Mexico May 2017: Kia Rio breaks into Top 10, market back up

The Kia Rio ranks 9th in Mexico this month. 

* See the Top 40 All-brands and Top 220 models by clicking on the title *

After declining for the first time in three years last month, the Mexican new light vehicle market is back in positive in May, albeit very shyly at +1.1% to 122.925 registrations, a new May record. The year-to-date tally remains well ahead of last year at an all-time high 615.686 units after five months, up 4.8%. If market leader Nissan manages to edge up 2% to 23.8% share, direct followers Chevrolet (-17%) and Volkswagen (-8%) are in trouble but reproduce their year-to-date market share. Toyota (+10%), Honda (+26%) and Kia (+61%) are below, all outpacing the market as do Mazda (+15%) and Hyundai (+14%) inside the Top 10. Further down, Mercedes (+19%), BMW (+18%), Jeep (+17%), Fiat (+52%), GMC (+28%), Buick (+50%) and Isuzu (+62%) are among the biggest gainers.

The Jeep Renegade is getting close to the Top 50 for its 2nd month in market.

Model-wise, the Nissan Versa gains a strong 25% to remain in the lead with 6.2% share, distancing the Chevrolet Spark (+10%) while the Nissan Pickup is up 28% to round up the podium. Below, both the Chevrolet Aveo (+14%) and VW Vento (+18%) frankly outpace the market but the biggest gains in the Top 10 are to be found below: boosted by the new generation, the Honda CR-V posts another stunning month at +113% in 7th place and the Kia Rio breaks into the Mexican Top 10 for the very first time at #9 with sales up 131% year-on-year. Its share of locally-produced models is now up to 73%. This is the first time a Kia nameplate has ranked inside the Top 10 in Mexico. The Kia Forte for its part is up 154% to #23 with its sales now 100% locally-produced. Launched last month, the Jeep Renegade is up 36 spots to get closer to the Top 50 at #56.

Previous month: Mexico April 2017: First year-on-year decline in 3 years

One year ago: Mexico May 2016: Chevrolet teases Nissan in 17th straight record month

Full May 2017 Top 40 All-brands and Top 220 models below.