Xiaomi Debuts Electric Vehicle: The Week in Automotive

Xiaomi has unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV) in a bid to compete with BYD and Tesla, in China's competitive market. Speaking of which, in China, Nissan and Honda are reportedly considering a partnership to face the competition. Meanwhile in Mexico, concerns revolve around the extension of Mexico’s “chocolate cars" regularization. Additionally, Schaeffler’s President for Latam speaks with MBN about how the company is dealing with the delays OEMs have announced in their electromobility strategies.

This is the week in automotive!

ANPACT's 'Red MujerEs' Advocates Gender Equality in Automotive

ANPACT's 'Red MujerEs Autotransporte' drives gender equality in the automotive sector with 255+ participants from diverse sectors. Positive outcomes include increased female board participation, statute reforms, and tailored communication campaigns. Pioneering events since 2021, the initiative has led to partnerships for female driver training programs. Despite progress, only 10% of the 2022 automotive workforce comprises women, highlighting ongoing gender representation challenges.

Chocolate Car Regularization Extension Sparks Concern AMDA

President López Obrador's extension of the "chocolate car" regularization program until Oct. 1, 2024, raises concerns. Guillermo Rosales criticizes its inefficacy and inadvertent support to criminal organizations. Over 2 million vehicles have been regularized, with Tamaulipas, Chihuahua, and Baja California leading.

Auto Repair Costs Surge 12.3% in Mexico Despite Order Decrease

In 2023, Mexican automotive repair costs surged 12.3%, averaging MX$6,508 per vehicle. Despite a 19.2% decline in repair orders, pandemic-induced sales contractions impacted maintenance trends. Premium brands saw an 11.4% expense rise, and volume brands surged higher at 12.1%.

Renault Launches Electric Cargo Vehicles in Mexico

Renault launches its Kangoo E-Tech and Master E-Tech electric cargo vehicles in Mexico, expanding its offerings to meet the growing demand for electric alternatives in the commercial vehicle market. Priced at MX$780,000 and US$89,229, respectively, the models aim to provide mobility solution for businesses.

Electromobility Delays Allow for Strategy Refinement: Schaeffler

Schaeffler Latin America sees the delay in global electromobility plans as an opportunity. Gabriel Rivera, President, notes the chance to refine strategies and gain insights, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to EVs despite some client requests for internal combustion engine improvements. The company recently invested US$20.7 million in an innovation center.

Minth Mexico to Invest US$173.5 Million in Aguascalientes

Minth Mexico's US$173.5 million investment in Aguascalientes will establish two new plants focusing on EV battery production and advanced painting techniques, creating 1,600 direct jobs. This move underscores the state's commitment to ecological development and its growing significance in the global EV market.

Nissan, Honda Weigh Production Cuts in China Amid EV Competition

Nissan and Honda contemplate production cuts in China amid intense competition from local EV manufacturers. Nissan may reduce annual production by 30%, affecting eight factories, while Honda eyes a 20% cut, targeting 1.2 million vehicles annually, adapting to China's evolving EV market dynamics.

Inline Metrology to Booster Smart Car-Body Production

Inline metrology, like ZEISS' AICell trace, revolutionizes car-body manufacturing by enabling real-time quality control without correlation. These absolute systems enhance efficiency, capturing up to 100 features per cycle, contributing to safer, high-quality vehicles.

Xiaomi Unveils First EV to Challenge Tesla, BYD in China

Xiaomi ventures into the global automotive market with its first electric vehicle, the SU7 sedan, set to launch on Mar. 28. The Chinese tech giant plans an aggressive entry into China's competitive EV market, emphasizing robust features and widespread availability through 59 stores across 29 cities.