Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are establishing a growing presence in メキシコ, marking a strategic move that could reshape North America’s automotive landscape. BYD, the world’s largest EV maker by volume, is leading this charge with makeshift dealerships appearing across Mexico City, where their Dolphin Mini compact EV sells for $18,000 – nearly $10,000 less than the most affordable electric vehicle available in the 米国, reports the NYタイムズ.

The expansion highlights a carefully calculated approach by Chinese automakers to penetrate the North American market while navigating significant trade barriers. While current U.S. tariffs effectively double the price of Chinese-made vehicles, making direct entry unfeasible, companies like BYD, Chery, Geely, and SAIC are rapidly building their presence throughout Mexico and Latin America.

In Mexico’s automotive market, Chinese brands have achieved remarkable growth, capturing 9% of new car sales – up from negligible presence just five years ago. This mirrors similar success in other emerging markets, with Chinese manufacturers claiming 18% market share in Thailand and 9% in Brazil, according to JATO Dynamics data.

The value proposition is compelling. At a BYD dealership in San Luis Potosí, the Shark pickup, a plug-in hybrid priced at $45,000, and the Song plug-in SUV at $30,000 are successfully competing with established models like the トヨタ Tacoma and RAV4, offering similar features at approximately $10,000 less.

Technical sophistication is no longer a barrier for Chinese manufacturers. Industry analysts note that Chinese automakers have not only achieved mechanical parity with traditional manufacturers but often exceed them in key areas like バッテリー技術, autonomous driving capabilities, and infotainment systems. This advancement has enabled them to challenge established players even in their home markets, with テスラ facing increasing competition in 中国 from domestic brands.

The implications for the U.S. automotive industry could be significant. While Chinese manufacturers are currently focusing on markets with fewer trade barriers, their establishment of dealership networks and potential manufacturing facilities in Mexico suggests longer-term ambitions. Mexico’s position as the world’s seventh-largest auto producer, with existing infrastructure and supply chains integrated with the U.S. market, makes it an ideal staging ground for future expansion.

However, significant obstacles remain. The Biden administration has implemented policies specifically designed to protect U.S. automotive manufacturing, including substantial subsidies for domestic battery production. President-elect Trump has proposed even more aggressive measures, including potential 25% tariffs on Mexican imports. Additionally, Mexico’s new president has emphasized prioritizing U.S. relations, recently increasing tariffs on imported vehicles from 15% to 20% in what appears to be a response to growing Chinese vehicle sales.

The electric vehicle transition could prove to be a crucial factor. With EVs already representing 50% of new car sales in China, Chinese manufacturers have gained valuable experience in mass-producing affordable electric vehicles. In Mexico, where EVs currently account for less than 2% of sales but are growing at over 40% annually, this expertise could prove decisive. Local incentives, such as Mexico City’s pollution-based driving restrictions exemption for EVs, further strengthen their appeal.

For traditional automakers, the challenge is substantial. General Motors recently announced a $5 billion restructuring of its Chinese operations due to mounting competitive pressures. While industry veterans like フォルクスワーゲン‘s CFO Arno Antlitz draw parallels to previous competitive waves from Japanese and Korean manufacturers, the scale and speed of Chinese manufacturers’ expansion, combined with their leadership in EV technology, suggests this challenge may be unprecedented.

As the automotive industry continues its electric transition, the question isn’t whether Chinese manufacturers will impact the North American market, but rather when and how significantly. Their current strategy of establishing strong positions in adjacent markets while developing local manufacturing capabilities suggests a patient but determined approach to eventual U.S. market entry, regardless of current trade barriers.