Mexico Leads EV Growth: The Week in Auto

In this week’s automotive news, Mexico solidifies its EV leadership, topping US imports in 2024 and aiming for 250,000 EVs produced in 2025. VEMO opens the nation’s largest public EV hub, while Ford launches hybrid SUVs. GM reports a US$1.6 billion loss on EV production cuts.

Shift into high gear. This is the Week in Automotive!

VEMO Launches Mexico City’s Largest Public EV Hub

Mexican clean mobility company VEMO has inaugurated the country’s largest public urban electric vehicle (EV) charging hub in San Pedro de los Pinos, Mexico City. The facility features 104 connectors and an installed capacity of 6.2MW, representing a significant expansion of EV infrastructure in Mexico.

GM Expects US$1.6 Billion Loss on EV Production Cuts

General Motors announced on Oct. 14 that it will incur a US$1.6 billion loss due to slowing US electric vehicle (EV) demand and reductions in production plans. The Detroit automaker attributed US$1.2 billion of the charges to adjustments in EV manufacturing capacity, with the remaining US$400 million stemming from cancelled contracts and settlements related to EV investments. 

Ford Launches Hybrid Territory SUVs in Mexico to Rival RAV4

Ford has introduced hybrid versions of its Territory SUV in Mexico as part of a mid-cycle update, targeting competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Honda HR-V, and emerging Chinese brands. The Trend and Titanium hybrids are priced at MX$719,900 (US$40,681) and MX$789,900 (US$44,669), with an additional MX$20,000 incentive available in October.

Stellantis Delays Strategic Plan to 2Q26 Amid Trade Uncertainty

Stellantis is postponing the unveiling of its new strategic plan to 2Q26, citing regulatory and trade uncertainties in key markets, the company said. CEO Antonio Filosa, who took the helm in June, faces challenges from US tariffs and pending European Union regulations affecting the automaker’s operations.

Mexico Tops US EV Imports in 2024, Outpacing Japan, Korea

Mexico became the leading supplier of electric vehicles (EVs) to the United States in 2024, surpassing Japan, South Korea, and Germany, according to the Third Mexico Mobility Report by EvolvX, developed by Latam Mobility. The country shipped 145,000 EV units to the United States, representing more than two-thirds of its total production of 220,000 vehicles that year.

Mexico Leaders Stress Mobility as a Human Right at Foro Ruta

Representatives from the Mexican government, industry, and academia emphasized that mobility must be recognized as a human right and a key driver of economic and social development during the second edition of the Foro Ruta México, organized by Mobility ADO. The forum brought together policymakers, private-sector executives, and mobility specialists to discuss sustainable transportation and the role of electromobility in national transformation.

Yazaki Shuts Leon Facility After Geological Fault Detected

Japanese automotive components manufacturer Yazaki has temporarily suspended operations at its Leon plant after a geological fault was identified at the site, affecting over 2,000 employees. The company stressed that the measure is preventive and aimed at prioritizing worker safety.

Smuggling Scheme Lets 40,000 Cars Enter Mexico Yearly, MCCI Says

A cross-border smuggling operation involving cloned license plates and reused temporary permits has allowed roughly 40,000 vehicles to enter Mexico illegally each year through customs points in Reynosa and Matamoros, according to an investigation by Mexicans Against Corruption and Impunity (MCCI). Customs data indicate the scheme has been active for years, relying on falsified Texas plates and duplicate import permits to repeatedly move vehicles across the US–Mexico border.

Mexico Aims for 250,000 EVs Produced, 147,000 Sold in 2025

Mexico is projected to close 2025 with over 250,000 electric vehicles (EVs) produced and around 147,000 electrified units sold, according to Cluster Industrial B2B’s 2025 Electromobility Mapping. The study identifies more than 450 companies contributing to the country’s growing electric mobility ecosystem.

Financing Drives 70% of Chinese Car Sales in Mexico, AMDA Says

Between January and August 2025, 71.9% of Chinese-brand vehicles sold in Mexico were purchased through financing, a record high compared with 61% in the same period of 2024, according to a joint report by AMDA, JATO Dynamics, and Urban Science. In August alone, the financing rate for Chinese vehicles reached 75.6%.

Mexico Drives Urban Mobility Forward With Plan México

Mexico is advancing a major transformation in urban and regional mobility through Plan México, a comprehensive initiative designed to align transport strategies with economic, social, and environmental objectives. The plan was discussed at Foro Ruta México 2025, which brought together government officials, industry leaders, and mobility experts.

Mexico’s Shift From Manufacturing to Cutting-Edge Innovation

Mexico’s automotive and aerospace industries face a critical challenge: bridging knowledge gaps to maintain competitiveness. In automotive, the need for specialized skills is growing rapidly amid digitalization, automation, and the shift to electric vehicles (EVs). The aerospace and defense sector similarly struggles to attract and retain qualified professionals.