Background on the Issue
The Mexican automotive industry, under the guidance of AMIA and AMDA, is advocating for two key changes: establishing a Mexican registration standard and revoking the decree allowing Chinese vehicle imports, known as “chocolate cars.”
Who are AMIA and AMDA?
AMIA (Asociación Mexicana de la Industria Automotriz) and AMDA (Asociación de Distribuidores de Automóviles) are prominent organizations representing the Mexican automotive industry. They work to protect and promote the interests of domestic and foreign car manufacturers, importers, and dealerships.
The Problem with Unregistered Chinese Vehicles
Chinese car importers have stopped registering their sales, causing direct harm to the Mexican automotive industry. This lack of registration affects the industry’s ability to transparently report sales data to INEGI, which is crucial for understanding the Mexican economy’s health and growth prospects.
Impact on the Industry
- Distorted Data: Without accurate sales data, it becomes difficult to assess the true state of the Mexican automotive industry.
- Investment Decisions: Accurate data is essential for making informed decisions about market investments, pricing strategies, and competition.
- Economic Indicators: The automotive industry serves as a key reference for economists to gauge Mexico’s overall economic conditions.
AMIA and AMDA’s Efforts
To address this issue, AMIA and AMDA are engaging in discussions with the Secretary of Economy, led by Marcelo Ebrard. Their primary goal is to establish a mandatory Mexican registration standard for automobiles.
Why a Mandatory Registration Standard Matters
- Accurate Data Collection: A mandatory registration standard would ensure that all car sales are accounted for, providing a more accurate picture of the industry’s performance.
- Improved Market Projections: With reliable data, companies can make better-informed decisions regarding market trends, pricing, and investments.
- Better Economic Understanding: Accurate automotive sales data would offer economists a clearer understanding of Mexico’s economic health.
Revoking the “Chocolate Car” Decree
AMIA and AMDA are also pushing for the revocation of a 2022 decree that allowed the entry of “chocolate cars” into Mexico. These vehicles are often old, highly polluting, and lack insurance, representing 80% of new vehicle sales.
Consequences of the “Chocolate Car” Decree
- Aging Vehicle Fleet: The decree has led to an influx of older, polluting vehicles into Mexico’s roads.
- High Pollution Levels: The increasing number of high-emission vehicles contributes to worsening air quality.
- Insurance Gaps: Many of these imported vehicles lack insurance, posing risks to both drivers and other road users.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? Chinese car importers have stopped registering their sales, leading to distorted data and harming the Mexican automotive industry.
- Who are AMIA and AMDA? AMIA (Asociación Mexicana de la Industria Automotriz) and AMDA (Asociación de Distribuidores de Automóviles) are key organizations representing the Mexican automotive industry.
- Why is a registration standard important? A mandatory registration standard would ensure accurate sales data, enabling better market projections and a clearer understanding of the Mexican economy.
- What is the “chocolate car” decree? A 2022 decree allowing the entry of older, highly polluting vehicles into Mexico, representing 80% of new vehicle sales.
- What are the consequences of the “chocolate car” decree? The decree has led to an aging vehicle fleet, increased pollution levels, and insurance gaps.
