The trucking sector in Mexico faces a challenging market  where there is demand for the movement of goods, but this takes place in an environment with tariffs pressured by users, in addition to the complexity imposed by the economic scenario in Mexico and the geopolitical context.

Faced with this reality, two years ago International embarked on a service-oriented approach, creating a comprehensive ecosystem aimed at improving the customer experience and supporting the brand promise: “returning units in hours, not days,” Rafael Alvarenga, President of Latin American Operations at International, stated in an interview with T21.

From the executive’s perspective, the after-sales and service strategy is consolidated as one of the key pillars in International’s current performance in Latin America.

It is precisely in this area that Elite Service Team is integrated, contributing to the specialized technical training component, linked to the digitization of diagnostic and operational processes in workshops. This approach allows for a significant reduction in repair and maintenance times.

In Alvarenga’s view, the combination of highly trained technicians and advanced digital systems enables faster access to vehicle information, streamlining repairs and reducing downtime. The result is a direct impact on customer perception , with clients recognizing International as a reliable partner for business continuity.

The Elite Service Team competition brought together seven teams who showcased their technical skills and knowledge of service strategies. Five teams represented dealerships in Mexico, along with one from Colombia and one from Honduras.

“What we see here today is a reflection of this evolution. Latin America is demonstrating a clear ability to operate with increasingly higher standards, aligned with our global priorities, and for that I want to congratulate everyone,” highlighted Fabio Souza, Vice President of Service Solutions at International.

A customer’s experience is defined by many touchpoints, and one of the most important is the workshop. This is one of the approaches International seeks to differentiate itself and use to achieve a better experience in the market.

“That’s why, as a brand, we’ve made the decision to create the Elite Service Team strategy and strengthen our support for each of you. With this project, we’re investing in continuous training to strengthen the brand’s global capabilities. Workshop processes that guarantee consistency and efficiency day after day. Infrastructure and tools that allow us to do our job better every day,” Rafael Alvarenga emphasized.

Regarding the Elite Service Team competition , the results were as follows:

• 1st place: Cajasa Power Train .
• 2nd place: The Unstoppables of Navitrans Colombia.
• 3rd place: AMSA Southeast Shadow Team.

The other participating teams were:

• International JACFIX from Cajasa.
• AMSA Oriente Power Mechanis .
• Elite Technicians of Sierra Norte CDMX.
• The Xatruch of Cemcol of Honduras.

One aspect that Alvarenga highlighted is that the dealer network has created excellent working conditions. “Together with the network, we have worked to provide increasingly better working conditions, optimized bays, 5S standards (sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and discipline), restrooms, cafeterias, and all the infrastructure needed for them to do their jobs in the best possible way,” he added.

Additionally , Camiones de Durango (Cadusa) was awarded for “Innovation” .

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The commitment to providing services and improving customer service for carriers is taking shape in Allende, Nuevo León, one of the areas with the highest concentration of companies in the sector. In this context, International Sierra Norte reopened its “CASA International” with a new look aligned with the brand’s global standards and focused on enhancing the customer experience, the company explained in a press release.

The renovation of this space not only responds to a change of image, but also to the need to strengthen operational capabilities , inventory and service in a region considered “the cradle of freight transport”, where the demand for comprehensive solutions continues to increase.

The distributor network remains a strategic focus for the brand, noted Rafael Alvarenga, President of Commercial Operations at International .

“Our distributor network is the heart of International. Investments like this reflect our commitment to offering modern, efficient, and welcoming spaces where every customer feels at home and supported by a true business partner,” he emphasized.

The Allende branch, now in its second year, has solidified a relationship based on service and close customer relationships, fostering continued trust in the business. During the reopening, symbolic deliveries of LT units were also made to companies such as Petro Express del Norte , Express Litoral/ATH , and HG Transportaciones , reflecting the brand’s ongoing business partnerships with transportation providers in the region.

From a business perspective, the Allende location is strategically positioned for the distributor’s growth. Armando Cantú, Sierra Norte’s Northern Zone Sales Director, emphasized that the facility renovation reflects a commitment to providing a more robust service , backed by the International brand and focused on improving customer profitability.

