By Eliane Portillo

The automotive industry becomes the sector star of Mexican manufacturing. During 2011 auto industry produced 2’557,550 light vehicles, a production historical number for Mexico.

Exports continue as the driving axle of the production of cars in the country. This area represents 83.82% of the total of vehicles manufacturing, but only 16.18% is for local market. The United States continues as the main destination for Mexican Automotive exports, with 63.5% of total exports, although a lower percentage than in 2010, when I amounted 68.7% of total production.

Although sales to the United States fell, the good news for the sector is that the establishment of new car makers in Mexico has led to a diversification into sales of cars produced in the country and sold to other markets.

For example, Europe increased its vehicles purchases share from Mexico to acquire 220,788 units, a preview of the 23.4% compared to 2010. Canada is another country that increased its purchase 11.7% by purchasing 159,440 units. Something similar happened with Latin American countries to which were sent 321,863 vehicles, accounting to 55.9% more than in 2010.

Reports of the Mexican Automotive Industry Association (AMIA) stress that December 2011 was the best month in terms of production, by growing 5.0% more than in 2010, and reaching 180,163 units, a record figure in the history of the sector in the country.