Sales of new light vehicles in Mexico continued to advance during September 2026, and the year-to-date figures have shown the best growth of its period in a decade, according to the Administrative Registry of the Automotive Industry of Light Vehicles (RAIAVL) .

In the ninth month of the year, 129,288 units were sold , an increase of 8% compared to the 119,766 placed in the domestic market in the same month of 2025, according to data released this Friday by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) .

With this result, the Mexican automotive sector accumulated 1,144,002 light vehicles sold between January and September 2026 , a figure that represented a growth of 5% compared to the first nine months of last year, when 1,089,151 units were sold.

The recorded volume is the highest for a January-September period since 2016, when 1,122,142 cars were sold.

According to the Mexican Association of Automotive Distributors (AMDA)  and the  Mexican Automotive Industry Association (AMIA) , among the brands with the highest sales volumes in the January-September period are Nissan , which led the market with 17.2%, followed by  General Motors  with 12.8%, Volkswagen  with 11%, Toyota with 8.2%, KIA with 7.2% and Mazda  with 6.9 percent.

The registry also included sales of Chinese brands , which continue to gain ground in the Mexican market and which showed variable behavior during September 2026.

Geely  increased its sales by 91.1% in September 2026 compared to September 2025, with 4,306 units sold. JAC grew by 6.5%, selling 1,884 units; and Changan declined by 13.9% year-on-year, with 1,766 vehicles sold during the period.

Other brands in the sector also performed well year-on-year . Stellantis  grew 43.3%,  Hyundai  advanced 3.3%, Toyota rose 3.2%, and Nissan accelerated 15.7%.

The September 2025 results for vehicle sales in Mexico show a more dynamic domestic demand and, at the same time, reflect greater activity for the distribution network, logistics of finished cars and services associated with marketing.

Within this expansion, there is also greater diversity in the offering, particularly due to the advance of some Chinese brands, although with different behaviors among them.

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El cargo Light vehicle sales in Mexico maintain momentum in September apareció primero en T21.

Mexico, with highways, ports, railways, and a manufacturing sector increasingly integrated into North American supply chains, faces a lack of logistics talent to boost its competitiveness; the shortage is no longer limited to truck drivers, but also extends to strategic positions such as freight negotiation, warehousing, and customs services , among many others. 

Behind this situation lies a gap between the demands of an increasingly technological and complex supply chain , and the capabilities with which new professionals enter the labor market. 

The 2026 Logistics Pulse Survey —conducted by nine leading industry organizations— identifies the lack of specialized talent as one of the main limitations to the industry’s growth and points to an evolution in the profile that companies are looking for: they require knowledge of analytics and data management, strategic planning, handling of complex operations and digital transformation . 

Abraham Weller, a specialist and consultant in international trade and logistics, observes a disconnect between companies and universities. “Logistics companies need to take the initiative to partner with universities and design real programs that encompass the triple helix model (academia, business, and government),” he stated in an interview with T21.  

The difficulty becomes clearer when looking for a multidisciplinary profile. “Finding a profile with a high level of expertise, who is proficient in geography, tariffs, law, and negotiation, I would say is at an eight out of ten in terms of complexity,” he maintains.

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El cargo Where is the new logistics talent? apareció primero en T21.

Mexico ‘s geographic location and its weight within the industry are not enough on their own to make the country a global logistics hub . The movement of goods also faces challenges at border crossings, while infrastructure, investment, and conditions for receiving new projects remain part of the equation.

In a scenario where supply chains are once again putting pressure on logistics operations, the ability to support this activity will be crucial to taking advantage of the opportunities the country has .

Iago Cano, commercial manager of Grupo Directo Express , considered that Mexico is already a benchmark for the industry globally, although there are still areas of opportunity that require the participation of both the private and public sectors.

“Without a doubt, Mexico is a benchmark in the industry in general. I don’t think that’s anything new. We seek to collaborate between the private and public sectors. I believe that is extremely important in terms of infrastructure, investment, and the ease of investing in Mexico,” he stated in an interview with T21.

The executive explained that 2026 has been marked by volatility and changes in industry activity levels. According to the company’s observations, after low production during the first half of the year, an acceleration began in the third quarter.

“In the first half of the year, production was very low; in the second half, starting in the third quarter of 2026, there has been a significant acceleration in the industry, and that obviously puts stress on the entire supply chain,” he commented.

