Q: Do I need to worry about the kind of car I should bring to Mexico? Will I be able to get anything and everything repaired?
A: That's a good question and one that we've been asked a lot.
The automotive industry continued to be the largest and fastest growing manufacturing sector in Mexico during 2005 and 2006. Believe it or not, Mexico is currently 11th in the world in automotive production and by 2011 will rank 5th, competing with stronger economies such as India, United States, China and Slovakia.
In Mexico, Honda and Nissan vehicles are readily available as well as parts—there is a Honda factory in El Salto, Jalisco that has been producing since 1995, and a Nissan factory in Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes. By the way, in Mexico, the Nissan Sentra is called the Tsuru (Japanese for Crane). It is quite popular in Mexico and Tsuru's are the most popular choice for city taxis in Mexico (Airport and hotel taxis usually consist of higher end vehicles).
Also, Chrysler's PT Cruiser era began at Toluca (Mexico) Assembly in February 2000, and the sheer quantity of PT Cruisers in the Lakeside area attest to that being a good decision. So good, in fact, that in 2005, the Chrysler Group launched the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible at the same plant.
Other automotive manufacturers with plants in Mexico: Chevrolet, Volkswagon, Toyota, Ford and GM, among others.
One slight word of caution, however. Although parts for GM, Ford and Chrysler are readily available, some parts that are manufactured here in Mexico, for use in Mexican GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles, ARE NOT compatible with those made in the U.S. and Canada for vehicles produced there. So be careful before you order a part as to whether the compatibility issue applies.
As a bit of trivia, did you know the last Volkswagen Beetle ever produced came out of the production line in Puebla. July 30, 2003.
Below is a list of mainstream carmakers in Mexico. This is not the complete list, but will give you a good idea of what you can and cannot get here.
Mainstream Carmakers:
Audi: Audi is a well-known luxury car maker in Mexico and around the world. In Mexico the most successful models are the A4 and the A3 Sportback.
Daimler-Chrysler: Daimler-Chrysler entered Mexico around 1950. The latest models are usually launched right after their debut in the United States. Daimler-Chrysler sells several brands as Dodge, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, etc.
Hyundai: Hyundai has no official representation in Mexico so Hyundai cars are sold under Dodge's logo. However, recent news says that Hyundai may enter as an independent brand of Daimler-Chrsyler during 2007.
General Motors Mexico (GMM): General Motors is the sales leader in Mexico, selling cars from the carmakers Chevrolet, Opel, Pontiac, Daewoo, etc. The success of the Chevrolet Chevy (C2 redesigned in Mexico) has kept this maker at the top since 1995.
Ford Mexico: Ford was the first carmaker established in Mexico in 1925. Ford Mexico had great sales during the 50s, 60s and 70s, before being reached by General Motors. It holds the second place in sales.
Honda de Mexico: Honda entered Mexico in 1995. It began selling the Accord assembled in Guadalajara, but soon the Civic was launched. It made history in Mexico introducing the first Hybrid automobile here in 2006.
Isuzu: Although Isuzu entered Mexico in 2005, this SUV and truck maker is only selling commercial trucks for now.
Kia: This car maker has been announcing its entry to Mexico since 2004. However, according to all accounts, it will officially enter in 2007.
Mazda: Mazda was introduced in Mexico in November 2005 with the Mazda 3 and the Mazda 6.
Mitsubishi Motors de Mexico: Mitsubishi entered Mexico in 2003 with the Galant and Montero. Mitsubishi has also had success with the SUV's Endeavor and Outlander in Mexico.
Nissan Mexicana: Nissan is a well-known maker in Mexico for its model Tsuru II, based on the 1991-94 Sentra and being facelifted every four years. This car is affordable, strong, spacious, fast and trusty. This has kept it at the top of sales since the 90s, and that has kept Nissan on the top sales in the country. With the Renault-Nissan Alliance, Nissan Mexico designed the Platina, based on the Renault Clio Symbol. The Platina is now an option for Mexican families that want more space for a small price. Nissan sells also one Infiniti car.
Subaru: One of the last car manufacturers to arrive, April 2006. Currently they are available only at Monterrey, Nuevo León and León, Guanajuato.
Suzuki: Suzuki arrived to Mexico in November 2005 thanks to free trade between Japan and Mexico. The Grand Vitara is having great success and has led the maker to import the Swift.
Toyota: This huge Japanese carmaker came to Mexico in 2001 with the Camry and Corolla. The Corolla and the RAV4, as in the rest of the world are very successful.
Volkswagen Group: Volkswagen is a sales leader in Mexico, just behind GM, Ford and Nissan. The commercial success of the models Pointer, Sedán and Lupo increase considerably the sales of this carmaker. Volkswagen hasn't introduced the ultra-luxury brands Lamborghini and Bugatti in Mexico (which may only be bought through speciallist car dealers in major cities), however Audi and Bentley are having good sales in Mexico.