US Escalates Moves Against China’s Auto Industry: Auto Week

In this week's automotive news, Northvolt cuts 20% of its workforce amid declining EV demand and rising Chinese competition, while the Biden administration proposes a ban on Chinese vehicle technology. Additionally, Biden's CHIPS Program awards Polar Semiconductor US$123 million to boost US semiconductor production. In other news, Mexican suppliers plan to expand into Brazil, and Dongfeng Trucks targets Mexico with a strong post-sale service strategy.

Get in gear for this Week in Automotive!

Mexican Auto Suppliers Target Brazil in Upcoming Trade Mission

The Mexican automotive sector is preparing to expand its presence in Brazil through a strategic trade mission scheduled for December 3-7, 2024. Organized by the National Agency of Automotive Suppliers (ANAPSA) in partnership with How2Go, the mission aims to strengthen and diversify the competitiveness of Mexican automotive suppliers in Latin American markets.

Northvolt Cuts 20% Workforce Amid Weak EV Demand, Chinese Rivals

Northvolt has announced a significant downsizing, cutting 1,600 jobs — about 20% of its workforce — as it faces growing difficulties in scaling up production amidst faltering demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and increasing competition from Chinese battery makers. 

AICM Taxi Operators Urge Crackdown on Uber, DiDi Amid App Launch

Taxi operators at Mexico City’s International Airport (AICM) are calling for government action to enforce federal regulations against ride-hailing services such as Uber and DiDi, which they argue are operating illegally in federal zones. These calls come as traditional taxi operators plan to launch their own digital platform aimed at improving service to travelers.

Biden's CHIPS Program Awards Polar Semiconductor US$123 Million

The Biden Administration has announced its first award under the CHIPS Incentives Program, granting Polar Semiconductor up to US$123 million to expand and modernize its manufacturing facility in Bloomington, Minnesota. This funding, part of the administration's Investing in America agenda, aims to enhance domestic semiconductor production and supply chains.

Right Place, Right Time: Radwell

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Biden Administration Seeks Ban on Chinese Vehicle Technology

The US Commerce Department has proposed regulations to ban key Chinese software and hardware in connected vehicles, citing national security concerns. The initiative aims to prevent Chinese technology from infiltrating the automotive sector, which poses potential risks to U.S. infrastructure and driver privacy.

Dongfeng Trucks Targets Mexico with Post-Sale Service Focus

Dongfeng Trucks will launch 130 heavy-duty trucks in Mexico, focusing on a robust post-sale service network and authorized dealers. This announcement was made by CEO Gabriel de Uriarte Occelli during the opening of their corporate offices in Santa Fe, Mexico City.

Fuel Costs in Mexico Fall Despite Lack of Government Relief

For the week of September 21-27, 2024, the Mexican federal government will not offer any fiscal stimulus for regular (Magna) gasoline, resulting in users paying an IEPS (Special Tax on Production and Services) of MXN$6.17 per liter. This marks the third consecutive week without government support for this fuel category, according to El Economista.

The Future of Mobility: Heavy Duty Vehicles Move More With Less

One of the actors most frequently identified for generating greater environmental contamination is transportation. Data, such as that of National Inventory of Greenhouse Gas and Compounds Emissions, point out that passenger and cargo transportation (light and heavy duty (HD) vehicles) contribute 26.2% of the total emissions at the national level, which is not a minor issue.

Grupo TAB Expands Portfolio with Mercedes-Benz Buses

Grupo TAB, a prominent distributor of Daimler brands, is expanding its operations with the introduction of Mercedes-Benz buses at its Toluca branch. This addition will enhance the company's service capabilities by adding 15 dedicated service bays for buses, bringing the total to 40 bays for trucks, tractor-trailers, and buses. The expansion, covering approximately 4,000 square meters, is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

Adulterated Fuel Sparks Surge in Vehicle Damage Complaints

Complaints from vehicle owners about engine damage caused by adulterated fuel, commonly referred to as "huachicol," have sharply increased in Mexico, according to the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE).  Commissioner Walter Julián Ángel Jiménez highlighted a significant rise in these complaints, noting a tenfold increase compared to previous years. This surge, he explained, parallels the growing number of fuel theft incidents and the expanding presence of compromised fuel in the market.