The regional automotive industry is going through a scenario of contrasts, according to Gerardo Gómez , Country Manager Director Mexico of JD Power , who during the Fleet Latam Summit 2025 explained that, despite the fact that Mexico reached a historic production of close to four million light vehicles in 2024 , today the plants operate at 70% of their installed capacity , with 80% of that production directed to the United States.

The specialist emphasized that more than 30 Chinese light vehicle brands have entered the Mexican market in the last four years , making the country a sort of incubator for testing local consumer acceptance.

However, he predicted that in the next three or four years, half of these brands will disappear or merge, in a natural process of market purification.

Regarding the global outlook, Gómez noted that sales fell in 2020 and that, despite the recovery, the industry has yet to reach the goal of 100 million light vehicles sold and produced annually, a milestone now projected to end in 2036.

The uncertainty generated by tariffs and trade tensions is keeping production at tight levels, he said.

Gómez emphasized that Mexico and Brazil currently account for 86% of the seven million light vehicles produced in Latin America, and by 2032, they are expected to account for up to 90% of regional production.

While Mexico is consolidating its position as an exporting country, Brazil stands out for manufacturing practically everything it consumes, with around 2.5 million units.

Regarding hybrid and electric vehicles , he highlighted that globally, 40% of sales in 2025 will be based on this technology, and that by 2030, the proportion will grow to six out of every 10 units.

However, JD Power’s projection for Latin America is that adoption will be more gradual: one in five vehicles by 2030. “Hybrids will be the natural next step, as the electrical infrastructure consolidates,” Gómez emphasized.

When addressing the light used vehicle market , he noted that in Mexico, only 2% of purchases were made entirely digitally, compared to the 45 million used units sold each year in the United States. The lack of reliable and trustworthy records in digital channels limits growth in this segment, although it also represents an area of ​​opportunity for the future.

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El cargo Mexican auto industry under pressure from tariffs and Chinese brands: JD Power apareció primero en T21.

Nissan announced the start of fiscal year 2025 with the launch in Mexico of the Magnite , a subcompact SUV that seeks to enter the fastest-growing segment in the country.

The vehicle was adapted with specific engineering for the local market and is distinguished by its compact size, fuel efficiency, and equipment.

Features of the Magnite

The Magnite is presented as an urban alternative , with a body less than four meters long, designed to facilitate maneuvering in tight spaces and offer a high driving position, according to the brand.

The model seeks to optimize interior space to meet the needs of young families or users seeking versatility without compromising mobility.

In technical terms, the vehicle has a three-cylinder , 1.0 L turbo engine, with the option of a five-speed manual transmission or CVT automatic, according to Hugo Macías, deputy director of Research and Development at Nissan Mexicana.

Additionally,  it offers between 112 and 118 lb-ft of torque, depending on the version, and an estimated combined fuel consumption of up to 18.9 km/l.

The available versions (Advance and Exclusive, both with manual and automatic options) include six airbags, ABS brakes, traction control, reverse sensors, a 360° vision camera, and tire pressure monitoring.

It also includes automatic air conditioning with rear vents, functional roof rails, and a 336-liter trunk capacity.

Engineering teams from Japan, India, and Mexico participated in the vehicle’s development . Specific calibrations included adjustments to the suspension, steering, brakes, and structure to better respond to the country’s road conditions. Highlights include a ground clearance of 205 mm and a turning radius of five meters.

Magnite is launching a pre-sale strategy from April 4th to 22nd , with a target of at least 500 units. The offer includes preferential prices, a zero opening fee, and one month of free monthly payment.

This launch comes amid a favorable context for Nissan in Mexico. In fiscal year 2024, the brand sold more than 258,000 units , achieving a 17.1% market share and reaffirming its leadership for 17 consecutive years, according to Rodrigo Centeno, president and CEO of Nissan Mexico and Infiniti .

Centeno explained that 85% of the vehicles sold in the country are produced locally, and Mexico is an export base for more than 70 countries.

In addition to the launch, the brand highlighted its advancements in electrification . Centeno commented that, to date, the brand has sold more than 20,000 units in Mexico with e-POWER technology, a platform that combines a gasoline engine as a generator with fully electric traction.

Likewise, the company continues to focus on Formula E as a way to consolidate its image in this sector.

On the corporate front, it was announced that Iván Espinosa assumed the role of global CEO of Nissan Motor Corporation on April 1. A Mexican national, Espinosa held various positions within the company, and his appointment was hailed as recognition of his career.

Infiniti and after-sales services

Regarding its luxury brand, Centeno noted that Infiniti reported growth in volume, service loyalty, and customer satisfaction. The QX80 model was relaunched with a new design, powertrain, and advanced technologies.

It also emphasized improvements in its after-sales service , achieving first place in customer satisfaction according to the JD Power study , after having been in ninth position two years ago.

Part of this achievement is attributed to its logistics network, capable of supplying spare parts in less than 48 hours nationwide.

Finally, the brand reaffirmed its focus on issues such as diversity and inclusion (with recognition for being an open workplace for the LGBT+ community), as well as its recent partnership with the BBVA MX League to promote values ​​of unity through sports.

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El cargo Nissan presenta Magnite en México, su nueva SUV compacta apareció primero en T21.