The event brought together executives from the brand and the distributor, as well as representatives from the sector, including Grupo Fultra , in a move that reinforces International-Sierra Norte’s presence in one of the most dynamic areas of freight transport in the country.

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El cargo International Sierra Norte strengthens its presence in Allende with renovated facilities apareció primero en T21.

International will celebrate 30 years of presence in Mexico , a period during which it has been located in the same office that witnessed its growth for years. Today, reflecting a vision of evolution that has been instilled since Rafael Alvarenga took the helm of operations in the country, the brand inaugurated new facilities, which, as he himself stated, “do not only represent the corporate offices, but also tangibly represent the evolution of International . ”

The words of Rafael Alvarenga, President of Commercial Operations for Latin America at International, are not just a speech, but embody the organization’s vision of offering agile and reliable long-term solutions .

During the presentation of the facilities to the media, Alvarenga emphasized that the facilities align with the brand’s cultural shift, which, under the “Casa International” motto , is also in tune with the efforts of distributors who have upgraded their facilities, with 70% of the network expected to be fully operational by summer , under the new image and concept of comprehensive solutions.

In 2025, International achieved a 24% market share of commercial vehicles in classes 4 to 8 , and showed a growth of 7.4% compared to 2024.

To maintain this strategy of alignment in processes, capabilities and customer experiences, in 2026 International introduced two new programs: Elite Service Team and Conductor Elite , which are focused on continuing to add value to the market.

Elite Service Team is about the professionalization of technicians, but also about operational excellence ; it’s about raising the service standards that customers receive, the correct application of best practices, and working on attracting, retaining, and developing talent, explained Alma Mejía, Readiness and Product Support Manager at International.

Meanwhile, Conductor Elite is focused on addressing the core of the business, training and developing operators , but also operating safely, efficiently and sustainably.

“(With Conductor Elite) we take care of those who are on the front lines, we strengthen our clients and everyone involved. It’s about recognizing the key role of the drivers, but also contributing to efficient and sustainable growth,” said Marcel Do Prado, Director of Business Support at International.

During the visit to International’s new facilities, the alignment of the new culture was evident. While this is conveyed through the open spaces that encourage integration, it is also the result of the commitment of the employees who clearly understand their objective : to satisfy the needs of their clients.

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El cargo New offices represent a tangible evolution for International: Rafael Alvarenga apareció primero en T21.

Based on data from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) on the registration of motor transport units, in the January-October 2025 cycle, a total of 20,742 cargo vehicles were registered, considering trucks and tractor-trailers .

An analysis conducted by T21 Business Intelligence identified that three brands account for 79.5% of all vehicles registered by the General Directorate of Federal Motor Transport (DGAF) .

As shown in the following chart, Kenworth led in the registration of commercial vehicles, with 7,759 vehicles, representing 37.4% of the total registered with the agency. Of these, 162 were DAF trucks and 32 were Peterbilt trucks.

If you add the 5,828 Freightliner vehicles and the 2,893 International units , along with the Kenworth units, you can see that the three brands together account for about 80% of the registered vehicles , both in federal public service and private transport.

The exercise carried out by T21 Business Intelligence also analyzed the tractor-trailer market , which in the January-October 2025 cycle  totaled 15,061 vehicles , that is, 72.6% of the total number of registered units.

In terms of brand performance, Kenworth remains the leader in the registration of tractor-trailers with 6,953 vehicles, giving it a 47.5 percent share.

The composition of the license plates in the tractor-trailer segment was as follows:

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El cargo These are the brands that dominate the registration of cargo vehicles apareció primero en T21.

GUADALAJARA, JAL. – Between 2023 and 2025, International advanced six percentage points in the Mexican market , where the offering of comprehensive solutions to support customers, as well as the launch of the LT S13 tractor with its proprietary powertrain, have been key

Rafael Alvarenga, President of Commercial Operations in Latin America for International, specified that in 2023 the market share in Mexico was 15%, while the year-to-date figure is already at 21% , he shared at Expo Transporte ANPACT 2025.

