Cars in Mexico

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Honda Civic, Range Rover, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Golf over Avenida Carlos Lazo, Mexico City.
Honda Civic, Range Rover, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Golf over Avenida Carlos Lazo, Mexico City.

Cars of Mexico refers to the automobile marketing and its evolution in Mexico, as well as a comprehensive list of every car currently sold with a short description of the car's manufacturer history in the country.

Contents

[edit] Mexican automotive history

The 2009 Mastretta MXT, first car fully designed, engineered, developed and built in Mexico.
The 2009 Mastretta MXT, first car fully designed, engineered, developed and built in Mexico.

In 1903, the first automobiles arrived in Mexico City, totalling 136 in that year, rising to 800 three years later. This encouraged the president (from 1884 to 1910) Porfirio Diaz, to create the first Highway Code in the country. This would allow cars to move at a maximum speed of 10 km/h on crowded or small streets and 40 km/h on another. However, he also created a tax for car owners which would be abolished in 1911 with Madero's victory over Díaz (see also Mexican Revolution) but later re-issued in 1961.

In 1921, Buick was the first automobile produced to be officially established in Mexico but the current longest-running brand is Ford Motor Company, since 1925.

Many car makers were already operational by 1961 when the first decline of the Mexican economy showed up. In the early 60s government regulations forced car companies to assemble cars in Mexico, using local as well as imported components. The idea was to develop a national car industry in the country, to promote employment and technological advances. Those companies that would not comply with these regulations left the country. These included Mercedes Benz, Fiat, Citroën, and Volvo. The American Big Three remained along with American Motors, Renault, Volkswagen and Datsun.

With the programmed 1968 Summer Olympics held in Mexico, the government created for the first time since 1910 a tax for owning a car in order to "afford" the construction of new facilities for the Olympics, the Tenencia (from the verb tener; "to have" in Spanish). However, the tax remained to finance the 1970 FIFA World Cup, held also in Mexico. Ironically, the tax remains today. Although an irregularity within the Mexican Constitution was found in 2003 (and possible extension of payment by people who alleged that), this was fixed modifying an article of the Carta Magna in May 2005, thus, legalizing the tax. This tax is variable depending of the car's value, number of cylinders, etc. Since many Mexican drivers default on paying this tax, the government started taking countermeasures but due to this being perceived as uncontrollable, candidates to the presidency started making proposals to quit this tax before the July 2, 2006 elections including Felipe Calderón, current president of Mexico who took the charge on December 1. However, the tax remains to date though it's still due to be abolished by 2012.

Several manufacturers have left the country since the late 60s, including FIAT and Peugeot and later in March 1986, due to crisis, Renault. Until the 1990s, almost every automobile or car maker offered in Mexico shared American origin, such as Oldsmobile and Pontiac. The growth of Mexico's economy during the late 90s stimulated car sales in Mexico and eventually, the retired car makers established again in the country. Annual passenger vehicle sales in Mexico crossed the 1 million mark in 2005. The increasing number of sales is encouraging car makers to offer cars with alternative fuels like the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Such type of cars haven't been available in Mexico since the first Volkswagen Caribe Diesel in late 70's and early 80's. (See paragraphs in each makes Honda and Volkswagen). Few cars are available for the moment in diesel or hybrid versions in Mexico. 2008 will see the beginning of production of the first ever fully Mexican designed and engineered serial-produced car, the Mastretta MXT, a sports car built in a similar way of those of English Lotus Cars. To date, 42 makers have official representation in the country with nearly 400 different models.

[edit] Automotive culture and Mexico Autoshow

Main article: Salón Internacional del Automóvil México

Since the first "Autoexpo del Automóvil" the automotive culture in Mexico started growing in the Mexicans. The publication of the first Mexican auto magazines was in november 1981, Motor y Volante magazine, in early 1995 4 Ruedas Magazine and shortly after Automóvil Panamericano edited by Televisa encouraged it also. The Autoexpo changed denomination in 2004 into the "Salón Internacional del Automovil" to convert into an international size event. It is in fact an event comparable to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In the first two editions of the Mexico Autoshow brands new to Mexico, like Mazda, were introduced. On the other hand, some manufacturers like Jaguar and Volvo have been to neither the 2004 nor the 2005 editions. On the other hand, Renault would attend every two years. However, the 2006 edition of the autoshow was considered a failure and a fraud since over 15 carmakers missed the event, including Volkswagen Group, Renault and Peugeot. After the 2006 edition and for the first time since 1994, SIAM wasn't hosted in 2007, but it was stated that the 2008 edition is to be held by September, making a two-year event such as the Sao Paolo one.

