|
|
Mexico Autos Report Q3 2006
|
|
Bumper sales in August and strong production figures for the year so far. This is the scenario in Mexico's automotive sector, which has led industry experts to predict full-year sales for 2006 of 1.2mn units. According to the Mexican Automobile Industry Association AMIA, domestic sales totalled 90,036 units in August, representing a 0.5% increase on the same month a year before, and the highest amount ever reported by the car industry for the month of August. Accumulated sales for the period January-August totalled 707,559 units, a 0.6% increase on the prior-year period. BMI expects continued growth during the forecast period up to 2010 and forecasts sales of 1.175mn units for 2006 in the Mexico Automotives Report for Q306.
Mexican auto trade has cheered industry observers by registering a 35.8% increase in production in the first half of 2006. According to SISAM, the Mexican body that provides news on the automotive industry, output exceeded 270,300 units in H106 against the same period a year before. The upturn means Mexico has hauled itself up one spot on the global ranking of vehicle producers, and achieved the feat of surpassing Chinese production for the year to May, which was up by 31.8%. SISAM attributes the surge in output to a period of recovery following a slump in growth that was particularly acute during the period 2001 to 2004. Carmakers who are focusing on new models are also credited for the surge. BMI reiterates its expectation of 8% growth in output for 2006 to 1.736mn completely built units (CBUs).
Volkswagen (VW) has confirmed its commitment to the country by earmarking investment of US$400mn to finish updating its facilities in Puebla. Earlier this summer the carmaker was hit by industrial action at the plant when workers forced its hand to concede a 5.5% pay increase. VW remains decidedly upbeat about its future in the country, however, and has praised Mexico as a strategic base for its forthcoming endeavours.
In fact, the carmaker is bidding to strengthen its position in the country's bus and truck segment. VW's Mexican truck and bus subsidiary, VW Camiones y Autobuses, has announced plans to make a new bus with a capacity of 17 tonnes, which will be able to seat up to 40 passengers.
VW continues to be one of the leading manufacturers in Mexico. Local press reports reveal that the most popular vehicles are the NissanTsuru (41,470 units sold), the VW Jetta (23,579) and the FordEcoSport (16,133). General Motors(GM) is currently the biggest carmaker in the country with accumulated sales for the period January-August of 154,583 units. The dominance of industry heavyweights in the market, and the subsequent challenge to newcomers trying to crack the market, has contributed to the country's position in BMI's business environment ranking, which sees Mexico retain fifth place.
|
|
|
|
|
0 items
