In the first half of 2018, the export of automobiles assembled in Mexico grew by 10.5% compared to the same period last year, for a total increase in vehicle production equal to 6.4%. The data, published by AMIA (Asociacion Mexicana De La Industria Automotriz), does not take into account the activities of Japanese maker Nissan. The reason for the growth, explains AMIA's President Eduardo Solis, lies in the fact that "about 80% of what is produced in the country is destined for export, and the demand in the United States has grown by 5%, in June." The growth in the US has reflected the good results in the following months in Mexico.
The weak point remains the internal market. Between January and June, 680,699 vehicles were marketed in the country. A decrease of 8.4% over the previous year. The worst result since 2015.
Italy’s ASO Group has benefitted from a positive trend in the Mexican automotive industry.  The group recently secured € 16 million of financing from UniCredit, BNL BNP Paribas Group, thanks to SIMEST and SACE, the Italian government agencies providing, respectively, credit and insurance services to Italian companies.  The financing will support ASO Group investments in manufacturing capacity in the country.