[edit] Successful cars in Mexico

Some cars have been especially successful in Mexico, depending on their cost and viability.

[edit] Chevrolet Chevy

Main article: Opel Corsa

The second generation Opel Corsa was first introduced in Mexico in 1994 imported from Spain as a response to the successful Volkswagen Sedán, under the name "Chevrolet Chevy". General Motors used a practical, supermini with an affordable price tag for the Mexican consumer that gave excellent results. From 1996, when the Chevy Popular, or Chevy Pop Budget trim was introduced, and the Chevy began to be produced in the Ramos Arizpe GM assembly plant, replaced the Volkswagen Sedan (Beetle) as the top selling car in Mexico. Chevrolet soon launched the also mexican made Chevy Monza, similar to the 4 door saloon version of the Chevrolet Classic still produced in Brazil, for those who wanted a bigger trunk and more room with for the same low price.

The design was not changed until 2000, when it was facelifted in Europe with transparent headlights, newer rear lights and new interior. A station wagon imported from Argentina was also launched, as well as a brazilian-made Pick Up variant. With the introduction of the Corsa III, however, the older Corsa was no longer manufactured in European GM plants. This generation Corsa was remaining in production in Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. In 2004, Mexican designers redesigned the Chevy inside and outside and upgraded the 1.6 liter engine to reach 98bhp. This newer Chevrolet was called C2 as a reference to the Corvette generations. In July 2008, a new facelift made in Detroit makes its debut into the new 2009 Chevy, available in 3 and 5 door hatchback, and 4 door sedan bodies.

2005 Nissan Tsuru
2005 Nissan Tsuru

[edit] Nissan Tsuru

Main article: Nissan Sentra

The Datsun 160J was a mid-size saloon that sold well but did not meet the sales number benchmark set by its successor. In 1984 the first Nissan Sentra was launched as a replacement of the 160J under the name "Tsuru", Japanese for crane. While the Tsuru was quickly accepted by Mexicans as a comfortable and affordable choice of car, it did not replace the VW Sedán as the top-selling car in Mexico.

A second generation Tsuru was launched in 1989, with a more square-shaped and larger design. Neither generations, however, managed to replace to become the best selling car in Mexico.

The third generation Tsuru (the Sentra III) was introduced in 1992. This Tsuru featured a more rounded 1990s type design scheme. Soon the third generation Tsuru came to be known as powerful and comfortable, yet affordable. With the Chevrolet Corsa in 1994, however, the Tsuru had a new rival. It didn't take so long for it to overpass the Chevy, and soon the Sedán. It reached the top at number 1 in 1998 and it didn't missed until 2005, with the VW Pointer. The Nissan Platina was thought to be its successor, but the incredible sales ranking of the Tsuru kept the Platina as another option. It's good to mention that the Renault-based Platina remains to date on the top 10.

Tsuru are the most popular choice for city taxis in Mexico (Airport and hotel taxis usually consist of higher end vehicles) and the MkIII it's the current longest-running sold car in the country (14 years).

[edit] Volkswagen Pointer

Main article: Volkswagen Gol

The Pointer is Volkswagen's response to the Chevrolet Chevy and the Nissan Tsuru success, and is the same as the VW Gol in Brazil (not VW Golf) where it has been top 1 for 20 years. First launched in Mexico in 1998, the Pointer sales did not start to really pick-up until 2000, with its first facelift in Mexico but second one in Brazil. It has been a success as both a fleet vehicle for taxis and corporations and a private car. The last facelift in the 2005 Mexico Autoshow gave the Pointer a fresh image and new interior without changing prices. It finally reached top 1 in 2006, over passing the Tsuru, the Platina and the Chevy C2.

Volkswagen Jetta Variant
Volkswagen Jetta Variant

[edit] Volkswagen Jetta

Main article: Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Atlantic was the first Jetta in Mexican territory. It had good sales so Volkswagen decided start manufacturing this car in their factory at Puebla, Mexico. In late 1999 the fourth generation Jetta (called Bora in Europe) reached Mexico. The car presented a new design which didn't appeal initially to Mexicans. However, good marketing tactics and phrases like "No cambies, evoluciona" (Don't change, evolve) made Mexico change quickly its opinion and for the first time, a mid-sized vehicle reaching the Mexican top selling 10; the Jetta converted into a hit, reaching the top 3 of sales. The inventive phrase "Todo mundo tiene un Jetta, al menos en la cabeza" (Everyone has a Jetta, at least in their mind) came reality at such point it's common to see four or five Jettas running together in the street. Volkswagen decided selling the fourth generation until 2009, renaming the fifth generation as Bora.

