Miguel Elizalde Bids Farewell to ANPACT: The Week in Automotive

Kenworth and Toyota aim for hydrogen truck deliveries in 2024, while Tesla is expected to deploy Cybertruck’s second plant in Nuevo Leon by 2026. Simultaneously, Miguel Elizalde has announced his resignation as the head of ANPACT after 11 years in the position. Moreover, investigations into Mexican auto labor practices under USMCA are unfolding, leading to joint evaluations. 

Do not forget to put your seatbelt on! This is the Week in Automotive:

Kenworth, Toyota Target 2024 for Hydrogen Truck Deliveries

Initial deliveries for Kenworth and Toyota Motor North America’s hydrogen fuel cell trucks in the United States are scheduled for 2024, with full-scale production targeted for 2025.

This collaborative effort unveiled the Class 8 hydrogen-powered T680 truck, featuring a 450-mile range and incorporating Toyota's cutting-edge fuel cell technology.

Nuevo Leon Secures Spot for Tesla's Second Cybertruck Plant

The second assembly facility for Tesla’s Cybertruck will be in Nuevo Leon and will be ready by 2026, says Elon Musk, CEO, Tesla. The billionaire disclosed details about the production plans for Tesla’s Cybertruck during an interview with automotive specialist Sandy Munro. While confirming that the initial assembly of the electric pickup will occur at Tesla's Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, Musk announced that the second production plant will be located in Santa Catarina, Nuevo Leon.

Miguel Elizalde Steps Down as Executive President of ANPACT

Miguel Elizalde Lizarraga bids farewell to his role as the Executive President of the National Association of Bus, Truck, and Tractor-Trailer Producers (ANPACT) after over 11 years in the position. With his departure, ANPACT acknowledged and appreciated the achievements made under Elizalde’s direction, highlighting his role in strengthening the institutional presence of the association in the automotive and transportation industries. The Board of Directors recognized his dedication, leadership, and achievements over 11 years, emphasizing his contribution to the continued success of the industry in Mexico. 

Mexican Auto Labor Strain Sparks USMCA Investigations

A recent inquiry by the Mexican government into Asiaway Automotive Components in San Luis Potosi revealed actions that may have infringed on workers' rights, especially in terms of freedom of association and collective bargaining. The Ministries of Economy and Labor disclosed the findings, prompting Asiaway to implement remedial actions. The case's closure will undergo a joint evaluation by the governments of Mexico and the United States while the investigation is still ongoing.

Volkswagen Mexico Sees 19.8% Surge in Vehicle Production

Volkswagen Mexico has reported a substantial upswing in the production of light vehicles, experiencing a 19.8% growth from January to November. The increase is particularly evident in their primary manufacturing facility located in Puebla. In the month of November alone, m the automaker produced 34,964 units, reflecting a 33.6% surge compared to the same period in the previous year.

Carbon Revolution Turns to Mexico as a Contender for New Facility

The OEM supplier is poised to expand its global footprint, considering Mexico as a potential location for a new production facility. “We are getting ourselves prepared for a facility that will be in North America, quite possibly Mexico, to serve our North American customers and clients in other parts of the world,” Dingle tells Automotive News.  

Mexican Auto Industry Eyes Upbeat 2024 Amid Fiscal Worries

The Mexican Association of Automotive Distributors expects an 8% growth in 2024, despite fiscal concerns. Despite a potential misalignment between the federal administration’s expenditure priorities and recommendations, Guillermo Rosales, Executive President, AMDA, is optimistic about the stability of public finances. In a press conference, he noted that while an increase in the government's budgeted spending is expected, it is not perceived as a significant risk factor.