Mexico March 2016: Nissan Versa tops 15th consecutive record month

The Nissan Versa confirms it is now Mexico’s most popular nameplate.

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

The Mexican new car market posts an incredible 15th consecutive record month in March with sales up a cool 11% year-on-year to 116.870 units, an all-time high for the month. Year-to-date volumes are up 13% to a record 347.347 units after three months. At this rate, Mexico will cross the symbolic 1.5 million annual registrations for the very first time by the end of 2016, an additional 150.000 units on 2015, the current record at 1.35m sales. Although slightly underperforming at +8% in March and +11% in 2016, Nissan remains by far the most popular brand in the country with 26.5% share this month, distancing Chevrolet at 17.1% (+4%) and Volkswagen at 13.9% (+13%). Toyota (+22%) overtakes Ford (-8%) for the overall 4th spot with Honda (+14%) and Mazda (-8%) in tow.

The Nissan Pickup ranks #2 in March. Picture autocosmos.com.mx

Kia confirms it is more successful than sister brand Hyundai, lifting its personal best further to 3.381 sales and 2.9% share only eight months after it launched in the country. Coincidentally, Hyundai also beats its monthly volume record in March at 2.747 and 2.4%, up 60% year-on-year. Notice also Renault (+36%), Ram (+56%), Mercedes (+24%), GMC (+28%), Buick (+46%) and Volvo (+32%) all frankly outperforming the market.

Four years after Brazil, the Chevrolet S-10 has launched in Mexico to great success. 

Model-wise, the Nissan Versa cements its newfound leadership of the Mexican market thanks to sales up a splendid 53% to 7.194 units, distancing another Nissan, the Pickup – the commercial variant of the Frontier – despite sales down 5% to 5.145. The Chevrolet Spark (+21%) steps onto the podium for the very first time in Mexico, progressively replacing the Aveo (-32% to #7) as the brand’s best-seller here. The VW Vento (-6%) and Jetta (+53%) roundup the Top 5 with the Chevrolet Sonic (+65%) posting a second consecutive month inside the Top 10.

Toyota Hilux sales are up 50% in Mexico thanks to the new model. 

Among recent launches, the Chevrolet S-10 (the world Colorado) imported from Brazil albeit with a 4 year-delay shoots up to #14 with 1.700 sales, becoming an instant blockbuster and the 2nd best-selling pickup in Mexico, just above the Nissan Frontier (+60%), Chevrolet Silverado (+28%) and Toyota Hilux, boosted up 50% by the new generation. The Honda HR-V (#19) is now the brand’s best-seller, the Chevrolet Equinox is up to #24, Kia Rio up to #33 and the Hyundai Tucson up to #35.

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

One year ago (1): Mexico March 2015: Top 222 All-models and All-brands available

One year ago (2): Mexico March 2015: VW Vento up to 2nd place in market up 22%

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