Made-in-China Chevrolet Aveo Wins Mexican Buyers
Made-in-China Chevrolet Aveo is winning fans in Mexico as buyers flock to affordable, stylish, and fuel-efficient vehicles. At just around $17,000, the Aveo — manufactured in China and sold under the Chevrolet badge — appeals to budget-conscious Mexicans like Uber driver Patricia Gatica, who called it “sporty” and “perfect” for city driving.
General Motors leverages China’s low labor and production costs to export subcompacts like the Aveo and Onix to Mexico, where new car prices average about $32,000 — far below the nearly $49,000 US average. Over 65% of GM’s sales in Mexico come from Chinese imports, with almost 61,000 vehicles sold in just six months.
Mexico has become the world’s biggest market for Chinese cars, aided by low tariffs and growing acceptance. Chinese brands like BYD, Geely, and SAIC-Wuling are expanding, offering competitive prices and financing despite US pressure to curb imports.
For GM, shipping cars from China sustains factories there while meeting Mexican demand for affordable cars. The Aveo’s success underscores GM’s trusted brand and ability to adapt. As sales soar and buyers embrace value over origin, the Aveo exemplifies how Chinese-made vehicles are reshaping Mexico’s car market.
