technical resilience. With this outcome, the domestic market not only surpasses pre-pandemic figures (2019) but also establishes the highest point recorded for a January in recent memory within the Administrative Registry of the Automotive Industry of Light Vehicles (RAIAVL).

The Forces Driving the Market

This rebound of 10,519 additional units compared to January 2025 is not a result of chance. It is the outcome of a collaborative mechanism involving 22 companies affiliated with AMIA and 8 independent brands, which together circulate 41 distinct brands across the country’s dealerships. The figure represents a hybrid: it encompasses both the pride of domestically manufactured products and the growing supply of imported models aiming to attract the Mexican consumer.

However, as is often the case in the narrative of the Mexican economy, the devil is in the details, which will be revealed this coming February 10. It is then that the mystery of hybrid and electric vehicles will be unveiled, a segment that is no longer a futuristic promise but a key component of geographic coverage and the energy transition that the country demands.