El Bajío’s Auto Industry Drives Regional Economic Expansion

The El Bajío region continues solidifying its status as a cornerstone of Mexico’s automotive industry, playing a vital role in vehicle production and global exports. Encompassing the states of Querétaro, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí, and parts of Jalisco, the region is home to some of the most dynamic automotive manufacturing clusters in the country.

Accounting for approximately 25% of the national automotive workforce, El Bajío employs around 235,000 people in the sector. Its industrial landscape hosts the full spectrum of production activities, from light and heavy vehicles to motorcycles, engines, transmissions, and auto parts. Major global players have established a robust presence across the region, capitalizing on its skilled labor force, infrastructure, and strategic location.

In 2024, Mexico’s automotive industry reached a historic milestone with the production of 3.98 million light vehicles, reflecting a 5.56% increase from the previous year. Exports also set a new record, with 3.48 million units shipped abroad, a 5.4% increase from the prior year. Approximately 87% of all light vehicles manufactured in Mexico are exported, with the United States continuing to serve as the leading destination.

Vehicle Manufacturing Growth Powered by Global Brands and Regional Hubs

This robust performance is underpinned by strategic regional hubs such as El Bajío, where  Guanajuato hosts manufacturing operations for Mazda, Honda, Toyota, and General Motors, along with key engine and transmission facilities. San Luis Potosí contributes with BMW and GM plants, while Aguascalientes strengthens the country’s production capacity with Nissan and Mercedes-Benz facilities. Meanwhile, Jalisco contributes to Honda’s motorcycle production. These concentrated industrial zones play a pivotal role in supporting Mexico’s growing export footprint.

The region also supports a dense ecosystem of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, manufacturing a wide array of auto parts critical to the global supply chain. This interconnected network enhances El Bajío’s competitiveness and resilience as an automotive hub.

Querétaro, Guanajuato, and San Luis Potosí play a pivotal role in powering Mexico’s growing heavy vehicle manufacturing industry. Querétaro is home to companies such as Scania, VW Buses, and MAN, while Guanajuato hosts Hino, and Cummins operates in San Luis Potosí. These strategic investments support a segment that has positioned Mexico as a global leader: the country is now the top exporter of tractor-trailers, the fourth-largest exporter and fifth-largest producer of cargo vehicles, and the eighth-largest producer of buses. Beyond its international reach, this industry segment generates over 28,600 direct jobs and contributes 1.3% to the national manufacturing GDP, emphasizing its significance for both regional development and Mexico’s industrial standing worldwide.

As global demand continues to rebound and nearshoring trends gain momentum, El Bajío stands poised to maintain its position as a central engine driving Mexico’s automotive future.

If you want your company to join this ecosystem, contact TECMA to explore your options. Let us be your partner!