Mexico’s heavy-vehicle industry registered record production and export figures between January and May this year, according to the national statistics agency, INEGI, and the National Association of Bus, Truck and Tractor Producers (Anpact). 

Compared to the same period in 2022, manufacturing of heavy vehicles increased by 24.3%, while exports increased by 20.2%.

INEGI data showed that of 93,968 units manufactured, 97% (91,168) were trucks. The remaining 2,800 units were passenger buses.

Exports also registered a record figure of 75,264 units, of which more than 90% were sent to the United States. The remaining units went primarily to Canada (2.5%) and Perú (0.5%).

The report, compiled by Anpact and Sparta Motors, analyzed sales and manufacturing data from the 15 brands that operate within Mexico. In May alone, these companies sold 4,618 heavy vehicles at retail and 4,854 at wholesale. 

Anpact head Miguel Elizalde said that from January to June, the manufacturing of heavy vehicles reached 113,526 units, the highest number ever recorded — 8.9% more than the all-time high registered in 2019.

“If this trend continues, we will reach record numbers at the end of the year and we will maintain production leadership as the No. 5 world cargo manufacturer,” Elizalde said. 

In June, the industry manufactured 19,558 heavy units, the second-best month for production in  2023 and the highest June figures in the last four years. Industry exports hit 16,051 units, a 10% increase on the number registered in 2022. 

With reports from INEGI and El Economista.