Mexican industry does not ignore such an important branch as mechanical engineering. In the north and the center of the country, many factories produce cars of various brands and types. In particular, Mexicans assemble cars, trucks, and specialized and passenger vehicles of the world’s leading brands. These include Mercedes-Benz, BMW, General Motors, Nissan, FORD, Honda, VW, Chrysler, Toyota, and others. It also has a small share of its own companies, among which Mastretta’s design stands out. It produces the signature supercar, the Mastretta MXT.
What are Mexican automobile brands?
Mexican car brands include DINA, Inferno Exotic Car, Zacua, and Solana. Mastretta, Mexicana de Autobuses, S.A. de C.V. (MASA), and Vehículos Automotores Mexicanos are listed as non-existent.
DINA
This automaker’s name translates to “Diesel Nacional.” It is also the first company in Mexico to produce trucks and buses. Its base is located in Ciudad Sahagún, Hidalgo state. It is a state-owned project founded in 1921. Since 1989, Grupo Empresarial G has owned it.
The company has maintained partnerships with Skoda, Caterpillar, Flxible, Fiat, Eaton, Chrysler, Renault, Spicer, Cummins, Perkins, Scania, and others. Foreign companies have helped improve the manufacturability of transportation equipment and build rich experience. Currently, DINA’s main products are short- and long-distance buses.
Inferno Exotic Car
This brand’s supercar debuted in 2016 at the Automobili en México exhibition and immediately attracted connoisseurs with its innovative design and high-tech features. The specialized house, Dozerek, LTM Hot Spot, and Italian designer Antonio Ferrioli worked on it for seven years. The car accelerates to 100 kilometers per hour in less than 3 seconds and can reach up to 400 kilometers per hour. The hypercar’s wings are made of the patented Zinag alloy, a metallic silver aluminum-zinc foam.
Zacua
The young Mexican company entered the automotive industry relatively recently, in 2017. It is based in Ciudad de Puebla (Mexico City), where it introduced its debut eponymous cars, MX2 and MX3. It is a subsidiary of Motores Limpios SA de CV, which launched its brand to improve the country’s economic and technological situation. The brand name is borrowed from the local dialect, where “zacua” is the name of a popular bird.
Mastretta
This is not only a car company but also a design studio. Industrial designer Daniel Mastretta founded it in 1987 in Mexico City, where the company’s headquarters remain. The company’s peak activity was in 1990, when several car series under the Unediseño and Tecnoidea brands were launched.
In 2010, the company introduced its own car, the MXT model. The supercar was a success, and Mastretta is wrongly attributed as the first manufacturer of mass-market cars in Mexico. Before it, other brands produced their cars: DM Nacional, VAM, Ramirez Industrial Group, and Dina (in the 50s of the last century). Their production was not as large-scale as this brand’s.
Mexicana de Autobuses, S.A. de C.V. (MASA)
Founded in 1959, the automobile plant began producing buses almost immediately, including double-decker city and international tourist buses. Until 1988, it was state-owned and located in Tultitlan. Then, the company was privatized, making it the second-largest bus plant in Mexico. In 1998, Volvo bought it, renamed it Volvo Buses de México, and closed it down.
Vehículos Automotores Mexicanos
This manufacturer was founded in 1946 as Willys Mexicana. In 1963, it changed its name to VAM under an agreement between the Mexican government and American Motors Corporation. The company initially manufactured Willys-Overland Jeeps and then switched to assembling cars and trucks under licenses from leading automobile brands. During Mexico’s economic collapse in the first half of the 1980s, the country’s leadership was forced to sell its stake in VAM to Renault, which closed the plant in 1986.
Solana
The Solana family founded this private car brand in 1936. The company produces children’s, racing, and sports cars, most of which exist as single copies. The company has 42 cars in its arsenal (as of 2003). Most of the models were single-cylinder variants for children, as the family is serious about motorsports. Its most famous representative is Moises Solana. He raced family cars and drove his signature sports car in Formula 1.
Ramirez
This automobile company is Grupo Industrial Ramirez. Founded in 1946, it was the first Mexican manufacturer of vans and pickup trucks. The Ramirez logo features a printed light gray “R”.
Rebaque
It began as a racing team created by Héctor Alonso Rebaque. It gradually developed its own sports car based on the Type 79 chassis, with input from Jeff Ferris and John Barnard. The Rebaque logo features a two-line handwritten italic font. The text is green on a white background.
FAQ
What luxury cars are sold in Mexico?
Mexico’s luxury car market is dynamic and diverse, with many high-end models from renowned brands. The best luxury cars in Mexico include:
- Audi A8: A flagship sedan with advanced technology, a spacious interior, and a smooth ride.
- BMW 7 Series: A luxury sedan known for its dynamic performance, sophisticated design, and innovative technology.
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Considered the benchmark for luxury sedans, combining advanced technology, unparalleled comfort, and powerful performance.
- Porsche Panamera: A sporty luxury sedan offering an exhilarating driving experience with the comfort and refinement expected from a high-end brand.
- Jaguar XJ: An elegant sedan known for its stylish design, powerful performance, and luxurious interior.
- Lexus LS: A flagship sedan known for its refined ride, luxurious interior, and advanced safety features.
- Lexus RX: A popular luxury SUV that combines reliability, premium performance, and a comfortable ride.
- Tesla Model S: Known for its impressive all-electric range, powerful performance, and cutting-edge technology.
- Tesla Model X: An electric SUV offering futuristic technology, impressive performance, and a spacious interior.
- Maserati Quattroporte: An Italian luxury sedan that combines performance, style, and exclusivity.
- Maserati Levante: A luxury SUV that combines Italian craftsmanship with powerful performance for a distinctive, stylish option in the luxury SUV market.
- Range Rover: Known for its off-road capabilities and luxurious interior.
- Range Rover Sport: Combines sporty performance with luxury and comfort.
Does Mexico have a car brand?
Yes, Mexico has its own car brands. Mexico’s highly developed automotive industry produces products for renowned international brands such as Toyota, Chrysler, VW, Honda, Ford, Nissan, General Motors, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Mexico’s automotive brands contribute to the country’s industrial landscape.
Although Mexico is known for producing cars from international brands, it has a growing presence of its own auto brands. Brands such as VUHL, Mastretta, Zacua, Inferno Automobili, and Giant Motors Latinoamérica demonstrate the country’s capabilities and ambitions in the automotive industry. Each brand uniquely contributes, from high-performance sports cars to eco-friendly electric vehicles, highlighting Mexico’s diverse and evolving automotive landscape.
What is the most popular car brand in Mexico?
Nissan is the most popular car brand in Mexico. This trend continued into 2021, with strong sales for several models.
Several factors contribute to Nissan’s popularity in Mexico:
- Wide Model Selection: Nissan offers a variety of models, from compact cars to pickup trucks, to suit different market segments.
- Affordability: Nissan cars are competitively priced, making them affordable for many people.
- Reliability: Nissan has a reputation for producing reliable and durable vehicles.
- After-sales Service: The brand has an extensive network of service centers across Mexico, offering convenient maintenance and repair.
- Local Manufacturing: Nissan has manufacturing facilities in Mexico, which helps reduce costs and ensures a stable supply of vehicles.