[edit] Volkswagen Sedán

A Volkswagen Sedán.
A Volkswagen Sedán.
Main article: Volkswagen Beetle

The first Volkswagen car sold in Mexico was the 1954 Beetle, called Sedán in this country. The popularity of the Beetle made VW to build its own factory in the state of Puebla, Mexico. The Sedán was until 1999 the cheapest car in the Mexican territory, with a price of $47,000 MX pesos in 1996 (US$4,300 current dollars). Reasons for the success of this car were the price, quality and trust. In the early 80s, Mexico and Brazil were the only countries producing the Beetle (Sedán in Mexico, Fusca in Brazil), so many foreigner enthusiasts used to import the car and keep it as a collection object. On July 30, 2003 the last Beetle came out from the Puebla factory closing a chapter in the automobile history. The 3000th last edition Sedán (with a final price of $84,000 MX pesos) was gifted to Pope John Paul II and now resides in the Volkswagen museum in Germany.

[edit] List of makers and models

This is a list of every car model currently sold in Mexico and a brief history of the car makers in this country.
Note: all cars are available as their more recent version elsewhere. Exceptions are marked in brackets ()

[edit] Mainstream Carmakers

[edit] Chrysler de México

Chrysler entered Mexico around 1937. In the 60s the company was renamed as Automex and the in the 70s to Chrysler de México. The latest models are launched just after the United States. It sells several brands as Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Smart, Maybach, Mitsubishi (in partnership) and Hyundai under a "by Dodge" badge.

[edit] Chrysler

[edit] Dodge

[edit] Hyundai

Hyundai has no official representation in Mexico so Hyundai cars are sold under Dodge's badge.

Hyundai is expected to enter officially in 2009.

[edit] Jeep

[edit] Smart

The German-Swiss based city-car maker Smart started sales in Mexico by 2000 through Liverpool Stores, a large chain of departmental stores. Smart entered officially through Daimler-Chrysler in 2002 with the City-Coupé, now Fortwo. People tend to think Smarts are extremely expensive due to their size and features (62bhp with a base price of US$13,000) so the maker sells less than Ferrari per month, about 20 cars.

[edit] General Motors Mexico (GMM)

General Motors is the sales leader in Mexico. From the early 60s to early 90s Chevrolet was the only brand available, even in the 90s when GM sold Buicks and Oldsmobiles under the Chevrolet brand. The second formal brand to re-enter the market was Cadillac in 1991, and several other brands throughout the decade. GM sells several brands like Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Saab, Pontiac, etc., and Daewoo and Opel under the Chevrolet brand name. The success of the Chevrolet Chevy (C2 redesigned in Mexico) has kept this maker at the top 1 since 1995.

[edit] Chevrolet

Chevrolet was the one of the first carmakers to establish in Mexico. Previously all Buick, Oldsmobile and GMC vehicles were marketed as Chevrolet.

[edit] Daewoo

GM introduced the previous Daewoo Matiz to Mexico under the name Pontiac Matiz, but now the newest Matiz is sold under the Chevrolet logo in Europe. With the G3 and Aveo, GM became the same brand to offer the exact same car model in Mexico in such a fashion as Saturn does in the United States.

[edit] GMC

The last maker arrived, last May 2006.

[edit] Hummer

The H2 looks massive and useless wherever in the city, specially as it wasn't designed for a Megalopolis like Mexico City. However, it achieves a good rank of sales. The H1 was only available for the Mexican Army through the 90s. With the late 2007 scandal involving former president Vicente Fox (portraying him as the owner of diverse vehicles from unknown fonds, notably a Hummer), jokes reffering to the Hummer became popular throughout the country.

[edit] Opel

First Opel car in Mexico was the Rekord in the 60s. The maker was retired from the country from 1972 until 1994, when GM introduced the Opel Corsa and changed the denomination to Chevrolet Chevy. Now all Opel cars are sold in Mexico under Chevrolet's logo, so they are called Chevrolet Astra, Chevrolet Zafira, etc.