International has managed to move more than a thousand tractor-trailer trucks in the Mexican market, guaranteeing an 8 % fuel efficiency improvement compared to previous generations. This has translated into more than 100 million kilometers traveled resulting in 5,500 tons of CO2 reduced.

Regarding International’s comprehensive service, the goal is to achieve greater availability within customer fleets. “The most important thing is the trust we build with our customers and how we become strategic partners,” added Alvarenga

To boost comprehensive support, International’s dealer network has recently invested over five million dollars in modernizing its facilities, implementing advanced systems and processes, and providing training and talent, with the goal of delivering unique and personalized service.

Alan Frizeiro, Vice President of Service Solutions at International, explained that the comprehensive service solution is available on one out of every two LT S13s in the market, with average service time results of 3.5 hours . This translates to an increase of 1,500 to 2,000 operating days for the fleet with this type of policy, as the previous average service time was 3.5 days

“The numbers speak for themselves, and our answer to the market is our comprehensive service program, combined with superior fuel efficiency. We are especially proud that we are increasingly focused on our customers; International is committed to keeping their trucks on the road, driving the Mexican economy,” Frizeiro explained.

In this vein, Mathias Carlbaum, President and CEO of International, highlighted the role being played in Mexico, because the results are not only about moving the economy, but also about moving opportunities , and about fulfilling the way transportation is managed and made profitable.

NEW MEMBER S13

With the results obtained with the LT S13 tractor truck, showing at least an 8% improvement in performance compared to the previous generation, International has now introduced the HV S13, with a proprietary powertrain.

Carlos López, Director of Solutions Sales, described that in addition to the comprehensive service offering, the LT S13 tractor truck is now being served by customers with customized plans, as is done by the brand’s financing arm, which currently finances one out of every three vehicles on the market, “allowing them to start generating profits from day one.”

One factor López highlighted is the diversity of applications of the S13 powertrain, which addresses various market needs, from long-haul transport to vocational and specialized applications, such as car carriers, “demonstrating that power can also be synonymous with efficiency. That’s why today the S13 family is strengthened with the arrival of the new HV model , a model that redefines the segment and raises the performance standard with maximum torque, greater fuel efficiency, and superior durability.”

The S13 HV truck integrates International’s proprietary powertrain and, in López’s view, consolidates innovation and profitability for customers.

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El cargo International boosts market share with comprehensive solution; HV S13 new addition apareció primero en T21.

In the recent past, and particularly in 2025, trucking  companies have faced a complex economic environment exacerbated by tariffs imposed by Mexico’s main trading partner, the United States; this has resulted in moderate freight demand and has complicated fleet renewal and growth efforts. 

In the case of original equipment manufacturers, in addition to this drop in vehicle demand, they have to face a growing supply from newly entered brands. 

Between 2020 and 2025, new manufacturers (mainly Asian) entered the country  , expanding the portfolio of options for fleets. However, competition has remained centered around the sector’s established suppliers, led by Kenworth , Freightliner , International ,  Scania , and MAN – VW , which continue to be preferred by carriers due to their service network, technical support, and resale value. 

In this way, carriers have had options in the market such as Foton , Shacman , Sitrak , Dongfeng , Howo and Sany ; among others. 

The retail tractor-trailer market  shows a clear stage of recomposition between 2023 and 2025, with an evident slowdown compared to the record year of 2024. 

According to figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) and various opinions gathered by T21, carriers are prioritizing support, guarantee and after-sales service over lower-cost options. 

This data confirms that 2024 was the peak of the cycle, with averages close to 900 units per month, while in 2025 volumes are between 600 and 700 units. 

Even with this contraction, Kenworth and Freightliner maintain their dominance and concentrate most of the national market. 

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El cargo Safe return on investment in brand selection apareció primero en T21.

