Mexico Drives Auto Exports to US as Logistics Hubs Expand

Automakers in Mexico have driven a surge in exports to the US in recent months, according to the latest data from FreightWaves' Borderlands report. General Motors and Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, were the top two vehicle exporters from Mexico to the US in February. GM exported over 26,000 vehicles, a 16% increase year-over-year, while Stellantis exported nearly 23,000 vehicles, up 6% from the same period in 2022. The strong auto exports reflect the continued importance of the integrated North American automotive supply chain, with Mexico serving as a major production and export hub. 'Mexico's auto industry has been a key driver of trade with the United States,' said Sergio Ornelas, director of the Borderlands report. In other logistics news from the region, BNSF Railway recently broke ground on a new $500 million logistics center north of Dallas, Texas. The facility will include intermodal, automotive, and manifest freight capabilities to support growing freight volumes. 'This new logistics hub will help us better serve our customers in this fast-growing region,' said BNSF spokesperson Lena Kent. Additionally, global freight forwarder Geodis opened a new ground freight hub in Fontana, California, expanding its North American distribution network. 'The new facility allows us to increase our capacity and efficiency to meet the needs of our customers in the region,' said Mike Honious, Geodis' President & CEO for the Americas. These infrastructure investments underscore the continued importance of cross-border trade and the role of logistics in supporting the integrated North American economy, particularly for key industries like automotive manufacturing.