  • Corsa MkII (Chevy C2), MkIII (HB and saloon, as sold in Brazil)
  • Tornado (Corsa MkIII Pick-up version) (2002-2008)
  • Astra; Europe curently imported from Germany (5 door hatchback), Poland (4 door notchback)
  • Vectra (2003-2008) currently imported from Germany (as a V6 4 door sedan)
  • Meriva (2003-2008) currently imported from Spain
  • Zafira (2000-2006)

[edit] Pontiac

Pontiac cars have been available in Mexico since the 90s, sold over Chevrolet dealerships with the now extinct Trans Am.

[edit] FAW

The first Chinese car maker in Mexico was introduced in January 2008 through the convenience stores Elektra, owned by Grupo Salinas. Though the F1 is the cheapest automobile in the country, FAW has been achieving really poor sales in comparison with popular brands such as GM, Volkswagen and Nissan. While some have dismissed FAW due to its origin and the main purpose of economy, some have supported the maker by showing videos recorded during the EuroNCAP tests for the F5. However, the F5 is the one FAW's model that offers airbags in the country. Its current slogan is "impulsa tus sueños" (impulse your dreams) as a reference for people unable to afford an expensive car.

  • F1 (hatchback and saloon)
  • F4 (saloon)
  • F5 (hatchback and saloon)

[edit] Fiat

Fiat reentered Mexico in 2004 with collaboration of General Motors, before its commercial rupture. Fiat hadn't achieved a good rank of sales due of having one single model until beginnings of 2006. The Punto's introduction meant a hit for the maker.

[edit] Ford Motor Company México

Ford Motor Company Mexico had great sales during the 50s, 60s and 70s, before being overtaken by General Motors. It holds the second place in sales. For several decades, Ford sold various successful Mercury models under a Ford badge, most notoriously the Mercury Zephyr as the Ford Elite II (with a Ford Granada front end, Ford Grand Marquis, Ford Cougar and the Mercury Sable sold here as the Ford Taurus. From 1996, Lincoln dealerships became Lincoln-Mercury dealerships selling both brands. The Focus ST is the only hatchback Focus currently available there - it has a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine, as with European versions, being Mexico the only country in America in which Ford offers the Focus Mk 2. This is not the same as the Focus sold in United States, which is based on the 1998-2005 original.

[edit] Isuzu Motors de México

Isuzu are one of the first Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturers to enter Mexico in 2005. This was because of an Economic Partnership Agreement that had been signed by Mexico and Japan. The ELF is currently the only model sold in Mexico.

[edit] Kia

This car maker has announced its entry to Mexico since 2004. However, according to 4 Ruedas Magazine, it would have entered in 2007. Once again, it has suggested it will arrive by late 2008.

[edit] Lada

This Russian car producer was programmed to enter Mexico in 2004.

[edit] Mazda

Mazda was introduced in Mexico in November 2005 with the Mazda 3 and the Mazda 6. The Mazda 3 and CX-7 continue to achieve good sales as the first has became a popular model between young people.

[edit] Mitsubishi Motors de México

Mitsubishi entered Mexico in 2003 with the previous Galant and Montero. Mitsubishi has had success with the SUV's Endeavor and Outlander, and, recently with the Lancer.

[edit] Nissan Mexicana

Nissan is a well-known maker in Mexico for its model Tsuru II, based on the 1991-94 Sentra and being facelifted every four years. This car is affordable (around $97,000MX or $9000 Dollars), strong, spacious, fast and trusty. This has kept it on the top 1 of sales since the 90s, and that has kept Nissan on the top sales in the country. With the Renault-Nissan Alliance, Nissan México designed the Platina, based on the Renault Clio Symbol. The Platina is now an option for Mexican families which want more space for a small price. Nissan sells also one Infiniti car.

[edit] Peugeot

Peugeot returned to Mexico in 1997 with the 306 Saloon. The 206 has had very good sales although having the Renault Clio as its hardest contender. Peugeots achieve a good sales ranking mostly because of their design.

2005 Renault Clio
2005 Renault Clio

[edit] Renault

Renault returned in 2000 to Mexico after leaving in 1986 for commercial reasons. The Clio and the Mégane have achieved the highest sales of the maker. The Nissan factory in Aguascalientes, Mexico is used to assemble the Clio and, formerly the previous Scénic. A facelifted Clio was introduced on late 2006 featuring new front and rear and new interior design (from the 2001 version, since the previous models included the 1998 one) programmed to remain on sale until 2010.