The Mexican heavy vehicle manufacturing industry is a global player. Our country is the leading exporter of tractor-trailer trucks and the fourth-largest exporter of cargo and passenger vehicles , according to the National Association of Bus, Truck, and Tractor-Trailer Manufacturers (ANPACT) .

In 2024, 213,241 heavy vehicles were produced in Mexico , the second-highest figure after 2019. Exports in that cycle reached 159,466 units, and of these, 95.5% were destined for the United States .

Between 2019 and last August, Mexico exported 939,990 trucks and tractor-trailers to the United States. Freightliner accounted for 65% of the total, International for 31%, and Kenworth for four percent.

In this context, the message sent yesterday by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, regarding the imposition of 25% tariffs on trucks exported to this market is bad news for brands that produce in Mexico.

“To protect our great heavy-duty truck manufacturers from unfair foreign competition, beginning October 1, 2025, I will impose a 25% tariff on all heavy-duty trucks manufactured elsewhere in the world. This way, our great truck manufacturers, like Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Mack Trucks, and others, will be protected from the onslaught of external disruptions. We need our truckers to be financially healthy for many reasons, but most of all, for national security reasons!” the message on the social media platform TRUTH reads.

Last April, the Federal Register published the start of a formal investigation by the U.S. Department of Commerce under Section 232, a legal instrument that allows for the imposition of trade measures if certain imports are deemed to threaten the country’s national security, Juan Carlos Baker, CEO of Ansley Consultants, explained to T21.

Last June, Baker stated: “If the U.S. Department of Commerce identifies a risk to the national security of the United States due to the importation of transportation vehicles, tractors, and so on—and that investigation is currently underway— I don’t really know when there will be a result. It’s possible it will come out later this year, maybe sooner ,” a situation the U.S. president has already confirmed.

The foreign trade specialist commented on this situation, stating that this is a severe blow to the industry based in Mexico, as the immediate effect is that trucks and tractor-trailers will be more expensive when exported to the United States . Although it also opened the possibility of exploring exception mechanisms or alternative routes, the direct impact on competitiveness is on the table.

As part of the announcement of tariffs on trucks and tractor-trailers, Trump also announced that tariffs of up to 100 percent will be imposed on pharmaceutical products.

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El cargo Tariffs target tractor-trailers and trucks exported to the US; which brands would be affected? apareció primero en T21.

The year 2025 brought a complex environment for the heavy-duty vehicle industry : new emissions regulations, investment caution, and a volatile market. Far from slowing its progress, International turned these challenges into a driving force to accelerate its transformation and strengthen its closeness with customers and distributors, as Rafael Alvarenga, president of International’s Commercial Operations for Latin America, explained in an interview with T21.

The uncertainty, he said, stemmed not only from regulatory changes but also from the global economic and political environment . Still, Alvarenga noted that there are solid segments that continue to drive activity, although doubts remain about the direction the industry will take in the coming quarters.

International’s strategy has been to stay close to carriers and understand their needs firsthand.

 “We don’t build this from our offices; we build it by listening, understanding, and visiting the fields with its people,” Alvarenga emphasized.

With this approach, the company seeks to position itself as a strategic partner that contributes to more efficient operations and offers innovative solutions, prioritizing active listening over unilateral decisions made behind a desk.

Outlook to 2026

For Alvarenga, 2026 could represent a more stable scenario, in which fleet renewal decisions, postponed in recent months, will have to be implemented. He considered this a very dynamic industry that cannot sustain itself under so many uncertainties and, therefore, will begin to show interesting movements.

One of the pillars of this strategy is the LT S13 , which features the powertrain developed by International and already has around 1,000 units in operation in Mexico, according to Alvarenga. He emphasized that this model demonstrated superior performance, with an average fuel economy of 8% , according to customer testimonials.

This product represents technical innovation, which accompanies a broader transformation of the company’s culture and way of doing business, Alvarenga emphasized.

Proximity to distributors became another key driver of change. During 2025, International’s management team toured the country to visit dealerships, listen to technicians, and learn firsthand about the challenges and opportunities in after-sales service.

