Nuevo Leon Leads 3Q25 Auto Investment with US$1.4 Billion

Nuevo Leon led the national investment activity in 3Q25, according to the Automotive Investment Report from Cluster Industrial B2B. The state accumulated US$1.4 billion from January to September, representing 47.4% of Mexico’s total. Nuevo Leon registered 14 projects, 3,800 jobs and 117,751 square meters of new construction tied to automotive operations.

Mexico’s automotive sector closed the first nine months of 2025 with signs of adjustment amid a global slowdown, uncertainty surrounding the USMCA renegotiation and persistent tariff tensions. The country recorded US$5.75 billion across 160 projects—a 57.68% decline in value but a 1.27% increase in total investments—reflecting a shift toward technology-driven manufacturing, electric systems and industrial infrastructure.

From July to September, Mexico secured US$953.91 million, down 83.75% year over year. Direct automotive projects, including OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, accounted for US$672.49 million, sustaining activity in electromobility, aluminum components and electronic systems.

Key projects in Monterrey during the quarter included Xiamen Intretech’s arrival in Apodaca with a US$60 million plant specializing in automotive mirrors, IoT devices and navigation systems. The 44,000-square-meter facility will employ 2,000 workers. Company representatives said the plant will support the production “of electronic components and integrated systems for global platforms.”

In Pesqueria, Steelform began building a US$60 million facility for speaker frames, mufflers, bumpers and high-strength metal components. The 36,700-square-meter plant aims to “strengthen supply capabilities for chassis and seating structures.”

Service operations also expanded. Kia México opened a recruitment center in Apodaca and a 2,500-square-meter parts distribution warehouse in Salinas Victoria. The company noted that both facilities “integrate into existing production and logistics activities to improve workforce and supply-chain response times.”

Nationally, Nuevo Leon outpaced states such as San Luis Potosi (US$299.45 million), Guanajuato (US$262.12 million) and Coahuila (US$227.44 million). Investment originated primarily from China, South Korea and Japan, with additional participation from US and European firms in metal manufacturing and industrial services.