MONTERREY, NUEVO LEON.- Mexico’s truck production and exports saw marked increases in May, helped by better synchronization of the supply chain and shortening delivery times, officials said.
Miguel Elizalde, president of Mexico’s National Association of Bus, Truck, and Tractor Producers (ANPACT), said the latest figures show that demand for cargo trucks from the U.S. continues to be positive.
Elizalde said during a recent video news conference that the “14,845 units [exported] is one of the best months of May we have had in the last few years.
“We did have a higher monthly export total a couple of months earlier, but if we continue with this trend, then we are going to continue to be very successful the rest of the year,” Elizalde said.
The 10 truck makers in Mexico that are members of ANPACT manufactured a total of 18,728 units in May, an 38% year-over-year (y/y) increase compared with 2022. Exports of trucks increased 34% y/y.
The U.S. was the overwhelming destination for trucks produced in Mexico during May, accounting for 96% of exports, followed by Canada at 2.5% and Peru and Colombia at about 0.5% each.
Truck makers and parts manufacturers with assembly plants and factories in Mexico include Freightliner, Kenworth, Navistar, Hino, International, DINA, MAN SE, Mercedes-Benz, Isuzu, Scania, Cummins, and Detroit Diesel.
Elizalde also reiterated that Mexico’s truck producers could see a major boost over the next few years from a wave of manufacturers arriving in the country.
“Nearshoring is an opportunity that we will undoubtedly promote in favor of Mexico, for which we seek to strengthen the dialogue with federal and state authorities so that the necessary physical and energy infrastructure is available,” Elizalde said.
Freightliner was the top truck producer and exporter in Mexico during May. The company built 10,400 trucks, a 56% y/y increase, and exported 9,142 units, a 58% y/y decrease.
International Trucks Inc. produced 5,764 units in May, a 16% y/y increase, and exported 5,273, a 14% y/y rise.
Kenworth manufactured 1,402 units, a 3% y/y increase, and exported 430 trucks, a 34% y/y decrease from 2022.
Elizalde also said Mexican authorities must provide better security for the trucking industry. In recent months there has been an increase in cargo thefts around the country.
“Security is a necessary condition for economic growth, the stability of the country, and the progress of both individuals and companies,” Elizalde said. “The lack of security affects the business environment. We urge authorities at all levels of government to intervene in a timely and efficient manner.”
Source: Freight Waves
