Seat Could Manufacture EVs in Mexico
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Seat Could Manufacture EVs in Mexico

Photo by:   Michal Jarmoluk
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Rodrigo Andrade By Rodrigo Andrade | Journalist & Industry Analyst - Fri, 03/24/2023 - 08:34

Spanish automaker Seat is eyeing entry into the US market through electromobility, according to Wayne Griffiths, President, Seat. After presenting last year’s operation results, Griffiths 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.

“We believe there is potential there, the same potential that other new brands are looking at, especially with the disruption of the electric car. If you want to be successful in the US you have to have cars that sell there, not the small cars we are seeing in the EU,” says Griffiths, according to El Economista.

To succeed in the US, Seat will capitalize on the Cupra brand and build a spectacular point of sale. “Our approach there would be as a 100% electric brand, we would not go with combustion vehicles,” says Griffiths. He adds that the plan is still in the exploration phase and would require further analysis of the potential of the Cupra brand in the US market. However, Seat is ready to take the necessary steps to enter the US market through EVs, if conditions are favorable.

To achieve these goals, manufacturing in the region is a key factor given its location and production capacity. "Then you will have to have a product that could work in the US, first of all, and secondly also the issue of manufacturing the cars if you want to generate money. Then you have to manufacture in the region and this could be in Mexico,” adds Griffiths.

Tesla’s Investment Brings Over 30 Automotive Suppliers
Nuevo Leon’s Governor Samuel García said that the state is set to receive a significant boost in investment, following Tesla's announcement of a new plant in the region. Between 30 and 40 Tier 1 and Tier 2 companies are expected to arrive, alongside five companies from Nuevo Leon's “Grupo de los 10,” a term used to refer to ten of the largest companies in the state, which are set to invest between US$200 million and US$2 billion.

"Those that are arriving are doing so undoubtedly because of the wave caused by Nuevo Leon’s economic boom, but the most gratifying thing is that those that are already here are comfortable and are expanding,” said García at the Forbes Mexico Forum, according to El Economista.

The confirmation of Tesla’s Gigafactory in Mexico reflects the country’s efforts to grow its electromobility sector. “This plant consolidates Mexico as a key player in the electric vehicle industry, and Tesla has not arrived alone, as part of its supply chain will also be installed in Nuevo Leon,” writes Ingo Babrikowski, CEO, Estafeta, for MBN.

Photo by:   Michal Jarmoluk

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