In this week’s auto news, Mexican exports to Canada surged 20.2% during 1H26 amid ongoing US trade tensions. Domestically, Mexico launched an anti-dumping probe into Japanese steel imports, while Uber and DiDi face escalating labor disputes. Meanwhile, Nissan and Honda teamed up on SDV software, VW cut Puebla shifts, and Audi celebrated producing 1.5 million Q5s.

Time to burn some rubber–This is the week in Automotive!

Mexico Opens Anti-Dumping Investigation Into Japanese Steel

Mexico’s Ministry of Economy (SE) has officially launched an administrative anti-dumping investigation into imports of Japanese steel plate and sheet. The announcement was published Wednesday morning in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF).

Nissan and Honda to Co-Develop Next-Gen Vehicle Software

Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have formalized a joint development agreement to co-develop and standardize core software and electronic components for their next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The strategic partnership marks the first major collaboration between the two companies since negotiations regarding a potential corporate merger collapsed last year.

Mexico’s Exports to Canada Surge 20.2% Amid US Trade Feud

Mexican merchandise exports to Canada surged 20.2% during the first six months of 2026, reaching US$12.258 billion compared to US$10.200 billion recorded in the same period in 2025. This acceleration occurs against the backdrop of an intensifying trade dispute between the United States and Canada, which has begun disrupting historical purchasing patterns and opening market share for Mexican suppliers.

Why the Seat is Becoming the New Frontier of Auto Innovation

For over a century, the vehicle seat was treated largely as a static commodity, a mechanical structure tasked with two primary duties: holding an occupant upright and providing basic crash protection. It was a passive component composed of heavy steel frames, petroleum-derived polyurethanes, and stitched upholstery. But as the concept of mobility undergoes its most radical transformation since the transition from horses to horsepower, the humble car seat is quietly emerging as one of the epicenters of automotive innovation.

Uber and DiDi Face Escalating Mexico Labor Reform Disputes

Rideshare drivers and delivery workers in Mexico are alleging that mobility giants Uber and DiDi are failing to comply with labor regulations established under the December 2024 reform to the Federal Labor Law (LFT), while regulatory challenges for Uber escalate globally following a major privacy fine in Europe.

VW Cuts Shift at Puebla Plant Amid Regional Headwinds

Volkswagen de México has announced an adjustment to its manufacturing capacity at its Puebla assembly facility, the company’s largest plant in Mexico, citing a “challenging context” across the global and North American automotive industries.

Operational Efficiency, Digitalization Key to Grow in Mexico

We strictly align with Toyota’s safety standards and targets, as well as country-specific regulations. From the early stages of development and engineering, we apply computer simulations to predict how each metal structure will behave during an impact. We design and manufacture every component considering its structural performance from development all the way through to final production.

Audi México Produces 1.5 Million Q5 SUVs in Puebla

Audi Mexico has reached a production milestone of 1.5 million Audi Q5 units at its manufacturing facility in San José Chiapa, Puebla, the company announced Aug. 28, 2026.