“The strategic plans we create as a company come from there. They don’t come from a closed room within our headquarters; they come from information we gather from the field, from the distributor network,” he said.

After two years at the helm of International Latin America , Alvarenga took stock of his personal life, highlighting the development of a new brand perception based on organizational culture and closeness to the sector’s diverse stakeholders.

He acknowledged that one of his main challenges is channeling energy and drive to do more in a market with great potential.

“International isn’t here for the short term. We’re here for the long term, and taking care of the long term means taking care of the present,” he said.

This statement summarizes the company’s evolution and the transformation it seeks to consolidate in the region.

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El cargo International, transformation with direction apareció primero en T21.

SAN JUAN DEL RÍO, QRO.– On Mexican roads, safety no longer depends solely on the operator. In recent years, technology has become a silent co-pilot that alerts, corrects and predicts risks before they occur, as explained by transporters, suppliers and manufacturers during the 9th National Road Safety Congress of the National Association of Private Transportation (ANTP) , when presenting the innovations that today transform the operation of cargo transportation.

Ninety percent of accidents are related to human error. Therefore, Transportes Azteca relies on artificial intelligence-based systems that detect distractions, fatigue, or lane departures, in addition to automated transmissions that reduce the driver’s decision-making burden, explained Aldo Daniel Osuna, representing Transportes Azteca.

“Every technological advance is an opportunity to save a life,” Osuna said.

Along the same lines, Coca-Cola FEMSA explained how the use of simulators and indoor and outdoor cameras has strengthened the training of its personnel.

“The operator is the central axis, which is why we look for tools that make their work easier and safer,” said Sebastián Cerón, Primary Processes and Distribution Manager, highlighting that the company’s strategy combines trained talent, digitalization, and technological support .

The innovation contribution came from Motum , which develops integrated solutions for fatigue monitoring, fuel management, safety alerts, and even laboratory-tested engine shutdowns.

“The key is for artificial intelligence to help make decisions in real time and for everything to be integrated into a single ecosystem,” emphasized Carlos Cota, VP of Revenue at TecnoMotum, underscoring the need for these tools to respond to the reality of Mexican roads.

For its part, Kenworth has made it clear that safety is one of its design pillars. Its models include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, and digital rearview cameras.

“Our commitment is to ensure that operators understand and make the most of these technologies,” said Gerardo Vega, the company’s Product Planner.

Daimler Truck Mexico demonstrated the potential of artificial intelligence to simplify processes for operators and monitors.

“AI doesn’t replace humans, it empowers them to make better decisions and prevent accidents,” said Itzel Alpízar, manager of Connectivity and Electric Mobility Strategy at Daimler Truck Mexico, when presenting the Detroit Assurance 5.0 suite, integrated into Freightliner tractor trucks and capable of detecting fatigue, issuing intelligent alerts and centralizing critical information.

At Volkswagen Truck & Bus , product engineer Jaime Cano emphasized that artificial intelligence is no longer a science fiction dream, but a reality. He said the brand’s vehicles integrate traffic sign detection, hill start assist, blind spot radars, and automatic speed adjustment systems.

In addition, the company is advancing autonomous transportation projects in Europe that set the tone for the future, according to Cano.

Isuzu Mexico ‘s turn was marked by the presentation of its new cabin, designed with ergonomic and safety in mind. Its innovations included impact absorption systems, speed alarms, and a rearview camera.

“We want every trip to be safe and comfortable, because the operator spends a large part of his or her life in the truck,” said Víctor Flores, Isuzu Product Planning Manager.

Finally, International emphasized preventive and reactive safety : from tire pressure monitoring to anticipate failures to systems that allow for automatic response to an incident.

“Prevention is key to avoiding road risks,” said Marcel do Prado, Business Support Director of International Mexico.

The common thread running through all the presentations was the premise that road safety is no longer limited to training operators or improving infrastructure. Today, technology—from sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence—is positioned as an indispensable ally in protecting lives and addressing the challenges of Mexican roads.

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El cargo Technology as an ally in road safety apareció primero en T21.