Border, one of the critical points

Adding to this scenario are the challenges at the border between Mexico and the United States. Cano identified bridge congestion as one of the critical points for transportation operations.

In the case of Directo Express, Laredo accounts for the largest percentage of its border volume , while the company also maintains a smaller operation in Ciudad Juárez.

To reduce crossing times for their customers, Cano explained that they use the FAST lane, supported by the certifications and security measures implemented within their supply chain.

Security represents another challenge highlighted by the executive, particularly in Mexican territory and the border region. He explained that the company operates under the applicable regulations and certifications in both Mexico and the United States.

Prepare for international demands

According to Cano, Mexico still has areas of opportunity to improve the conditions it offers to investments, although he considered that the country already occupies a relevant position for the industry at an international level.

“We definitely still have a significant area of ​​opportunity to become that industrial paradise. However, I think we’re also doing well; we’re a benchmark, at least in the industry globally,” he said.

From the business perspective, he added, it will also be necessary to keep up with the standards demanded by international clients, including best practices and requirements related to sustainability.

“It’s about being ready, being prepared with the standards that international clients are looking for, who are precisely the ones who come to Mexico to invest,” he stated.

Challenges related to border crossings, infrastructure, and Mexico’s position as a global logistics hub will be among the topics discussed during ETYL MTY , which will take place on October 14 and 15 in Monterrey, Nuevo León .

The meeting will address the congestion at the Mexico-United States border, the reconfiguration of global trade, the redesign of supply chains, and the conditions necessary to strengthen Mexico’s logistics position by 2030. 

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El cargo What does Mexico need to strengthen its logistics position? apareció primero en T21.

In the face of the economic environment and the United States’ tariff policy, Grupo Cebra continues to focus on its growth in the state of Jalisco, where it has already begun new projects in industrial parks .

José Ernesto Ceballos, president of the company’s board, said that the firm has focused on the needs of its clients, “and not just build an industrial park for the sake of it, but adapt to what they require.”

“The plans are to continue growing, becoming more efficient, and offering better products. SJ Industrial Parks aims to have the best products and provide the best customer service,” he mentioned in an interview with T21.

He announced that the second phase of his San José Uno industrial park will begin, which will be ready in 2028 .

In that regard, he pointed out that they have met with the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) to ensure the energy required by the various sectors or technologies that reach their facilities.

However, the CEO of SJ Industrial Parks also explained that the challenge is not only in energy matters, but also in guaranteeing the use of water and other services, including security.

“All our parks are enclosed; we spend money on private security and staff. Both the federal and state governments have worked hard on this issue, but they still have a lot to do, and while we invest, which generates a very high expense, we invest it to move forward,” he pointed out.

Ceballos explained that investment has been concentrated in Jalisco , more so than in Tijuana and the State of Mexico. “Investing in the state has gone well for us, and we do it with our own resources, and we will continue to do so,” he asserted.

He said that, unlike other states, Jalisco has experienced growth in the sector, so the outlook for the company at the end of the year is positive.

“Foreign investment continues to grow in the state, and many of the companies located here are looking for opportunities to expand. We see good prospects, but we also have to work for the future, at a global level, with the United States government, which puts many obstacles in our way. It’s complex, but we have overcome them,” he emphasized.

The industrial parks built by Grupo Cebra are aimed at different sectors such as electronics, agriculture, manufacturing , among others.

According to the executive, the investment in the projects varies; for example, in SJ Puerta Vieja it will be 125 million dollars (USD) which covers everything from urbanization to the construction of the warehouses, while for SJ Diana it will be 25 million dollars.

According to the Association of Industrial Parks of the State of Jalisco (APIEJ) , as of the fourth quarter of 2025, the industrial market in the state recorded a gross absorption of 270,160 square meters (m2), a net absorption of 250,573 m2, and an availability of 364,199 m2.

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El cargo Grupo Cebra accelerates expansion in Jalisco; prepares new projects in its industrial parks apareció primero en T21.

In the Mexican aviation sector, it’s becoming fashionable to talk about the collapse in supply and demand for air transport at the “Felipe Carrillo Puerto” International Airport in Tulum , Quintana Roo. It’s claimed that the airport has registered contractions of around 30% in passenger numbers so far in 2026 compared to the previous year. The Quintana Roo Tourism Secretariat has attempted to downplay the situation, arguing that the decrease in flight frequencies is due to a global economic situation in the airline industry (fleet shortages and airline route reorganizations), dismissing the notion that it’s a failure exclusive to the state.

