CIIAM 2021 Comes to a Close

The 2021 International Congress on the Automotive Industry in Mexico (CIIAM) brought together top players across the Mexican automotive sector as one of the most challenging years for the industry came to a close. “The objective of this Congress is to share perspectives on the automotive industry in Mexico and the world and to understand this from different angles,” said Adriana Macouzet, Vice President Latin America and General Manager, PPG during her closing remarks.

Vehicle exports are one of the country’s main economic drivers and with global relations changing, Mexico is presented with a wide array of opportunities to expand its exportation market. In this context, CIIAM created an opportunity for industry players to share their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges ahead. “We can become conscious of the importance of the role we have in strengthening the national industry and our markets,” said Macouzet.

The past year brought numerous surprises to the industry as the road toward recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic became tougher than previously imagined. A semiconductor shortage halted the production of automotive manufacturers across the world, stopping plants across Mexico and affecting those at every level of the industry. At the same time, the industry faced the transition from the decade-old NAFTA to USMCA, which has not been an easy ordeal following numerous disputes and negotiations. As industry leaders made clear, both of these topics are expected to remain a priority for the industry in the coming year. However, the following years will also bring about exciting opportunities for the automotive industry.

The shift towards a sustainable industry has arrived as various plants turn their attention toward cleaner production, largely due to new carbon-emissions limitation agreements by governments across the globe. The move towards electronic vehicle prioritization will largely impact the Mexican industry, particularly as the Build Back Better Act was presented to the US Congress. The industry is also moving to become more inclusive, with more female leaders taking center stage in the sector’s decision-making.

CIIAM addressed these topics and many more, featuring speakers from all across the industry. Government officials like Minister of Economy Tatiana Clouthier and Deputy Minister of Foreign Commerce Luz María de la Mora joined industry heads such as President and General Director, BMW Group San Luis Potosi Plant, Harald Gottsche and General Director, Intel, Mexico Santiago Cardona, as well as foreign forces in the industry such as Canadian Ambassador Graeme Clark.

"This has been the best CIIAM in its virtual edition and I congratulate Mexico Business for an excellent execution. If the circumstances allow it, we will be meeting next year at the Banamex Center," said Óscar Albin, former Executive President, INA, after Macouzet thanked him and all panelists and event organizers for making this edition of CIIAM possible.