INA, AMIA, CANACINTRA on the Spotlight: The Week in Automotive

This week, some of Mexico’s automotive and industrial organizations discussed the current challenges and opportunities that Mexico’s automotive industry is going through, such as electrification and the “chocolate” cars program. Meanwhile, Lightyear and Infiniti launched innovative vehicles and are working on solutions to offer sustainable mobility.

Are you ready? This is The Week in Automotive!

Infiniti QX80’s Redesign to Lead the Brand’s Makeover

Infiniti has redesigned the QX80 large SUV as part of a major transformation that consists of three phases and started in 2020. Its initial goal was to make Infiniti a profitable brand. “This phase has already concluded, and we can affirm that it has been completed successfully, since the company is lucrative. Now, we begin the second stage of our global growth plan for the next four years that will be focused on turning Infiniti into a 100 percent electric company,” says Ricardo Rodríguez, Managing Director, Infiniti Mexico and Latin America. Learn more about Infiniti’s future plans here.

Regularization of “Chocolate” Cars to Hurt Puebla: CANACINTRA

The National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (CANACINTRA) said that the regulation of illegally imported vehicles, known as chocolate cars, in Puebla could hurt the state’s automotive industry. “We understand that chocolate vehicles are used by people with fewer resources for economic activities, such as farming, but others use them for transportation. However, there will be an impact on the industry, which is a driving force in Puebla, as well as on the market for new vehicles,” said Luis Espinosa, President, CANACINTRA. Read more about the program that aims to regularize Mexico’s 2.2 million chocolate cars.

Lightyear to Produce Solar-Cell Powered EVs

Lightyear launched the first EV powered by solar panels. The Lightyear 0 has motors in each of its four wheels to avoid large energy losses and incorporates 5-m2 solar cells that can power 70 km of driving range per day. The vehicle can also be charged as a regular EV but its solar roof allows the car to drive for months without charging. Learn more about this sustainable vehicle here.

Use of EVs, Hybrid Vehicles Key to Fight Climate Change: AMIA

After President Andrés Manuel López Obrador published the “Decálogo de Acciones” to fight climate change, the Mexican Association of the Automotive Industry (AMIA) urged the government to incentivize the use of electric and hybrid vehicles. AMIA proposes creating comprehensive public policy alongside the federal administration for the development of electromobility in the country. Read the full story here.

Automotive Industry Essential for Mexico: INA

Mexico’s automotive industry will continue attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to the country, which has the long trajectory necessary to gain investors’ confidence. “Mexico still has a privileged position as investments keep entering the automotive sector and other industries,” said Francisco González Díaz, President, National Auto Parts Industry (INA). Learn more about it here.

Mexico’s Electrification Transition Needs Education: JAC

“What it took JAC 20 years to achieve in China regarding electrification, took only three years to achieve in Mexico. This shows that Mexico is not significantly lagging in electrification but the transition could be faster. We are re-educating the market and we have a large challenge and responsibility but, simultaneously, a large opportunity,” said Isidoro Massri, Director, JAC Mexico, to MBN. According to Massri, JAC is one of the few multinational brands in the automotive industry with a unique strategy for Mexico. Learn more about JAC’s future plans for Mexico here.