I recall mentioning this in a column in the past: For several years, given the saturation of the Cancun Airport and the growth of the tourism sector in that region, there was room for a new airport in the Tulum area. So much so that then-President Felipe Calderón planned to build a new airport terminal called the “Riviera Maya Airport” on a site about 15 kilometers from Tulum. This distance and travel time contrast sharply with the more than 40 kilometers separating it from the “Felipe Carrillo Puerto” airport, a factor that, it must be acknowledged, is significantly impacting the militarized airport that was finally built and put into operation in December 2023. Travel times, the scarcity of ground transportation options, and their cost are some of the main complaints about the latter .

It’s impossible to deny that not only Tulum and the Riviera Maya, but indeed all of Mexico’s main tourist destinations are experiencing challenging times in terms of visitor numbers, especially from abroad. This is attributable to perceived insecurity, environmental concerns, and high prices, as well as the changing purchasing power of domestic tourists. Furthermore, as with its sister airport, the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) , the unique modus operandi of the Ministry of National Defense , which holds the concessions, has demonstrably plagued the airport with the same shortcomings in planning, execution, and operation that have characterized civilian projects, not only those of the Ministry of Defense itself—a prime example being the Maya Train —but also those of the Ministry of the Navy .

I believe that if the federal government had entrusted the Tulum airport project to private individuals, whether Mexican, foreign, or a combination of both, which, I insist, has something as important as a potentially demonstrable demand, the results would be very different.

Even so, I believe that this airport infrastructure has some potential in the medium and long term , provided, of course, that the Mexican Caribbean maintains its attractiveness to tourism from our country and abroad, something that remains to be seen.

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There’s a precise moment when a collectible account dies , and it’s not when the debtor stops responding. It’s when your phone rings, the debtor is on the other end, and you answer after having already assigned it to a collection agency or lawyer. I’ve been in the debt collection trenches for over two decades, and I’ll tell you straight: the most lost accounts aren’t those of debtors who disappeared, they’re those of clients who intervened after the account had already been assigned .

First, understand why they’re calling you. The debtor who calls you directly, bypassing the collection agency, isn’t looking to pay you. They’re looking for someone to ease the pressure. And they know exactly who to call: not the executive asking for payment dates, but you, whom you care about, whose debt you handled for three years, and whom you still want to believe. “Hey, Mr. Roberto, you and I have known each other for years, why did you hire lawyers? Tell them to give me a break, I’ll make the deposit next week.” And you, in good faith, answer, “Let me check.” That’s where the debt collection ends. Not in court, not at the agency: in that 40-second call.

Let me give you an example. A trucking company had an account for 1.8 million pesos with a freight forwarder. The account was assigned. By the third week, the debt collector had an acknowledgment of debt signed by the legal representative, and the first payment was scheduled for Friday. On Tuesday, the debtor called the owner and asked him to “stop collections while they sorted things out.” The owner agreed, saying they needed two weeks, that they were good customers. The debtor didn’t use those two weeks to gather money; he used them to transfer the transaction to a different tax ID number and empty the company he had signed the agreement with. Not a single peso of the 1.8 million was recovered. The signed document was perfect. A mere shell.

The other case is on the American side, and it hurts differently. A Mexican carrier, $180,000 against a Texas broker . Account assigned, formal notification to the surety bond company issued, the clock ticking. The carrier’s salesperson—with the best intentions in the world, because he wanted to retain the client for the peak season—wrote the broker a three-line email: “Don’t worry about the letter, we’re still evaluating your business.” That email ended up in the broker ‘s hands as proof that there was no real claim, but rather a commercial dispute in progress. The bond is a finite amount that is divided among those who file claims and those who actually uphold the bond. Those who upheld the bond got paid. We’re left with the most expensive email a salesperson has ever written.

And they don’t do it out of malice. They do it for three very human reasons: years of affection, fear of losing the client, and the desire to believe that this time it will work . Hope is the worst credit advisor there is. That’s why the rule with an assigned account is singular and brooks no argument: one voice . If the debtor calls you, your response is a single line, always the same, and it doesn’t change even if they’re your close friend: “My account is assigned. Talk to them; they have full authority to resolve your issue.” No “let me check it,” no “I’ll tell them to lower the amount.” If you want to offer a payment plan, a discount, or some other concession, perfect—it’s your money and your right—but you instruct the collection agency, and the agency presents it. Two parties negotiating the same debt are two different offers on the table, and the debtor always chooses the cheapest and ends up paying nothing .

