Chirey Pauses Mexico Plant Plans, Focuses on After-Sales Service

Chirey has announced a strategic shift in its operations in Mexico, prioritizing after-sales maintenance and customer service while pausing plans for a local manufacturing facility. Svein Azcué, Vice President of Mexico Operations, explained that the decision to delay investment stems from current economic uncertainty and pending developments in North American trade negotiations.

“The intention to build a plant in Mexico remains a company priority,” Azcué told El Economista. “This is a challenging time for decision-making, but we are not giving up. We will monitor North American trade negotiations closely to determine the right time to announce this investment in Mexico.”

The Chinese automaker also suspended its sales reporting to Mexico’s national statistics agency, INEGI, for April. Azcué noted that while sales growth remains a long-term objective, the company’s immediate focus is on enhancing customer satisfaction rather than expanding market share.

Chirey, China’s fourth-largest car manufacturer, operates in 80 countries. Its Tiggo 4 Pro 2026 model has surpassed one million units sold globally, with 20,000 units sold in Mexico. Despite recent challenges, including a decline in sales and a shortage of spare parts in 2024, the company maintains plans to establish a production facility in Mexico.

Chinese automakers have significantly increased their presence in the Mexican automotive market in recent years. Chinese brands now account for 30% of car sales in the country, with market projections suggesting this share could rise to 50% by 2030. Azcué emphasized that the company is continuously evaluating the situation and remains committed to its long-term presence and growth in the region.