Mitsubishi Motors Mexico to Invest and Potentially Manufacture Vehicles Locally
Despite the global surge in tariffs altering automotive business strategies, Mitsubishi Motors Mexico will not be affected due to its import quota through the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi alliance. However, the Japanese brand aims to invest in Mexico and eventually produce cars for the local market in the medium term, according to Ah-Kin Vázquez, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Mexico.
Tariff Challenges and the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance
When questioned about Mexico’s 50% tariff on cars from China, Thailand, and Indonesia (where Mitsubishi’s vehicles originate along with Japan), Ah-Kin Vázquez stated, “We are not affected, fortunately, thanks to our alliance with Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi. As part of this alliance, Nissan Mexico has manufacturing plants in the country, which grants us privileges and benefits to use import quotas. For now, we have no tariff concerns.”
Nevertheless, Vázquez mentioned in an interview with El Economista that Mitsubishi aims to secure its own import quotas in the future, reducing dependence on the alliance.
Mitsubishi’s Medium-Term Plans in Mexico
Asked if Mitsubishi might produce vehicles in Mexico soon, Vázquez clarified, “Not in the short term, but in the medium and long term, I don’t rule it out. Manufacturing locally would bring more affordable costs for consumers in a highly competitive automotive market.”
One of the agreements within the automotive alliance among Japanese and French companies is to have a more agile and efficient business model that allows for quick responses to changing market conditions, as reported by Iván Espinosa, CEO of Nissan Global, last year.
Mitsubishi’s Success and Future Investment
Mitsubishi has maintained a growing sales trend in Mexico, encouraging further investment. When asked about the advantages of manufacturing in Mexico, Vázquez highlighted:
- Better pricing: More competitive prices for consumers.
- Investment benefits: Avoiding tariffs and investing in the country.
- Job creation: Providing employment opportunities for Mexicans.
Vázquez, as a Mexican, expressed pride in the possibility of Mitsubishi establishing a plant and contributing to the Mexican economy by creating jobs and opportunities.
Mitsubishi’s Diverse Vehicle Offerings
Mitsubishi launched the gasoline version of the Outlander SUV in Mexico, targeting consumers hesitant to adopt new technology. The Outlander Sport saw a 200% growth by the end of 2025, with over 7,200 units sold. The Outlander PHEV hybrid connected vehicle also experienced a 20% increase by the end of 2025.
“At Mitsubishi, we are pioneers in plug-in hybrids. Our Outlander PHEV is our star model in technology, increasingly sought after by customers for its quality, design, and performance. For many clients, being Japanese implies higher quality than other brands. We have just launched a gasoline version of the Outlander, which only adds to the Outlander family, similar to how we introduced the Outlander Sport, our smaller vehicle, which has been a great success due to its equipment,” explained the executive.
Mitsubishi Motors Mexico’s Historic 2025 Performance
Mitsubishi Motors de Mexico reported a historic close for 2025, with a total of 27,994 units sold, marking a 13% increase compared to 2024. “This result marks the best calendar year (January-December) in sales in the brand’s history in the country, surpassing even the record set in 2024,” the company highlighted.
In 2025, Mitsubishi’s models demonstrated strong performance: the L200 pickup grew by 6% compared to the previous year, while the Outlander Sport saw over a 200% increase. Xpander Cross and Montero Sport maintained stable results compared to 2024, and the Outlander PHEV achieved a 20% increase.