Assigning funds doesn’t mean losing control of your account; it means concentrating it in the hands of the person who manages it every day . You lose control when you start negotiating independently of the person negotiating on your behalf. Collections are sustained pressure . You either maintain it, or you pay the price.

Until next time .

*Salvador Bañuelos is a founding partner of AFS International, a collections firm specializing in freight transportation, with offices in Mexico and the United States. ( cobranzadeltransporte.com , freightcollections.com and  afsacademy.online ).

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El cargo If you’ve already assigned the account, get out of the way. apareció primero en T21.

While most of the city sleeps, at an industrial construction site one of the most important processes for the future of a building begins: the pouring of a jointless industrial floor .

At first glance, it might seem like a simple matter. In reality, it’s a decision that will impact the operation of a logistics center or manufacturing plant for decades .

The early morning temperature is not a coincidence; it’s part of the construction strategy . The behavior of the concrete depends on it, and therefore, the strength and durability of the floor on which, for years, forklifts, automated equipment, and thousands of tons of merchandise will circulate.

Here, every detail matters.

The difference between a good floor and an operational problem

During the measurement process, a laser system identifies unevenness that is virtually imperceptible to the human eye.

In one of the assessments, the flatness map showed differences ranging from +5.2 to -4.4 millimeters.

Less than one centimeter.

A difference that many people would consider insignificant.

However, that small difference in level can translate into constant vibrations for forklifts, problems in the stacking of high-ramp racks, fractures in the concrete, and costly operational shutdowns to carry out repairs.

In an industrial building, precision is not a technical luxury; it is a condition to guarantee efficiency and profitability.

Precision also generates value in the real estate market

As I watched the specialists correct the floor surface millimeter by millimeter, I thought that the real estate market works in a very similar way.

We do not use laser scanners to measure concrete.

Our tool consists of maps showing supply, availability, absorption, and rental prices.

But the principle is exactly the same.

A seemingly minimal difference in the starting price – for example, going from $5.00 to $4.99 per square meter – can represent approximately 210,000 pesos of difference in the economic result of a transaction.

The data allows adjustments to be made before a mistake becomes a loss.

Industrial intelligence also involves anticipating

Just as an engineer corrects an uneven surface before a crack appears, a market analysis allows you to adjust the commercial positioning of an asset before it remains empty for months or loses competitiveness compared to other properties.

Industrial intelligence is not just about knowing the market.

It consists of interpreting the data with sufficient accuracy to protect the value of an investment .

Because behind every industrial building there is much more than square meters.

There is engineering, planning, strategy … and hundreds of decisions that no one sees, but that end up defining the success of an operation.

Learn from experience to provide more accurate advice

Visiting construction projects allows you to understand aspects that can hardly be appreciated from a plan or a technical sheet.

Understanding processes, materials, and construction standards strengthens the ability to advise owners, investors, and industrial users with a much more complete view of the asset they are buying, renting, or developing.

I thank José Gómez Regalado of Bekaert and Andrés Banda Meza of Planicidad 100 for sharing their expertise during this technical tour. Understanding what happens during construction is also a way to generate greater certainty for those making investment decisions.

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El cargo What a millimeter can teach us about an industrial investment apareció primero en T21.

Ford of Mexico has appointed Michelle Pérez as the new manager of the Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant (HSAP) . Pérez, who previously served as assistant manager at the same facility and has 12 years of experience, will lead one of the automaker’s key manufacturing operations in the country.

The Hermosillo plant plays a key role in Ford’s production in Mexico . Currently, it produces the Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Maverick, models that, according to the company, are destined for markets such as the United States and Latin America.

Experience within Ford

Michelle Pérez is an electromechanical engineer with a master’s degree in Manufacturing Systems from Tecnológico de Monterrey. Before becoming assistant manager in Hermosillo , she worked for the company in Cuautitlán, State of Mexico , where she led the Final Assembly area and other production lines.

