Audi, Nissan, USMCA Under the Spotlight: The Week in Automotive

Nissan Mexicana will lay off 562 workers from its plant in Cuernavaca, Morelos, between Jan. 20, 2022 and Feb. 11, 2022. Meanwhile, Audi México is renewing its plant in San Jose Chiapa to begin production of a new vehicle.

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BCS Automotive Interface Solutions to Open Plant in Queretaro

Tier 1 supplier BCS Automotive Interface Solutions will open a new plant in Queretaro in 2Q2022. The German firm, which already operates a plant in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, will kick off operations in Queretaro fulfilling orders from Tesla.

Industry Experts Predict Mexican Victory in USMCA Dispute

After Canada officially joined Mexico in the Panel for the Solution of Controversies of USCMA against the US, the Mexican Automotive Industry Association (AMIA) assured that the panel would side with Mexico and Canada.

Audi to Expand Mexico Plant to Produce Q5’s Successor

Audi México is getting ready to produce a new vehicle during 2022. After Audi AG confirmed the assemblage of a new model in Mexico, it stopped Audi Q5 production at its San Jose Chiapa plant during the last weeks of 2021 to start preparing the facilities.

Chinese Manufacturer Reinvents Heavy-duty Vehicles

Chinese manufacturer BYD reintroduced heavy-duty vehicles in Mexico through Grupo Modelo's under a 21-ton capacity new-energy vehicle (NEV) presentation, providing more comfort, safety and environmental responsibility. These first-of-its-kind vehicles could set an eco-friendly trend within the logistics chain.

Nissan Mexicana to Lay Off 562 Employees at Morelos Plant

Nissan Mexicana will dismiss a total 562 workers from its plant in Cuernavaca, Morelos, in various stages, beginning on Jan. 20, 2022. This action follows the production move of Versa and V-Drive from CIVAC Morelos to Aguascalientes plant 1.

Although production of NP300 and Frontier pick-ups at CIVAC’s line 2 will continue normally, Nissan will lay off its first 183 workers on Jan. 20, 2022, as part of its NEXT rationalization plan. On Jan. 28, 2022, the next 142 employees will be fired, on Feb. 4, 2022 another 142 and by Feb. 11, 2022, the last 95 workers will be laid off.

Mexico City Bans Purchasing Other State’s Cars

As approved on Dec. 15, 2021, by Mexico City’s Congress, the purchasing and registering of vehicles outside of the state to avoid its fees and circulation laws will be deemed illegal and violators will be subjected to a fine.

Without Charging Stations, EV Future is Uncertain

Mexico, along with 34 other countries, 41 cities and various companies, committed to achieve carbon emission-neutrality in new cars and vans by 2040 by signing the COP26’s agreement. However, the production of EV’s and hybrid models will not be enough as a severe lack of charging stations poses a block in the road towards carbon neutrality.

Preferential Tariffs, Lower Income Taxes: Benefits of IMMEX

Mexico’s Manufacturing Industry and Maquiladora and Export Industry (IMMEX) offers numerous advantages to foreign companies, said America Pineda, Global Trade Compliance Manager at Intermex Industrial Parks, to Global Auto Industry. These advantages include avoiding payment of duties through the use of preferential tariff treatments and lower income taxes following the safe harbor methodology.