Nissan, BMW, LG Magna in the Spotlight

Automakers in Mexico are seeing a positive year. Nissan led the market in vehicle sales and production throughout the 2021 fiscal year, capturing 19.2 percent of the market. BMW announced the M2 will be exclusively manufactured at its San Luis Potosi plant for global distribution. Moreover, LG Magna e-powertrain celebrated the start of construction of a new plant in Ramos Arizpe.

Meanwhile, the future of mobility in Mexico is being supported by Daimler buses, which will provide electric and autonomous technology solutions. Aside for the increasing awareness in sustainability regarding mobility, environmental measures are also being demanded for the one of the most thrilling motorsports: F1. Volkswagen recently announced its participation in the sport only if the 2026 regulations align with its environmental goals.

Start your engines! This is the week in Automotive:

BMW’s M2 to be Produced Exclusively in Mexico

BMW will begin producing the second generation of the M2 exclusively at its San Luis Potosi plant in late 2022.This vehicle will be the third one to be produced in the plant aside from the BMW Series 3 and the BMW Series 2 Coupé. San Luis Potosi is one of the most important states for the Mexican automotive industry, learn more about it here.

Volkswagen to Enter F1 if latter Aligns with Way to Zero Strategy

Volkswagen (VW) may enter Audi and Porsche to F1 if the latter’s new regulations for 2026 align with the OEM’s Way to Zero strategy. F1 has abided by the Federation Internationale De L’Automobile (FIA) standards regarding environmental measures, but VW expects that the upcoming regulations make the sport even more sustainable. Read more about sustainability in F1 here.

Nissan: Leader on Sales, Production in Mexico

Within the 2021 fiscal year, Nissan was leader in sales and production in Mexico. The automaker is attractive to costumers for its innovation and safety offerings. For example, the new Ariya electric crossover SUV has been subject to rigorous safety tests that aim to ensure the driver’s protection, following Nissan’s Safety Shield concept, which revolves around the thesis that vehicles should protect their occupants. Learn more about Nissan’s operations in Mexico here.

Daimler Brings Tomorrow’s Buses to Mexico

Mexico is transitioning to electromobility but to accelerate this process, private and public initiatives are needed. Daimler Buses is committed with to transformation and is working towards integral solutions for the future of mobility. “In Mexico, we have a dedicated bus chassis engineering team that helps design the right products to meet local mobility needs. The Mercedes-Benz family works together to overcome current and future challenges,” said Alexandre Nogueira, CEO, Daimler Buses/Mercedes-Benz Autobuses, to MBN. Read the full interview here.

Lithium: An Essential Resource for EVs

The nationalization of lithium in Mexico has been approved by the Chamber of Deputies, as reported by MBN. The reform will avert foreign actors from partaking in the exploration and exploitation of the mineral. Lithium is required for the production of EV batteries and the shift towards electromobility has boosted an increase in the demand of this metal, increasing interest in investment projects. “We are looking for two major investments for Puebla. If we succeed, one of them will be the largest investment that Puebla has ever received regarding the automotive industry. The other one is linked to lithium,” said Puebla’s governor in early April, as reported by MBN.

LG Magna e-Powertrain Plant Coming to Mexico

LG Magna e-Powertrain celebrated the start of construction of its upcoming plant in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, which is expected to be finished by 2023. “The investment of LG Magna e-powertrain and Magna is extremely important for the state because both companies are a guarantee that we will be prepared to face the new global challenges regarding energy,” said Coahuila’s governor. Learn about the importance of Ramos Arizpe to the automotive industry here.