  • Clio II
  • Clio III (Under the name "Euro Clio", the only one available is the 1.6 5 door in Dynamique trim)
  • Mégane (3 and 5 door hatchback imported from France, 4 door notchback sedan imported from Turkey)
  • Scénic (2.0 automatic Expression trim)
  • Kangoo (Mk I pre-facelift version, imported from Argentina)
  • Trafic (Cargo and passenger van)
  • Mégane RS (only available as a 3 door hatchback with a 2.0T 225hp engine, blue-painting is available under special order)

[edit] Subaru

One of the last to arrive, last April 2006.

[edit] Suzuki

Suzuki arrived to Mexico in November 2005 thanks to free trade between Japan and Mexico. The Grand Vitara is still having great success and led the maker to import the Swift, also a successful model.

[edit] Toyota

This huge Japanese carmaker hadn't been in Mexico until early 2002, with the Camry and Corolla. The maker was known in the country for the illegal pick-ups and cars from the United States. The Corolla and the RAV4, as in the rest of the world, are very successful.

[edit] Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen is a sales leader in Mexico, just behind GM, Ford and Nissan. The commercial success of the models Pointer, Jetta and Lupo increase considerably this carmaker's sales. Volkswagen hasn't introduced the ultra-luxury brands Lamborghini and Bugatti in Mexico (which may only be bought through specialist car dealers in major cities), however Audi and Bentley are having good sales numbers in Mexico.

[edit] SEAT

The Spanish carmaker SEAT arrived to Mexico in 2001 with the Ibiza. It has been very successful in Mexico, the strong sellers are the Ibiza (which is about to change generation before the end of the year) and the León (new 1.4 and 1.8 TSi variants have been recently introduced). The Seat Córdoba will be produced from next year in the Volkswagen assembly plant in Puebla as the 2.0 Tiptronic variant.

[edit] Volkswagen de México

Volkswagen was introduced in Mexico in 1954 to sell the popular Beetle. A major investor in Volkswagen de Mexico dealership was Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe. The Type 1 was officially called Sedán and commonly called "Vocho" as an abbreviation of Volkswagen.

Volkswagen recently introduced the Jetta TDi with 1.9 Diesel engine that is the second diesel-engineered car in Mexico since the Volkswagen Caribe Diesel (1979-1983) which was slow-selling in this country. Unfortunately the sales of the Jetta TDi (which has a huge number of sales on its 2.0i edition) are in small numbers, encouraging to its end in this country. VW is trying to convince government and environmental authorities of the advantages of using diesel to encourage the reduction of taxes and other stimulations to increase the sales of the TDi.

  • Bora (Jetta Mk5)(Sold with the 5 cil 2.5 170 hp with 5 speed manual and 6 speed tiptronic gearboxes in 3 trim levels, 4 cil. 2.0 TFSi 200 hp with 6 speed manual and 6 speed DSG gearboxes(GLI trim), and 1.9 TDi with 5 speed manual and 6 speed DSG gearboxes. The 2.5 are sold in Style, Active and Sport trims)
  • Bora Sportwagen (Jetta SportWagen in the USA, Golf Variant in Europe. Only offered with the 5 cil. 2.5 lt 170 hp engine with 6 speed tiptronic gearbox)
  • Crafter
  • CrossFox (Crossover version from the Fox/Lupo imported from Brazil in one trim with 1.6 100 hp engine and 5 speed manual gearbox)
  • Derby (Polo Saloon MkIII, facelifted twice and imported from Argentina. Sold with 1.8i 90 hp engine and 5 speed manual gearbox only)
  • Eurovan (T5 Transporter cargo and passenger van w/long wheelbase. Only sold with the 1.9TDi/105hp engine)
  • Golf (MkIV)(2000-2007)
  • Golf GTI (German model 2.0TFSi 200 hp, 6 speed manual and 6 speed DSG gearboxes, only available as a 3 door hatchback)
  • Jetta (MkIV, facelifted) currently sold with the 2.0i 115hp, 5 sp manual and tiptronic gearboxes and 1.9TDi 105hp with 5 sp manual gearbox. The 2.0 is sold in City, Europa and Trendline trims)
  • Lupo (sold as 3 and 5 door hatchback, with 1.6i and 100 hp 5 speed manual gearbox in Basic and Comfortline trims. Imported from Brazil)
  • New Beetle(Sold as GLS with 2.0 115 hp engine, Sport, Cabriolet and Sport GLX trims with 5 cil. 2.5 lt 170 hp engine. All variants with 5 speed manual and 6 speed tiptronic gearboxes)
  • Pointer (Sold in Base, Trendline and GT trims 3 and 5 door hatchback bodies. The only engine is the 1.8i 98 hp with 5 speed manual gearbox. Imported from Brazil. Soon to be replaced by the 3rd generation Gol/Voyage lineup with 1.6 engine)
  • Polo (2003-2006) Offered as 5 door hatchback and 4 door notchback sedan with 1.6 lt 100 hp engine imported from Brazil)
  • Sharan (Only 1.8T 150 hp and tiptronic gearbox. Comfortline trim. Imported from Portugal)
  • SportVan (Lupo/Fox Station Wagon version imported from Argentina with 1.6i 100 hp and 5 sp manual gearbox. It is named Suran in Argentina and Egypt, and SpaceFox in Brazil and Peru)
  • Passat (It is sold with 2.0 TFSi 200 hp, and V6 3.6 280 hp engines with 6 speed Tiptronic gearbox, the latter one is available also as a 4Motion model. Imported from Germany)
  • Touareg (Recently restyled. It is available as V6 3.2 and V8 4.2 variants. Imported from Slovakia)

