Changes at the Global Level

At the global level, top management positions are struggling with leadership. Nissan CEO has given an ultimatum to the company’s stakeholders, while Renault’s interim director general announced a possibility to close some factories in France and Hyundai octogenarian chairman announced his intention to pass on his seat to his son.

At the local level, for the first time in history, Mexico has become the second-largest vehicle supplier for the US. In addition, electrification is getting a boost as Nissan announced financing for EVs and IUSA Group presented its electric and hybrid vehicle fleet.

Ready to hit the road? Here is our weekly news roundup!

Newcomer: Volkswagen GTI 2021, a preview

Mexico on the Road

• Mexico surpasses Canada as the second country in sending cars to the US. If the trend continues, Mexico could soon overtake Japan and take pole position.
• The heavy-vehicle industry closed 2019 with record production and exports despite a red-numbered December.
• After Guanajuato’s success, Deutsche Messe prepares a transportation and logistics fair in Guadalajara.
• Nissan is at risk of suspending production both in Mexico and the US due to COVID-19.

EVs are Here to Stay

• IUSA Group to enter the Mexican market with an electric and hybrid vehicle fleet.
• Porsche Latin America’s Sales and Business Development Director, Christoph Klein, affirmed than cities in the region must be open to private partnerships towards electric mobility.
• Nissan is betting on loans to foster electric vehicle sales.

OEMs at the Global Level

• Nissan launches Nissan Switch, the first subscription service to drive Nissan vehicles in the US. The pilot program started in Houston, TX.
• After a suspension, Tesla gets court approval to continue the construction of its first Gigafactory in Europe.
• GM to lay off more than 1,500 employees after selling its facilities in Thailand. The company also announced the end of the 150-year-old Australian brand, Holden, due to difficulties to invest in a brand only present in two markets.
• Hyundai Motor’s Chairman plans to give up his board seat over to his son. Stakeholders will vote it on March 19.
• Nissan CEO tells angry shareholders he is ready to be sacked if no the OEM’s situation does not improve.
• Moody’s downgrades Renault’s credit ranking to ‘junk’ after disastrous year without Carlos Ghosn. Meanwhile, the company is thinking about closing some factories in France, Interim Director General, Clotilde Delbos announced.

Bonus

• Could Germany be the new Detroit? Is there a risk of a golden age fading?