EVs Grab the Spotlight: The Week in Automotive

The EU has approved a ban on the sale of new cars that emit CO2 by 2035. The groundbreaking law came after weeks of delay due to last-minute opposition from Germany, which won an exemption for cars running on e-fuels. The law will also require all new cars sold after 2030 to emit 55% less CO2 compared to 2021 levels. Its aim is to accelerate the decarbonization of new car fleets in the EU.

Meanwhile, Seat could manufacture EVs in Mexico, given the Spanish automaker’s intentions to enter the US market through electromobility.

Ready? This is the Week in Automotive!

Mexico Faces Additional Obstacles to Adapt Electromobility

The growing demand for EVs has spurred a new mindset among all industry participants. This change does not only represent the adoption of new technology but a complete makeover in how mobility is perceived as a whole. Mexico still has a long way to go before its vehicle park has a significant number of EVs but, while there is no country that has more EVs than ICE vehicles, this alternative is quickly disrupting operations for many actors in the automotive supply chain. Read the complete analysis here.

Seat Could Manufacture EVs in Mexico

Seat is considering entering the US market through electromobility. After presenting last year’s operation results, Wayne Griffiths, President, Seat, told the media that the success of the brand in Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Australia has given it the confidence to start exploring opportunities in the US.

“Chocolate” Car Regularization Period Extended Three Months

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced another three-month extension to the program to regularize “chocolate” cars, referring to illegally imported vehicles. The program, which was extended once in September 2022, had a deadline on March 31, 2023.

Mexico Becomes US’s Top Foreign Vehicle Supplier

Mexico has overtaken Japan as the US’s leading foreign automotive supplier. In 2022, Mexico’s vehicle exports surpassed US$36.54 billion, a 21.8% increase from the previous year. Mexico also raised its supply of EVs to the US, displacing Canada to become the US’s fourth EV supplier.

Bosch to Invest US$283.2 Million in Aguascalientes Plant

Bosch is set to invest US$283.2 million in the expansion of its plant in Aguascalientes. The investment, which was unveiled during celebrations marking the plant’s 30th anniversary, will create 400 new jobs and allow it to start producing electronic parking brakes (EPB) for major automakers such as Tesla, BMW and Nissan.

Heavy Vehicles
ANPACT Supports NAFIN’s Plan to Finance Over 1,250 Vehicles

The National Association of Bus, Truck and Tractor-Trailer Manufacturers expressed its support for the Sustainable Transportation Financing Program launched by Nacional Financiera (NAFIN), which is already present in four states across Mexico.

After a meeting between ANPACT members and the Development Bank of Mexico last week, Miguel Elizalde, President, ANPACT, expressed his support for the initiative that aims to renew over 1,250 vehicles in the country.

Automakers Push Back on Euro 7

Automakers in the EU are pushing back against proposed Euro 7 emission regulations, which they claim are too expensive, hasty and unnecessary. The European Commission argues that these regulations are necessary to reduce harmful emissions and avoid a repetition of a case similar to Volkswagen’s diesel scandal.