Busy Week for the Automotive Sector

Many things happened in the sector over the week. Scania México announced a US$2.47 million investment to strengthen its operations in the country. Meanwhile, the automotive sector recovers 76 percent of the jobs lost during the pandemic. All this, while semiconductor shortages continue affecting OEMs. This week we also present our analysis on OEMs' goals to become carbon neutral and the impact this will have on the supply chain and other operations.

As for our featured interviewees, we are proud to introduce David Adams, President of Global Automakers of Canada, in his first-ever interview for a specialized media in Mexico. Other interviewees also include the successful Italian-Mexican venture BM Castings, as well as Fortune 500 company Assurant. Do not miss this week's Expert Contributor Nazareth Black, Brand Director of Zacua, the Mexican EV company, and one of the leading women in the sector.

You ready? This is the Week in Automotive!

World’s Largest Automakers Go Carbon Neutral

“The global car industry must shift to low carbon to survive," stated a Carbon Disclosure Project report in 2018. Over the last three years, most major automakers have announced detailed plans to reduce greenhouse emissions. All of these plans focus on the downstream and upstream value chain. Key areas include manufacturing operations, carbon credits, and an aggressive offer of electric vehicles. Do not miss our analysis piece!

Mexican Automotive Industry Recovers 76 Percent of Lost Jobs

The Mexican automotive industry seems to be recovering from the fears that arose during the pandemic when many automakers were forced to suspend production due to COVID-19 and plummeting demand. Today, the data in this sector is positive. According to INEGI, the industry has managed to recover 76.2 percent of the jobs lost.

Scania México to Invest US$2.47 Million to Strengthen Operations

The Swedish commercial vehicle company Scania announced it will continue to invest in the country to support its commercial and service operations for transportation and passenger segments. "Our company is committed to Mexican truck drivers, which is why we continue and will continue to invest so commercial vehicles keep moving," said Alejandro Mondragón, CEO of Scania México, in a statement.

Semiconductor Shortages Affect More OEMs in Mexico

Vehicle production and exports in Mexico have fallen to levels not seen since 2016 and 2017, according to Fausto Cuevas, Director General of AMIA, due to the semiconductor shortage. Cuevas explained that while the decrease in supply had not been previously felt, it is now affecting local manufacturing.

Introducing Global Automakers of Canada

Global Automakers of Canada is a national trade association representing the exclusive Canadian distributors of 15 global automakers. David Adams, President of the association, details the challenges of electrification as well as the effects of USMCA on the Canadian market.

Expert Contribution: New Normality in Mobility or Enemy at Home?

Nazareth Black, Brand Director of Zacua, explains the challenges mobility is bringing to the country, while highlighting the possibilities in a post-pandemic world. "Zacua is the first Mexican electric car and a national project that seeks to project Mexico as a producer of positive technology and a driver of sustainable mobility," she wrote.

Assurant: Consolidating Market Leadership Via Extended Warranties

Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ) is a Fortune 500 company and a leading global provider of lifestyle and housing solutions that support, protect and connect major consumer purchases. Felipe Sánchez, President of Assurant México, explains how the company’s state-of-the-art warranties protect what customers value the most.

BM Castings: Remarkable Italian-Mexican Partnership

Foreign partners are strengthening local suppliers. In this interview, Guido Bagglioli and Sergio Mendoza, Co-Founders of BM Castings, detail how the Italian company is using its local capabilities to strengthen its position in the market.

Ripipsa: How to Climb the Supply Chain Ladder

Ripipsa is another example of a successful Tier 2 company escalating the supply chain ladder. In this interview, CEO of Ripipsa, Francisco Santini, explains the path the company has undertaken. The company has over 12 facilities in the country and a subsidiary in the US.

Ford Motor to Join Initiative for Responsible Mining

Ford Motor Company becomes the first US automaker to join the initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance, IRMA, which offers independent third-party audits, verification, and certification based on a comprehensive standard for mined materials. Through the IRMA certification, Ford will ensure that all mined materials for battery production are obtained through best mining practices.