Only one other Chinese automaker has built a plant in North America, Zhongxing got in there early with their announcement, but the second player to get into Mexico will be none other than FAW’s sub brand, Xia Li.
Xia Li have signed up with a currently unknown Mexican partner and will be ready to start construction on the plant by the end of this month. Xia Li were origninally aiming for the Russian market, but due to recent restrictons on Chinese auto manufacturers in the country Xia Li decided to go opt for Mexico.
The first vehicle to be manufactured in Mexico via the partnership will be the Xia Li Weizhi priced around 13,000USD.
Around 2003, American Automotive Network Holdings imported about 150 Xialis into Florida. Not approved for sale in U.S., I think most of them found their way to Mexico. So Mexican consumers got that early look at the product.
Chang’an is also shipping vehicles to Mexico; some perhaps through U.S. owned Tiger Truck.