Tamaulipas Launches Automotive Cluster to Attract Investment

Tamaulipas formally launched its Automotive Cluster on Dec. 15, positioning the initiative as a key pillar of the state’s industrial strategy aimed at strengthening productive integration, attracting investment, and expanding participation in international supply chains. The cluster brings together state authorities, automotive companies, and academic institutions, with a focus on increasing national content, supporting industrial relocation, and generating skilled employment.

The announcement was led by Gov. Américo Villarreal, who said the Automotive Cluster is intended to serve as a platform linking operations based in Tamaulipas with global manufacturing networks. “The formation of this cluster will be a lever for development, not only to participate in innovation projects, but also in international supply chains that are increasingly relevant for the state,” Villarreal said.

The governor emphasized that effective coordination among government, the education system, and the private sector is essential for sustained industrial development. He added that companies aligned with public policies focused on labor conditions and institutional coordination would help foster a stable and predictable operating environment. Matamoros Mayor Alberto Granados also attended the event, highlighting the municipality’s role as a key manufacturing hub within the state.

Tamaulipas Minister of Economy Ninfa Cantú cited data from INEGI, showing that the state’s industrial activity grew 7.8% year over year in August 2025, ranking Tamaulipas third nationwide. “With the creation of the Automotive Cluster, Tamaulipas strengthens its industrial vocation and moves decisively toward the future,” Cantú Deándar said.

According to Cantú Deándar, the Automotive Cluster is designed to align public policy, private investment, and workforce development efforts. She said the initiative seeks to address structural challenges related to supplier integration and industrial upgrading, while providing a coordinated framework to support companies already operating in the state.

“This organization aims to attract new companies while supporting those already established so they can secure contracts and scale their operations,” said Ángel Botti Varela, president, Automotive Cluster of Tamaulipas and director of operations at Inteva Mexico.

He added that the cluster’s initial priorities include strengthening the automotive ecosystem in Matamoros and other industrial corridors across the state, as well as facilitating access to new business opportunities for suppliers at different tiers of the value chain. Botti Varela emphasized that collaboration with universities and technical institutes will be critical to aligning training programs with industry needs.

The launch also featured participation from national industry organizations. Manuel Montoya Ortega, executive director of the Nuevo León Automotive Cluster, attended the event, signaling interest in cross-cluster collaboration. Ana Cecilia Rodríguez González, director of institutional operations, participated on behalf of the executive president of Mexico’s National Auto Parts Industry Association (INA).