Mexico’s 1Q26 Light Vehicle Market Grows 3.7% YoY

The Mexican light vehicle market recorded a historic performance during 1Q26, achieving its highest cumulative sales volume on record despite a stabilization in year-over-year growth rates.

According to data from  INEGI, total sales from January to March reached 381,632 units, up 3.7% from 367,989 units in the same period of 2025, representing an additional 13,643 vehicles entering the domestic market.

Quarterly Performance and Market Dynamics

The 1Q26 period marks the strongest start to the year since INEGI began recording light vehicle data in 2005. While the 3.7% increase sets a new sales record, it reflects a slight deceleration compared with the 3.8% growth seen in 1Q25, representing the lowest year-over-year growth in four years.

In March alone, the industry sold 131,548 light vehicles, a 2.4% increase over March 2025, making it the second-highest March on record, behind only 2018. Compared with February 2026, sales surged 11.2%.

Guillermo Rosales, president, AMDA, attributed the month-over-month acceleration to aggressive promotional campaigns by automakers. “The 11.2% increase in March reflects targeted market interventions that boosted consumer activity,” he said.

Competitive Landscape and Brand Concentration

Market share remains concentrated among a few key players. In March, five brands accounted for 53.8% of total sales. Nissan led with 22,171 units, followed by General Motors at 17,851 units, Volkswagen at 11,420 units, Toyota at 10,129 units, and Kia at 9,203 units.

Despite the dominance of established manufacturers, the report noted a shift in momentum. While brands like Nissan, General Motors, Toyota, Honda, and Mazda recorded slight declines, newer entrants—primarily from Asia—posted significant growth. Geely and Jetour Soueast achieved triple-digit increases, and MG maintained double-digit gains.

Comprehensive Market Inclusion

INEGI’s Administrative Registry of the Light Vehicle Automotive Industry (RAIAVL) compiles data from 22 companies affiliated with the AMIA and eight non-affiliated companies, covering 43 brands.

AMDA noted that actual market volume is likely higher when accounting for emerging brands not yet reporting to INEGI, such as BYD, GAC, Chirey, and Omoda. Including these manufacturers, AMDA estimated that March 2026 sales would total 140,146 units, a 3.8% increase over March 2025, confirming the highest March sales ever recorded.

The first-quarter results were supported by strong January sales, offsetting a slight 0.3% decline in February. Analysts highlighted that this record-breaking quarter occurred “amid early-year consumer caution,” indicating resilient demand for new light vehicles in Mexico’s domestic market.