“In its infancy and still growing,” is the state of the charging infrastructure in Mexico, according to Yoshihiko Watanabe, CEO of Isuzu in Mexico . This represents a challenge for companies that want to market electric vehicles and meet the challenges of sustainable mobility.
Speaking to T21 during the launch of the EURO VI vehicle range, Watanabe made it clear that the brand does not limit itself to challenges and that despite any difficulties, it remains positive and achieves its goals.
He explained that although the company is already conducting tests with electric units , the lack of charging stations remains a challenge. This year they plan to test two electric vehicles and, depending on the results, within two to three years they could begin marketing them.
“The issue here would be the charging of the batteries, how much infrastructure would be available to charge the batteries?” Watanabe asked.
Another challenge that influences Isuzu’s strategy in the country is the tariff structure . Watanabe explained that trucks manufactured in Japan that weigh more than 7.25 tons must pay a 20% tariff upon entering Mexico, while those assembled in the country are exempt from this tax.
This has led the company to strengthen its local production, with the expansion of the plant in the State of Mexico, to avoid these costs and improve its competitiveness .
In addition to infrastructure, another challenge facing the company is growing competition from Chinese manufacturers , who have improved their quality in recent years.
“In the past, China was not a competitor for us, it was not competition for us, because the quality was low. However, recently that has changed a lot, to be honest,” Watanabe admitted.
He commented that although Chinese competition has improved, they are confident that Isuzu products will continue to be of a higher standard.
Given the economic and trade outlook, Hiroshi Ikegawa, president of Isuzu Motors Mexico, said that the company is also keeping an eye on possible changes in its relationship with the United States.
“This year may be a little more peculiar because of the change of government in both the United States and Mexico. There are many movements and it could be something negative, it could be. But I think we have survived all these challenges, and I think setting a goal of six thousand sales in 2025 is because we feel excited to have a challenging objective,” said Ikegawa .
Despite these challenges, company leaders assured that Isuzu continues to advance its growth plan with the aim of strengthening its presence in the market and expanding its range of products to meet new transportation needs.
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