Toyota, Volkswagen, Nissan and GM: The Week in Automotive

Toyota celebrated its 20th anniversary since it opened its doors in Mexico in an event at the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV). Meanwhile, industry associations warned that the program to regularize “Chocolate” cars has resulted in a 33.9 percent increase in used vehicle imports and workers at a Volkswagen assembly plant in Puebla accepted a 9 percent direct salary increase negotiated by their union. 

Ready? This is the Week in Automotive!

Toyota Celebrates 20 Years in Mexico at the BMV

The Japanese automaker celebrated two decades in Mexico. During this event, José-Oriol Bosch, CEO, BMV, and Alex Kuntzy, General Director, Toyota Financial Services Mexico, commemorated the trajectory of the company, which was recognized for its customer satisfaction policies by J.D. Power. 

“For Toyota, customer satisfaction driven by the Kaizen philosophy, which demands continuous improvement, is of the utmost importance. We work every day to give the best at all levels of care, thus creating the best experience for all those who have a Toyota,” said Guillermo Diaz, President, Toyota Motor Sales and Lexus de Mexico. Read more here. 

Regularization of “Chocolate” Cars Negative for Industry: AMDA

Experts from the automotive industry stated concerns about the consequences of the program that seeks to regularize “Chocolate” cars. Used vehicle imports increased by 33.9 percent in August 2022, as reported by the Mexican Association of Automotive Distributors (AMDA). This program started on March 3, 2022 and will last until Sep. 20, 2022. It aims to register 2.2 million vehicles that are already circulating in the country. Industry representatives are requesting that the program is not extended. Check out the statements. 

GM Announces New SUV that will be Assembled in Mexico 

General Motors recently announced a new EV that aims to compete at the lower-end electric car segment in North America. This “affordable” electric SUV is expected to be released in the fall of 2023. The Chevrolet Equinox EV will be produced at GM’s assembly plant in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, making it the second of GM’s EV to be assembled in Mexico. 

“With a starting price of around US$30,000 on the 1LT, the Equinox EV plugs Chevrolet into the critical compact SUV segment and is expected to be the most affordable EV in its class,” said the company in a statement. Read the complete article here. 

Nissan Introduces App to Enhance Communication with Users

The Japanese company’s “Mi Nissan” app allows users to review the general condition, service history and warranty status of their vehicles, while also improving safe mobility through technology. The company has prioritized the satisfaction of its customers, said Claudia Rodríguez, Director Strategic Projects, Nissan Mexico. Check the note here. 

Volkswagen Mexico Workers Accept 9 Percent Salary Increase

After rejecting previous economic proposals twice, workers at Volkswagen’s assembly plant in Puebla approved a union-negotiated 9 percent direct salary increase and a 2 percent increase in benefits brokered by the German automaker and the Independent Union of Automotive Workers (SITIAVW). 

This agreement will benefit almost 7,000 unionized employees and has a 2-year period extension. Authorities of the state celebrated this decision “We congratulate the decision of the majority of Volkswagen Puebla workers, for approving the contractual review agreement that represents benefits in their salary and benefits and avoids a strike,” wrote Luisa Alcalde, Minister of Labor, on her Twitter account. Find out all the details here.