Tesla, Nuevo Leon Commit to Lead the Future of Electromobility

Tesla is set to open its new gigafactory in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The new facility, which will receive a US$5 billion investment, is expected to significantly increase Tesla's production capacity and will be "the biggest electric vehicle plant in the world," said Elon Musk, CEO, Tesla, during the company's Investor Day event in Austin, Texas.

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ZF Group Invests US$245 Million to Expand Mexican Operations
The German automotive company is set to expand its manufacturing operations in Queretaro by over 80,000m2 and establish a new distribution center in the region. The new facilities will allow it to meet the growing demand for its chassis technologies, including the Brake Control Systems and Electric Power Assisted Steering Systems. 

The expansion, which is expected to create over 1,300 new jobs in the next five years, underlines ZF Group's commitment to the Queretaro community. “We have called Queretaro one of our homes in Mexico for a long time now, and we look forward to further strengthening our relationship in the community,” says Martin Fischer, President of North America and Board Member, ZF Group.

Nikola to Add PlusDrive Safety System to Class 8 Electric Trucks
The company, which specializes in zero-emissions transportation, energy supply and infrastructure solutions, has selected PlusDrive, a nearly self-driving system from Plus, for its Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and hydrogen electric vehicle (FCEV). The move aims to provide enhanced driver assistance features to Nikola's customers, offering a premium driving experience.
"The enhanced driver assistance features are yet another differentiator of Nikola's premium driver experience for our customers," says Michael Lohscheller, President and CEO, Nikola Corporation.

Grupo Modelo Opens First Electric Heavy Vehicle Charging Station
Grupo Modelo has opened the first electric heavy vehicle charging station in Latin America as part of its goal to cut its fleet’s carbon emissions by 25% in Mexico City by 2025, according to a company statement. With an investment of US$380,320 (MX$7 million), and in collaboration with the local government, the charging station is the first of eight that Grupo Modelo plans to build across the country.

DANA Hits Record Sales in 2022

DANA Incorporated, a leading provider of drivetrain and e-propulsion systems, reported record sales of US$10.2 billion in 2022, up 14% from the previous year. The company reports that 65% of new business operations were attributed to EV platform services. DANA also credits its focus on electrification for the impressive results.

"DANA continues to successfully execute as front runners in the transformation to a zero-emission world, while taking extraordinary operational actions to serve our customers, including scaling operations to support near-term market share gains," says James Kamsickas, Chairman and CEO, DANA Incorporated.

Amazon Launches Echo Auto in the Mexican Market
Amazon has launched the second-generation Echo Auto in Mexico to meet the growing demand for in-vehicle technology and entertainment systems. The device, available for purchase now, enables drivers to play music, make calls, manage their to-do list and control car lights using voice commands with the help of Alexa.

Nuevo Leon Welcomes Tesla
Musk announced on Wednesday that Tesla will open a gigafactory in Mexico, which will be in Nuevo Leon. The new factory will represent a US$5 billion investment, making it “the biggest electric vehicle plant in the world,” according to Musk. During Tesla's Investor Day event, Musk also unveiled plans to ramp up production of all gigafactories.

While Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador had expressed reluctance in allowing the company to open the gigafactory in Nuevo Leon due to its water problem, he supported the plant’s chosen location after a meeting with Musk. “He [Musk] is going to dedicate the investment and settle in Monterrey, with a series of commitments to help with water scarcity,” says López Obrador, adding that Tesla will use water recycling and treatment systems throughout the entire manufacturing process.