VCI Global RTCAR Acquisition Builds on Mexican OEM Growth

VCI Global Limited has entered into a legally binding term sheet to acquire a 51% controlling equity interest in RTCAR Mexico, a Mexico-based automotive assembly and manufacturing platform. The investment highlights Mexico’s high-volume vehicle production capabilities, which can support OEMs that seek to expand their footprint in North America. 

The acquisition of RTCAR by VCI Global closes a strong year for OEMs operating in Mexico, despite an overall downturn in automotive investment. According to a report by Cluster Industrial B2B, industrial real estate developers continued expanding capacity in anticipation of future decisions by OEMs and Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. The strategy focuses on securing inventory, surface area and logistics locations before production investments accelerate.

Meanwhile, investments in states with high OEM presence continue to grow. Aguascalientes closed 2025 with 29 new investment projects totaling over MX$15 billion (US$885 million) split between parts and OEM operations. Guanajuato is expected to close 2025 with US$23 billion in auto parts exports, supported by continued operations of OEMs and their supply networks. 

With non-USMCA compliant automotive and parts imports facing heavy US tariffs, and US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick indicating that Canadian-made vehicles will no longer be allowed to enter the US tariff-free, real estate developers and investment firms alike are anticipating strong demand for Mexican OEMs in 2026. 

VCI Global says it chose Mexico as a manufacturing base due to its established role in the regional automotive industry. Mexico accounts for over 20% of North American vehicle production, supported by an integrated supply chain and trade access under USMCA. The company expects the transaction to establish a long-term industrial growth pipeline once the offtake agreement is finalized.

Industry data cited by VCI Global shows that the North American automotive market was valued at about US$1.23 trillion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.4% through 2034. Growth is being driven by demand for SUVs, hybrid vehicles, and electrified powertrains.

While financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, market reaction to the announcement was mixed. Shares of VCI Global on the NASDAQ fell about 4.2% in premarket trading following the disclosure of the agreement. VCI Global has a market capitalization of about US$4.18 million, according to public filings.

The acquisition aims to provide VCI Global with an immediately operational and scalable industrial base. RTCAR Mexico will serve as a core manufacturing and assembly platform for an unnamed global OEM, with an initial production focus on high-demand SUV and hybrid vehicle models. The company said the existing memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the OEM is expected to convert into a definitive offtake agreement in January 2026. That agreement would formalize multi-year production volumes and commercial terms, providing guaranteed volumes and early revenue visibility.

RTCAR Mexico is led by a management team with experience across global automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, including senior leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies. VCI Global said the team brings expertise in North American manufacturing, supply chain optimization and operations compliant with the USMCA, positioning the platform to meet international standards for quality, cost, and delivery. RTCAR Mexico will continue operating under its existing management structure following the closing, which is expected after the execution of definitive agreements.

First vehicle deliveries are anticipated in the 4Q26, according to the company.