Queretaro Welcomes BCS Automotive Interface Solutions

This week, BCS Automotive Interface Solutions was in the spotlight thanks to its MX$1.2 billion (US$60.1 million) investment in a new plant in Queretaro. Meanwhile, workers at a Volkswagen (VW) assembly plant in Puebla rejected a union agreement. Despite local challenges, VW Group announced an alliance with Mahindra to boost electromobility in India.

Also, Mazda and Santander partnered to give young generations the opportunity to finance their first car.

Ready? This is The Week in Automotive:

BCS Automotive Interface Solutions Inaugurates Plant in Queretaro

The company opened a new plant in the municipality El Marqués that will generate 1,100 jobs and aims to strengthen the industry in the state. The plant will first produce wireless electric chargers. The facility in this state is the most important one for BCS Automotive Interface Solutions, according to its KK Yuan, Global CEO.

“I am convinced that the only way to gain more is by producing better and bringing in more investments. I talk about bringing Queretaro to the next level and the fastest way to achieve this is by bringing the best technology companies,” said Mauricio Kuri, Governor of Queretaro. Read the full story here.

VW, Mahindra Collaborate on E-Mobility

VW and Mahindra expanded their partnership regarding the supply of VW’s MEB Electric Components for the new Mahindra’s Electric SUV family. Both companies also aim to collaborate on further opportunities of electromobility in India.  “The MEB Electric Platform and its components are key to affordable sustainable mobility around the globe. The partnership not only demonstrates that our platform business is highly competitive, but also that the MEB is well on track to become one of the leading open platforms for e-mobility,” said Thomas Schmall, CEO, VW Group Components. Learn more about it here.

Volkswagen Plant Workers Reject Union’s Agreement

Workers at Volkswagen’s assembly plant in Puebla recently rejected a salary and contractual agreement reached between the Independent Union of Workers of the Automotive, Similar and Related Industries (SITIAVW) and the automotive company. SITIAVW said in a press release that 70 percent of union members voted, with 2,248 votes in favor of the agreement, 2,586 against, one null vote and 2,032 unused ballots. The union and Volkswagen representatives are expected to meet again to negotiate a new wage increase and call for a new vote. “If an agreement is not reached, it is expected that the Volkswagen plant in Puebla will go on strike on Aug. 18 as planned,” said SITIAVW. Read the story here.

Mazda, Santander Introduce Loan for First-Time Car Buyers

Santander Mexico and Japanese automotive company Mazda are launching the “Mazda first” program, which aims to allow those between 18 to 25 years of age earning up to MX$6,000 (US$301.26) to finance their first vehicle. The 72-month loan requires a 10 percent down payment and applies to any model available through Mazda Mexico. Interest rates start at 13.49 percent. The program is already available in the brand’s concessionaires around the country. “The decision to launch Mazda First aims to offer young people the option of buying a Mazda in a more flexible way, adapting to them so that they can begin to build a positive credit history and become part of the Mazda family,” said Miguel Barbeyto, President and General Director, Mazda Motor de Mexico. Read the full article on MBN.

Mexico: One of the Leaders in Manufacturing Equipment Sales

The automotive industry is one of the world’s most important consumers of manufacturing technologies. In 2022, consumption of manufacturing technologies in Latin America is expected to surpass US$10 billion. Mexico and Brazil are two key players in Latin America but the first is still the strongest. From 2012 to 2022, Mexico has consumed over US$2 billion worth of key segment machine tools per year, which involves heavy material use and human resources. Read the full interview with Carlos Mortera, International Director Latin America, AMT, to learn more.