Volkswagen has announced changes to its Puebla plant’s production
In response to a «challenging environment» for the automobile sector in North America and around the world. Automaker Volkswagen said that it will modify production capacity at its Puebla facility.
Volkswagen de México said in a statement that it «will adjust its production capacity at the Puebla plant in line with current conditions in its key markets» due to the «challenging context for the automotive industry worldwide and in the North American region.»
This change «will apply to the production segment dedicated to the Tiguan and Jetta models,» it clarified. And it will be carried out «through the indefinite elimination of one of the three production shifts.»
The company stated that it is taking “this difficult but necessary measure in compliance with the law.” While it did not specify how many workers might be affected. Media outlets in Puebla reported that the shift likely to be eliminated is the night shift and that the decision could impact approximately 1,300 workers.
On August 7, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) reported that light vehicle production in Mexico fell 2.19% year-over-year in July to 302,673 units. While exports declined 9.69% to 261,534 units.
This result represents 6,780 fewer vehicles manufactured compared to July 2025. When 309,453 units were produced and 28,064 fewer exports compared to the 289,598 units shipped abroad during the same month last year.
Drops on the sector
The drop in exports from the sector—the country’s largest industry—comes amidst the imposition of 25% tariffs by the United States on most vehicles and automotive components. A measure in effect since April 2025 aimed at boosting U.S. production.
The slump also coincides with an industrial reconfiguration, following Toyota’s move to shift part of its Tacoma pickup assembly to the United States and General Motors’ adaptation of its plant in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, for compact models.