The global production of the VW Sedán (Beetle I) in Puebla, Mexico was discontinued on July 30, 2003.

[edit] Luxury

Luxury cars in Mexico achieve good sales in most major cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Mérida, Puebla, and several others. In 1995, the German manufacturers BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche were the only luxury car suppliers available.

[edit] Acura

The "American Honda" entered Mexico in 2004. An advanced design had helped to raise the number of sales.

[edit] Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo started selling its products in Mexico circa 1998 through the Ferrari dealership in Mexico City. In 2002 it began selling officially with the partnership of General Motors in its own dealerships. When Alfa Romeo broke commercial relation with General Motors it continued selling cars but again through diverse importers. In early 2007, it returned officially as a dealership group.

[edit] Audi

Audis are very popular amongst Mexican youths and business people. The most successful models are the A4 and the A3 Sportback.

2002 BMW M3 Cabrio
2002 BMW M3 Cabrio

[edit] BMW

BMW has remained a favorite car amongst Mexicans. The 3-Series (especially the 320i) and the X5 are the most successful line of the maker in Mexico.

[edit] MINI

The MINI is very popular among young people in Mexico. There are several English-made MINIs in Mexico, with right-side steering, these are however directly imported by particular individuals.

  • MINI Cooper
  • MINI Cooper S
  • MINI Cooper S Cabriolet
  • MINI Cooper S Clubman

[edit] Cadillac

The Catera became a successful model in Mexico during the 90's. Nowadays the Escalade is the top selling of the maker.

[edit] Jaguar

The X-Type is the most successful Jaguar in the country with a price range of US$40,000. Very few Jaguars are sold per year however (less than 1000).

[edit] Infiniti

The G35 was planned to be introduced in Mexico but for some reason it's entrance into the market has not been achieved.

[edit] Land Rover

The SUV maker Land Rover is very popular between the middle and high class in Mexico. The LR3 and the Freelander are the most successful models.

[edit] Lincoln

The Navigator is Lincoln's most popular and successful car in Mexico.

[edit] Lexus

Its entry is scheduled for early 2009.

[edit] Lotus

The British sports car maker had not reached good levels of sales in Mexico, only managing to sell as much as Ferrari per month but recently launched the Exige to dealerships, providing sales levels are expected to increase.

[edit] Mastretta

Mexican car maker that will begin operations in early 2008, however, only 45 cars out of 150 will remain for national sales as the majority will be exported. Current interested markets are Japan, Europe and the U.S.

[edit] Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes SL500 parked in the street in Villa Coapa, Mexico City.
Mercedes SL500 parked in the street in Villa Coapa, Mexico City.

It was the third luxury carmaker, just after Cadillac and Lincoln reintroduced to the Mexican market 3 years before. Reintroduced in 1994 with the E-Class as a flagship model. The C-class has been their most successful model in the country.



