Mexico February 2016: Nissan Versa sails off in market up 13.5%

The Nissan Versa is the new Mexican market leader. 

* See the Top 40 All-brands and Top 225 models by clicking on the title *

Nothing can stop the Mexican car market, up another 13.5% year-on-year in February to a record 110.077 registrations and lifting the year-to-date total up 14.5% to an all-time high 230.477 units after two months. Once again leader Nissan follows the market closely at +13% to 28.530 sales and 25.8% share, widening the gap over its direct follower to more than 10 percentage points: Chevrolet is up just 2% to 17.199 units and 15.5% while Volkswagen is up 14% to 15.938 and 14.4%. Below, Ford (+10%), Toyota (+22%) and Honda (+17%) are within 1.000 sales of each other. Once again the big story is the outstanding performance of newcomer Kia, improving its record volume and share further to 3.146 and 2.8% and beating sister brand Hyundai (2.307 and 2.1%, up 52%) for the second consecutive month. Ram (+35%), Mercedes (+30%), Peugeot (+50%), Infiniti (+31%) and Cadillac (+30%) also shine.

The Chevrolet Sonic breaks into the Mexican Top 10 just as the Aveo crumbles.

In the models ranking, we are witnessing a once in a five year occurrence with a new leader making its mark: the Nissan Versa, up another 31% to 6.437 sales and 5.4% share, frankly distancing the VW Vento (4.2%) and Nissan Pickup (4%). Leader for four consecutive years until 2015, the Chevrolet Aveo crumbles down 31% to 8th overall and has already lost virtually all chance to remain in the pole position for 2016. Were the Versa to confirm this newfound leadership all through the end of 2016, it would be the first Nissan nameplate to top Mexican sales since the Tsuru in 2010. Partly responsible for this shakeup is the drop of the Matiz from the Chevrolet Mexico lineup which has had a domino effect on sales of its entire lineup: the Spark (+23%) benefits and ranks 4th overall while the more recent Sonic is being strongly marketed by the brand and cracks the Top 10 in February (+188%), however the Aveo has suffered.

Mexican Nissan X-Trail sales are up 71% in February. 

Other notable performers this month in Mexico include the VW Jetta up 72% now that the older generation “Clasico” has been discontinued, the VW Gol up 66% to #11, Nissan X-Trail up 71% to #12, the Chevrolet Silverado up 40% to #17 and leading U.S. pickups, the Toyota Yaris up 54%, Hyundai Grand i10 up 73% and Ford Ranger up 50%. Among recent launches, the Honda HR-V (#19), Kia Sportage (#22), Dodge Attitude (#23) and Ford Figo (#31) lead the way while the VW Up breaks into the Top 50 for its 2nd month on sale.

Previous month: Mexico January 2016: Nissan Versa #1, Kia > Hyundai in market up 15%

One year ago: Mexico February 2015: Market shoots up 22% to record level

Full February 2016 Top 40 All-brands and Top 225 models below.