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Argentina Auto Sales Cool, Mexico Output Slips as VW Plans 50,000 Job Cuts

A delayed data release in Argentina, soft February readings in Mexico, plus sweeping cuts at Volkswagen point to pressure from Chinese competition, with tariff uncertainty reshaping the auto landscape.

Overview

  • Argentina’s dealer group ACARA reported 42,026 registrations in February, down 5.7% year over year and 36.8% from January, with 108,480 units in the first two months (−4.9% versus 2025).
  • ACARA published the figures after an unusual delay and cited the DNRPA as its source instead of its long‑used SIOMAA feed, reflecting an institutional dispute over ownership of the statistics.
  • Toyota Hilux led Argentina’s February ranking; seven of the top ten models were built locally, and Volkswagen was the month’s best‑selling brand.
  • Mexico’s INEGI tallied February production at 311,457 vehicles (−1.8% y/y), exports at 247,945 (−4.4% y/y) and domestic sales at 118,305 (−0.3% y/y), while AMDA said 22.3% of Jan–Feb sales were China‑manufactured despite new tariffs up to 50%.
  • Volkswagen said it will eliminate about 50,000 jobs in Germany by 2030 to meet a €15 billion annual savings target after profits fell sharply, citing stiff Chinese competition, softer European demand and U.S. tariff costs.