NSF Ignites an Interest in Quality Management Certifications at Automechanika Mexico

From July 16 to 18, NSF proudly participated in Automechanika Mexico, held in Mexico City. This premier event brought together a wide spectrum of professionals, including mechanics, shop owners, aftermarket part vendors, distributors, and automotive manufacturing companies supplying OEMs. The strong presence of exhibitors from China and India underscored the global nature of the event and the increasing influence of these markets in the automotive industry.

This international engagement reflects Mexico’s strategic position in the global automotive landscape. The country continues to strengthen its role as a production and export powerhouse. In 2023, Mexico produced nearly 3.78 million light vehicles—a 14.2% increase from the previous year—marking its most productive year since 2019. Exports also rose by 15.2%, with over 3.3 million units shipped, predominantly to the United States¹.

The domestic market is also expanding. In 2023, 1.36 million light vehicles were sold in Mexico, a 24.4% increase over the previous year ¹. The country’s vehicle fleet reached 58.2 million units, including 38 million private-use cars. The automotive manufacturing sector employed over 109,000 people ².

Mexico’s foreign direct investment (FDI) in the automotive industry reached $7 billion USD in 2023, up from $4 billion in 2022. Automotive exports totaled $156.5 billion USD, while imports were $61.3 billion USD, maintaining a strong trade surplus ³. Sales of light vehicles in 2024 reached 1.5 million units, with SUVs leading the market and a notable rise in hybrid and electric vehicle sales—13,300 hybrids and 2,000 battery-electric vehicles sold in December alone ⁴.

These trends are driven by a number of factors, including nearshoring and an investment in sustainable technologies. According to Statista, these shifts could impact up to $2 trillion USD in global GDP by 2027, with Mexico poised to benefit significantly. While North America remains the dominant export market, Mexico's automotive industry is increasingly focused on diversifying its export destinations, with South America playing a significant role ³.

Amid this dynamic environment, quality management certifications were a recurring topic of interest at Automechanika Mexico. NSF engaged in meaningful conversations with businesses seeking to enhance their operational excellence through certifications like ISO 9001. According to the ISO Survey 2023, Mexico has nearly 10,000 ISO 9001 certificates issued across various industries ⁵, signaling a maturing market with growing interest in structured quality systems. ISO 9001 helps organizations improve processes, reduce defects, and strengthen supply chain reliability—making it an ideal starting point for companies aiming to build credibility in the automotive sector.

For organizations supplying OEMs, IATF 16949 is often a mandatory certification. As of early 2024, Mexico had 2,164 certified sites ⁶, underscoring its strategic role in the global automotive supply chain. IATF 16949 sets rigorous quality management requirements and is essential for doing business with global manufacturers.

Mexico is also the fourth largest producer of auto parts globally, with over 350 automotive companies in the State of Mexico alone and at least 90 active OEM suppliers nationwide. These organizations rely on IATF 16949 to meet the stringent expectations of OEMs.

Beyond business discussions, Automechanika Mexico was a valuable moment for team connection. For many NSF colleagues, it was the first time meeting face-to-face, and the collaboration was energizing. We proudly highlight Kimberly Roan, Manager Technical Scheme, whose deep expertise in automotive certification enriched our conversations. Equally important was Sonia Rosas Gavina, Technical Specialist, whose local knowledge and LATAM market experience added a crucial regional perspective.

Why choose NSF?

NSF stands out for its technical expertise, local presence, and unwavering focus on customer satisfaction throughout the certification journey.

In 2024, we achieved an industry-leading Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 75.8, reflecting the trust and loyalty of our clients. Our auditors were rated 4.78 out of 5 for delivering a positive audit experience, and our customer service received a rating of 4.66 out of 5. Clients consistently highlight NSF’s professionalism, responsiveness, and deep understanding of standards like ISO 9001 and IATF 16949. Our audit teams bring real-world industry experience, adding value beyond compliance.

Ready to take the next step?

Interested in certification?

Contact us to learn how NSF can support your journey toward quality excellence.

Already certified? Transferring your certification to NSF

Did you know that you can transfer your existing ISO management system certification to NSF at almost any time during your certification cycle? Although the rules and processes for doing this differ between IATF 16949 and ISO standards, such as ISO 9001, we provide a professional and efficient transfer service in line with the relevant mandatory documentation requirements.

Some clients who hold an existing product certification with NSF might also benefit from reduced audit time when transferring their ISO certification to NSF

Sources

¹ Mexican vehicle production rose 14% in 2023

² Automotive industry in Mexico - statistics & facts

³ Statista – FDI and trade balance in Mexico

⁴ Statista – Hybrid and electric vehicle sales in Mexico

⁵ ISO Survey 2023

⁶ IATF Global Oversight – Certified sites 2024