According to Ford ‘s statement , Pérez, during his time as assistant manager, contributed to the plant’s operational efficiency. Now, in his new position at the Sonora facility, his missions will include strengthening quality and operational performance , with a focus on assembly processes and improving efficiency.

Ford stated that the appointment is part of its strategy to develop internal talent and provide continuity in leadership positions within its manufacturing operations.

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El cargo Ford renews leadership at its Hermosillo plant apareció primero en T21.

International Motors Mexico received the 2026 National Automotive Industry Award , in the Heavy Vehicle Manufacturer category , during the fifth edition of the recognition, held within the framework of the XXIV International Congress of the Automotive Industry in Mexico (CIIAM) .

The recognition comes at a time when the company is reporting growth in its market share, increasing from 14% in 2023 to 22.7% at the close of July 2026 , while in the cargo segment it reached a share of 26 percent .

The award was received by Marcel Prado, Director of Business Support at International Motors Latin America , who highlighted that the company’s strategy has sought to expand its participation beyond vehicle manufacturing.

“This recognition reflects the work we have done to evolve alongside our customers. Today, our role goes beyond manufacturing vehicles: we develop solutions that connect technology, service, and operational capacity to meet their needs,” Prado emphasized.

Among the tools implemented by International is its Control Tower , a platform that connects vehicle information with the service network and which, according to the company, has allowed preventive maintenance to be reduced from up to two days to 3.5 hours .

This tool is complemented by maintenance programs, warranties, monitoring and roadside assistance for fleet operations.

The company also reported an investment of 708 million pesos earmarked for the renewal, expansion, and modernization of its dealer network. These actions are part of International 2030 , a strategy that encompasses technology, customer service, talent development, and sustainability.

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El cargo International receives 2026 National Automotive Industry Award apareció primero en T21.

The funds raised during the 8th Contecon Manzanillo Charity Race were used for infrastructure, equipment and improvements for 20 educational institutions, to which 2.8 million pesos (mdp) were allocated .

These resources resulted in a benefit for 6,545 students from schools in Manzanillo, Colima, who received interventions between February and August 2026, thanks to the resources obtained during the race held in 2025, Contecon Manzanillo reported in a statement.

The works responded to the particular needs of each school and included the installation and improvement of roofs, dining areas, access porticos and perimeter fences, in addition to lighting work and the incorporation of sound equipment and closed circuit systems.

The schools that benefited were Manuel Murguía Galindo, Cristóbal Colón, Miguel Hidalgo, Homobono Llamas, Juan Escutia, Arnoldo Ochoa, Benjamín Amador Cisneros, Mariano Miranda Fonseca, Escultor Sebastián, Pedro Sainz de Baranda, María Adelina, CAM Anne Sullivan, Francisco Villa, Benito Rincón López, Jorge Chávez Carrillo, Marina Nacional, 5 de Mayo, 5 de Febrero, Venustiano Carranza and Rafaela Suárez, the statement indicated.

The handover of the works took place on September 30th, with the participation of José Antonio Contreras, CEO of Contecon Manzanillo; Adolfo Núñez González, Secretary of Education of Colima; Juan Carlos Salas, Director of Human Resources of the company; as well as representatives of sponsors, teachers and students.

An initiative that is gaining support

Adding up the history of the initiative, throughout its eight editions, Contecon estimates that more than 20,000 students in Manzanillo have benefited through actions aimed at improving the conditions of their schools.

The terminal indicated that it will seek to maintain the initiative in future editions and continue channeling resources to schools in Manzanillo that require infrastructure and equipment improvements.

“The Race for a Cause goes far beyond a sporting competition. It is an initiative that brings together runners, families, businesses, and the entire community around a common goal: to contribute to improving the educational conditions of children and young people in Manzanillo,” Contreras emphasized.

For the 9th Race for a Cause

Contecon Manzanillo is preparing for its 9th Annual Charity Race , which will take place on Sunday, November 8th. This year, they expect a maximum of five thousand runners to participate .

The race will be divided into competitive segments of 3, 5.5 and 10 kilometers on routes through the Contecon Manzanillo and Hazesa terminals, the latter being multi-purpose, as well as external roads such as the second northern access to the port.

Kit pickup for this ninth race will be on Saturday, November 7th, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Those interested in registering should visit www.asdeporte.com .

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El cargo Race for a Cause: Contecon Manzanillo promotes educational infrastructure in the region apareció primero en T21.