Car Brands Made in Mexico: A Look at Global Manufacturing Powerhouses

Last Updated on May 8, 2025

Mexico has become a powerhouse in the automotive industry. In fact, many of the world’s top car brands have established manufacturing plants in the country. The reasons for this aren’t just about cost efficiency-though that’s a big part of it. Mexico’s strategic location, skilled labor force, and favorable trade agreements make it an attractive destination for automakers looking to produce vehicles close to the U.S. market. But which car brands are made in Mexico? Let’s take a closer look.

Why Mexico? The Perfect Storm for Automotive Manufacturing

You’ve probably heard the buzz around nearshoring, but it’s worth emphasizing why Mexico has become a go-to choice for automotive manufacturers. Its proximity to the U.S. means reduced shipping costs and faster delivery times. Plus, the country has trade agreements like the USMCA that allow duty-free access to the U.S. market. Factor in cost savings from lower labor expenses, and it’s clear why automotive companies flock to Mexico.

Now, let’s explore the car brands that call Mexico home.

Major Car Brands Manufacturing in Mexico

Here’s a rundown of the most prominent car brands made in Mexico, and a bit about why they chose this location.

Car Brand	Manufacturing Location	Models Produced	Key Factors
General Motors (GM)	Various locations in Mexico	Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac	Skilled workforce, favorable production costs
Ford	Sonora, Chihuahua	Ford Fiesta, Ford Fusion	Affordable labor, skilled workforce
Volkswagen	Puebla, Mexico	Volkswagen Golf, Jetta	Large, key plant, long-term investment in Mexico
Honda	El Salto, Jalisco	Honda Fit, Honda HR-V	Low labor costs, high-quality manufacturing processes
BMW	San Luis Potosí	BMW 2 Series	Strategic location, competitive production costs
Audi	San José Chiapa	Audi Q5 (Luxury SUV)	High-quality manufacturing, efficient production lines
Toyota	Guanajuato	Toyota Tacoma, other key models	Skilled workforce, proximity to U.S. market
Nissan	Aguascalientes, Morelos	Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa	Focus on quality, suitable manufacturing processes

How Nearshoring Makes It Easier to Start Manufacturing in Mexico

For companies considering setting up manufacturing operations in Mexico, partnering with a nearshore manufacturing partner like NovaLink can make all the difference. From navigating complex processes like Bill of Lading documentation to streamlining supply chains, NovaLink provides the expertise needed to ensure a smooth transition. With our consulting services, you can focus on the big picture while we help with logistics and local regulations. This ensures your manufacturing operations in Mexico are efficient.

Are Cars Made In Mexico Reliable?

Cars made in Mexico are generally reliable. The country is home to numerous well-established automotive plants owned by top global manufacturers such as General Motors, Ford, Volkswagen, and Honda, among others. These manufacturers adhere to strict production and quality control standards. This ensures that vehicles produced in Mexico meet the same high reliability and safety expectations as those made elsewhere.

Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. also allows manufacturers to streamline production and improve efficiency. Mexico's skilled workforce, coupled with advanced manufacturing processes, contributes to the overall quality of vehicles.

Moreover, many vehicles manufactured in Mexico are designed for the North American market. This means they often undergo rigorous testing and are designed to meet specific consumer preferences and regulatory standards in the U.S. and Canada.

That said, like any mass-produced product, individual models may vary in terms of performance and reliability, so it’s always advisable to consider the reputation of the particular brand and model you’re interested in when assessing reliability.

“Despite more problems in some segments, the overall quality of vehicles manufactured in Mexico is now on par with North American levels of quality, as these vehicles require less frequent replacement of key components such as spark plugs and engine air filters. Additionally, electrified vehicles are giving owners fewer problems this year, which should help ease consumer concerns about reliability.” - Gerardo Gomez, senior director and country manager at J.D. Power de Mexico

Mexico Set Auto Production Record in 2024

In 2024, Mexico’s automotive industry reached remarkable milestones, producing nearly 4 million light vehicles and setting new records for production and exports. According to INEGI, the country produced 3,989,403 light vehicles, surpassing the previous record of 3,933,154 set in 2017. This marks a 5.6% increase over 2023.

Exports have also hit new heights, with Mexico exporting 3,479,086 vehicles in 2024, breaking the previous export record of 3,451,157 units in 2018. This 5.4% year-over-year growth solidifies Mexico’s position as a major global exporter, especially to the United States, its largest trading partner.

The United States remains the largest destination for Mexican-made vehicles, accounting for 80% of total exports. Interestingly, 18% of all vehicles sold in the U.S. are manufactured in Mexico, a testament to the strong trade partnership between the two nations. North American automakers play a significant role in driving production in Mexico, reflecting the region’s integrated supply chains and collaborative efforts.

The figures highlight the resilience of Mexico’s automotive sector, which continues to thrive as a key player on the international stage for light vehicle production and exports. This achievement underscores the industry’s strategic importance to Mexico’s economy, driving GDP growth, creating well-paying jobs, and attracting substantial foreign direct investment. - Rogelio Garza, President of the Mexican Automotive Industry Association (AMIA)

Conclusion

If you’re considering manufacturing in Mexico, the car brands made here serve as a testament to the country’s capabilities. With a robust manufacturing infrastructure, favorable trade deals, and a skilled labor pool, Mexico is one of the top destinations for car manufacturers globally. And, as mentioned, with the right support, like that offered by NovaLink, setting up operations in Mexico becomes an even more attractive proposition.

By leveraging Mexico’s advantages, companies can build their operations on a solid foundation—just as the top car brands have done for years.

FAQs

1. What car brands manufacture vehicles in Mexico?
Car brands like General Motors, Ford, Volkswagen, Honda, BMW, Audi, Toyota, and Nissan all have manufacturing plants in Mexico, producing various models for global markets.

2. Why is Mexico a preferred location for car manufacturers?
Mexico offers low labor costs, skilled workers, proximity to the U.S. market, and favorable trade agreements like USMCA, which makes it a cost-effective and strategic location for automotive manufacturing.

3. What are the main models produced in Mexico?
Some of the popular models produced in Mexico include the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Jetta, Honda Fit, and Toyota Tacoma, among others.

4. How does NovaLink help businesses set up manufacturing in Mexico?
NovaLink assists with everything from understanding complex documentation like the Bill of Lading to helping navigate local regulations, offering comprehensive consulting services to streamline the setup process.

5. Will the automotive industry continue to grow in Mexico?
Yes, with continued investments from major brands and Mexico’s ongoing development as a key manufacturing hub, the automotive industry is poised for even more growth in the coming years.