Authorizing ‘Chocolate’ Cars Could Depreciate Legal Vehicles

This week, the potential legalization of so-called chocolate cars, mostly junk cars imported from the US, has caused much controversy. In other news, a global chip shortage continues to cause problems. Read more in the weekly roundup!

Legalization of 'Chocolate' Cars Will Depreciate Authorized Cars, Warns Automotive Industry

President López Obrador announced the legalization of ‘chocolate’ cars, a play on the word ‘chueco’, which means crooked and refers to illegally imported cars. Legal importation is possible but faces stringent regulations, leading many people to import them covertly. Because many poor families rely on these cars, López Obrador aims to legalize them. Nevertheless, automotive manufacturers and dealers warn that this move would fill the market with junk cars.

Chip Shortage Hits Nuevo Leon Automotive Industry: CLAUT

The general director of the Automotive Cluster of Nuevo León (CLAUT, Manuel Montoya, said that due to the lack of chips this year 20 percent fewer cars will be produced. Because the problem is a global one, it could extend throughout 2022.

Scania’s First Electric Bus to Arrive in Mexico

Swedish heavy-vehicle OEM Scania, in collaboration with Mexican body manufacturer Beccar, announced Volt and E-Urviabus, which will become Scania’s first 100 percent electric bus to arrive in the Mexican market in 2022 and the first electric bus to be body-built in Mexico.

Heavy Vehicle Production, Exports Hit by Shortages

Despite mobility going back to normal and an increasing demand, heavy vehicle production and exports decreased in September by 8.8 percent and 11.3 percent, respectively. This was mainly due to semiconductor shortages and supply chain disruptions, said Miguel Elizalde, President of ANPACT, the national association of heavy vehicle manufacturers.

TSMC, Sony Considering Joint Semiconductor Factory in Japan

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Sony Group are currently discussing a joint venture project to build a semiconductor factory in Japan, with the government expected to invest half of the total JPY$800 billion (US$7.15 billion) needed for the project, reported Nikkei Asia.