Chinese Automakers Top 101,000 Sales in Mexico, MG Leads

Chinese automotive manufacturers are strengthening their position in Mexico through a combination of state-backed ownership, private investment strategies and local industrial partnerships. According to Mexico’s Administrative Registry of the Automotive Industry of Light Vehicles (RAIAVL), five Chinese-origin brands—MG Motor, JAC Motors, Geely, Chirey and Omoda— sold a combined 101,078 vehicles in 2025. 

MG Motor led Chinese sales in Mexico in 2025 with 48,816 units, followed by JAC with 24,445 and Geely with 22,258. Chirey reported 3,642 units, while Omoda closed with 1,917. 

Chinese brands have entered Mexico at different stages. MG Motor launched operations in 2020 under SAIC Motor ownership. JAC entered in 2017 through a partnership with Giant Motors Latinoamérica, assembling vehicles in Ciudad Sahagun, Hidalgo, and obtaining the “Hecho en México” designation through local production. Geely began operations in 2023 as part of its global expansion, while Chirey entered in 2022, followed the same year by its sub-brand Omoda.

Market Consolidation Accelerates 

Chinese automakers continued expanding in the first quarter of 2026. Data from Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía shows Chinese brands reached an 11.2% market share between January and March, matching German manufacturers for the first time. Nine Chinese automakers reported combined sales of 42,808 units, representing year-over-year growth of 25.3%.

Brand-level results highlight the breadth of expansion. MG Motor led with 14,504 units, followed by Geely with 10,782 and JAC with 5,760. Chirey sold 5,559 vehicles, Changan delivered 5,250 units and Great Wall Motor reached 3,499. Jetour and Jetour Soueast combined for 1,375 units, while Zeekr and Lynk & Co totaled 968. According to the Asociación Mexicana de Distribuidores de Automotores (AMDA) competitive pricing, promotions and financing programs have accelerated consumer adoption and dealership expansion nationwide.

Industry associations AMIA, INA and AMDA reported that vehicles manufactured in China accounted for 22.9% of domestic sales in 1Q26, rising to an estimated 28% when including non-reporting brands. China has become Mexico’s second-largest source of vehicle imports, supported by annual shipment growth of 22.7% and expanding commercial networks. 

Tariffs Force Strategic Adjustments 

Mexico’s tariffs of up to 50% on vehicles imported from countries without free trade agreements are reshaping expansion strategies. Chirey Motor México postponed the launch of its Himla pickup as it reassesses pricing structures, logistics costs and margins to absorb higher import duties without fully transferring costs to consumers.

Ricardo Humphrey, Vice President, Chirey Motor México, said the company is focused on improving supply chain efficiency rather than canceling projects. “We are not worried; we are working to bring the pickup because it opens a segment where we do not yet compete,” he said, noting adjustments in production planning, shipping optimization and cost controls.