GM and Stellantis Lead Mexican Auto Exports to U.S. as Logistics Networks Expand

Borderlands Mexico: Auto Exports and Logistics Expansion

Context: The North American Automotive Engine

Mexico remains the backbone of cross-border freight for the automotive sector, serving as a primary manufacturing hub under the USMCA framework. While monthly production figures fluctuate, the strategic alignment between Mexican assembly plants and U.S. demand ensures deep integration across the continent.

February Production and Export Data

According to data from Mexico's National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), the automotive sector faced a slight contraction in February 2026. The country produced 311,457 light vehicles, marking a 1.8% decline year over year. Exports also dipped by 4.4% to 247,945 units.

However, the first two months of 2026 tell a different story regarding growth. Cumulative production reached 625,774 vehicles, down only 0.6% compared to the same period in 2025, while exports surged by 1.4% to 485,426 units. The industry remains heavily export-driven, with roughly three-quarters of all Mexican-made vehicles destined for the United States.

Manufacturer Performance: GM and Stellantis Lead

Among automakers operating in Mexico, General Motors and Stellantis dominated February output:

• General Motors (GM): Produced 69,652 vehicles and exported 57,473, leading all manufacturers.
• Stellantis: Produced 40,865 units and shipped 30,401 abroad.
• Other Producers: Nissan produced 40,214 (exporting 27,800), Ford Motor Co. produced 31,508 (exporting 28,958), and Toyota exported 26,190.

The data underscores that most vehicles assembled in Mexico are destined for foreign markets, particularly the U.S., which absorbed 75.7% of exports from January through February. Canada followed with 12.1%, while Germany, Colombia, and other international markets accounted for the remainder.

Infrastructure Developments: Rail and Ground Freight

Beyond vehicle production, significant logistics investments are reshaping supply chain capabilities:

BNSF Railway Logistics Center BNSF has broken ground on a $500 million investment in Gunter, Texas. The 944-acre "Logistics Center North Dallas" is located about an hour north of the city and will feature direct rail service. Construction is expected to take approximately 19 months, aiming to expand supply chains within the Dallas–Fort Worth corridor.

Maersk Ground Freight Hub Global shipper A.P. Moller – Maersk has opened a new facility in Fontana, California. The 165,000-square-foot ground freight hub includes 22 dock doors and a fleet of 18 vehicles operating 24/7. This expansion allows for faster connections to regional markets and aims to accelerate freight turnaround times by up to five hours, complementing Maersk's existing network of over 65 facilities in North America.

Market Trends

The industry continues to be dominated by light trucks and SUVs. During the first two months of 2026, these vehicle types accounted for approximately 80.4% of total production in Mexico, reflecting consumer demand trends in North America.

Takeaway

While February saw a marginal dip in Mexican auto production, the year-to-date export growth and the dominance of GM and Stellantis highlight the sector's resilience. Simultaneously, major infrastructure projects by BNSF and Maersk signal continued investment in the cross-border logistics networks that sustain this vital trade relationship.