Ford Sales Grow 16% in the United States: The Week in Automotive

Ford’s May US sales surged 16%, led by hybrids and ICE models, despite EV declines. Meanwhile, Japanese brands hold 40% of Mexico’s new vehicle market. Volkswagen plans US investment expansion amid positive trade talks. BYD’s 30% EV price cuts spark jitters in the Chinese market. TAJCO invested MX$200 million in its Queretaro plant, creating 275 jobs.

Rev up your engines! This is the week in Automotive!

Mexico

Japanese Automakers Dominate 40% of Mexico’s New Vehicle Sales

Japanese automakers continue to dominate Mexico’s automotive market, collectively accounting for nearly 40% of new vehicle sales annually. This strong position has remained stable since 2014, with brands like Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, and Subaru consistently outperforming their competitors.

TAJCO to Invest MX$200 Million in New Auto Parts Queretaro Plant

Danish automotive components manufacturer TAJCO has unveiled plans to invest MX$200 million in a new production plant at the FINSA III Industrial Park in Queretaro. The facility, slated to begin operations in June 2026, is expected to create 275 direct jobs.

The Industry Loves Its Old Shoes

Factories are filled with high-performing equipment that may no longer be new, but still gets the job done, writes Antonio Ulloa, Country Manager, Radwell. Replacing it comes with significant obstacles — cost, downtime, training, uncertainty — so many companies choose to extend the useful life of what they already have.

Leaders Drive Alliance Across Key Mexican Industries

Representatives of key industry associations in Mexico met at the Annual Industrial Events Meeting in Mexico to discuss strategies to boost manufacturing, steel processing, transport, and surface finishing.

International

Ford US Sales Rise 16% in May Boosted by Hybrid, ICE Demand

Ford reported a 16.3% year over year increase in US sales in May 2025, totaling 220,959 units, as the company continues to offer broad employee pricing discounts amid the impact of recent tariffs. The sales bump marks the third consecutive year of double-digit May gains, despite significant declines in EV sales and evolving macroeconomic challenges in the automotive sector.

Volkswagen Expands US Investment, Cites “Fair” Trade Talks

Oliver Blume, CEO, Volkswagen, has confirmed the company’s plans to expand investments in the United States, attributing the decision to ongoing “fair” and “constructive” trade discussions with the US government.

China’s Auto Growth Faces Scrutiny Over Self-Registrations

China’s automotive industry continues to dominate global production and sales, yet analysts and industry leaders are raising concerns about the sustainability of this growth. Increasingly, the country’s record-breaking sales are tied to self-registrations — vehicles registered by manufacturers or dealers rather than sold to end customers — which may signal deeper structural challenges.

BYD Cuts EV Prices Up to 30%, Sparking China Market Jitters

Competition in China’s EV sector is heating up as industry leader BYD recently announced discounts of up to 30% on several lower-end battery-electric and hybrid models. 

Zetsche’s Hall of Fame Induction Marks New MEMA Partnership

The Automotive Hall of Fame (AHF) has announced that Dieter Zetsche, former Chairman of Daimler, will be inducted during the 2025 ceremony on Sept. 25 at The Department at Hudson’s in downtown Detroit. This event marks the beginning of a five-year partnership with MEMA – the Vehicle Suppliers Association – as the presenting partner for the annual induction.