[edit] Mercury

The brand has been available in Mexico since 1986 but they didnt have dealers; they were sold alongside the Ford models and the most recent cars that were offered in those times were the Mystique, Sable and Grand Marquis.Mercury arrived as a dealership alongside Lincoln for the 2005 model year and since then the models offered are the Montego, Mariner and Milan.

[edit] Porsche

This German performance marque was the first sports car maker that entered Mexico, in 1995. Sales now exceed 100 cars per month, over fifty more than the city car maker smart. The Cayenne and the Boxster are the top sellers in the country and the maker continues to open new sales points throughout the country.

[edit] Saab

Saab has a reputation similar to Volvo's. Both brands are respected for their safety concept and Swedish design.

[edit] Volvo

As a fact, Mexican designer José Díaz de la Vega created the interior of the S40, C30 and C70 and their famous floating board. Which is very popular nowadays.

[edit] Exotic

Ferrari was the first car maker who "dared" to sell this kind of cars in Mexico. It had great success in regards to the price, the priciest Ferrari models in the country reach US$400,000.

[edit] Aston Martin

Aston Martin has no official representation in Mexico, but they are imported through a certified car dealer in Mexico City.

[edit] Bentley

The latest ultra luxury maker arrived in May 2006 to compete with Rolls-Royce. Prices are considerably lower than other European exotics. So far only 2 to 4 Bentleys are sold per month.

[edit] Ferrari

Ferrari entered the country in 1998 with the F355 Spider. The Enzo Ferrari, arrived in early 2004 to the former dealership at Avenida de los Insurgentes (now Alfa Romeo's) in Mexico City and costing $1,285,000 US dollars. Five units were sold. Furthermore, Ferrari chose Chiapas to test its F430 in 2004 before it came out.

[edit] Maserati

The brand is becoming increasingly popular amongst for high-end buyers and collectors.

[edit] Maybach

[edit] Lamborghini

Lamborghini has no official subsidiary in Mexico, but they are imported through an official representative importer.

[edit] Rolls Royce

The Phantom is the only model available at the moment, it has a cost of $415,000 US dollars. However it is known that several varieties of Rolls-Royces are owned throughout the country, these were individually imported.

[edit] Saleen

Saleen has no official subsidiary in Mexico, but they are imported through an official representative importer.

[edit] Cars to be introduced in Mexico

Dates given are approximated. Data is not deleted for showing how many programmed cars make their way to Mexico since they are announced

[edit] Cars introduced in Mexico since 2006

[edit] Missing makers

Few are the mainstream makers that have not official representation in Mexico but all of their models can be imported through exotic car dealers located mostly in Mexico City, Puebla, Veracruz, Mérida, Monterrey and Guadalajara.

[edit] Bugatti

One Veyron is known to have Mexico D.F. residence. Volkswagen imports this model under special order in Puebla but the final cost, including taxes and permits, rises up to US$2,500,000.

[edit] Buick

Though previously available, the maker left in the late 90s. GM has stated it won't be coming back.

[edit] Citroën

Some people have begun to import C4 models to Mexican streets. There is a small unofficial importer in the Interlomas section in Mexico State just bordering Mexico City. The French maker has not made an official announcement or pointed out plans for entering the Mexican market in the near future.

[edit] Lamborghini

Although Lamborghinis are popular, and several Murciélagos and Gallardos are owned, there is no official dealership, only certified importers.

[edit] Lancia

Lancia models were presented at the 2003 Mexican Autoshow, though dealerships have not yet opened in the country.

[edit] Lexus

Toyota Mexico has stated it will enter in early 2009, with rumour having that it will enter in a similar fashion Acura made for Honda. Lexus are sought after and there is ambitious waiting for its entry.

[edit] Škoda

Volkswagen and certain European Car distributors import the car, but with the process this economy line turns out to be more expensive than other higher end cars, making its purchase unattractive.

[edit] TVR

TVR has became popular due to its videogame models such as the Cerbera Speed 12 and TVR Tuscan but no announcement has been released for its entry.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

[edit] Mexican automotive magazines

[edit] References

  • Automóvil Panamericano. Mexican magazine (issues from October 1996 to October 2006. Retrieved August 18, 2006.
  • 4 Ruedas Magazine. Mexican Magazine (issues from October 1996 to September 2006). retrieved August 18 2006.

[edit] Mexican automotive presence timeline, 1920s-present


Mexican automotive presence timeline, 1920s-present -  v • d • e 
Origin 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Mexican WWII VAM