Auto Clusters in Argentina, Mexico Sign Pact to Boost Innovation

Automotive industry clusters from Cordoba, Argentina, and the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Nuevo Leon signed a cooperation agreement to exchange best practices, strengthen innovation, and promote regional collaboration in the sector. The agreement was finalized during the event Ecosistemas colaborativos como dinamizadores de competitividad, organized by the Government of Cordoba through the Competitiveness Agency of Cordoba.

The agreement was signed by the Automotive and Sustainable Mobility Cluster of Cordoba (CLAUTO), the Automotive Cluster of Nuevo Leon (CLAUT) and the Automotive Cluster of the State of Chihuahua. CLAUTO brings together automakers, auto parts manufacturers, suppliers, universities, and technology institutes in Cordoba. CLAUT focuses on supply chain development, innovation, and human resources, while the Chihuahua cluster specializes in advanced manufacturing, automation and the transition to electric mobility.

The event also served as a forum for industry leaders to analyze factors influencing cluster success and discuss the present and future of strategic sectors. Participants included Manuel Montoya Ortega, General Director, CLAUT; Jorge Charles, President, Chihuahua Automotive Cluster; and Juan Pablo Pedraza, Global Director of R&D, Ternium.

Charles emphasized talent reconversion through the concept of Mentefactura, which involves projects that enhance technical knowledge in areas such as supply chain and design, beyond basic operations. “We see in Cordoba a well-structured industry with proactive local entrepreneurs, especially in metal-mechanical processes and aluminum injection—capabilities we still need to develop in Chihuahua,” said Charles.

The Chihuahua delegation met with the Vice-Rector of the National University of Cordoba to discuss knowledge and staff exchanges, and with members of the Cordoba cluster, the Mexican Consul in Cordoba, and the provincial Minister of Economy to identify business opportunities.

Charles noted that one key proposal was to establish joint ventures between companies from both countries. “The idea is to set up operations in Chihuahua with Mexican shareholders and export from Chihuahua to the United States or anywhere in Mexico,” he explained.