Becoming Nissan ‘s nerve center in Latin America is more than just an operational change; it’s a strategic leap. The decision to move all vehicle production from Mexico to the Aguascalientes complex , following the announcement of the closure of the CIVAC manufacturing plant in Cuernavaca, Morelos, opens a new era for the state and redefines its role in the automotive industry, according to Esaú Garza de Vega, head of the Secretariat of Economic Development, Science and Technology (Sedecyt) of Aguascalientes .
From the state government, the announcement was received as a clear sign of confidence.
“It is a direct recognition of the efficiency, quality, and reliability of Aguascalientes’ talent and the world-class infrastructure we have built,” Garza de Vega told T21.
Nissan’s restructuring is part of the global Re:Nissan plan and includes the centralization of models such as the NP300 , Frontier and Versa in the Bajío region, as the Japanese company reported in a press release .
This transition will take place during fiscal year 2025 , between April 2025 and March 2026, when operations at the CIVAC plant in Cuernavaca, Morelos, will cease.
For Aguascalientes, the announcement not only represents industrial growth, but also implies more exports, opportunities for local suppliers , and direct and indirect jobs.
“Many suppliers will have the opportunity to scale their production and technology, aligning themselves with the new models that will be manufactured here,” the official said.
The state government, he added, will facilitate the necessary conditions for this restructuring to be a success, not only for the company, but also as a lever for growth for the regional economy.
“We reaffirm our commitment to working as a team with Nissan and its network of partners so that Aguascalientes remains a global industrial benchmark,” he emphasized.
The CIVAC plant , where Nissan established its first operation outside Japan in 1966, will cease vehicle production after nearly six decades of operation.
According to the automaker’s own data, more than 6.5 million units have been assembled there , making it a symbol of modernity and employment for the region. Throughout its history, it has operated three production lines and exported to key markets.
“Its history represents a fundamental pillar of Mexico’s industrial development and the brand’s international positioning,” acknowledged Garza de Vega, who highlighted the new role the Aguascalientes complex will assume within the Japanese firm’s global manufacturing network.
A state that does not stop
Beyond industrial restructuring, Aguascalientes is moving forward with a clear vision toward the end of 2025.
“Our main goal is to surpass the 27 investment announcements we made last year and continue to strengthen investor confidence in the state,” he shared.
The goal is twofold: preserving quality jobs and diversifying the economy through sectors such as electromobility, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, biotechnology, and information technology.
At the same time, more local companies are expected to integrate into global value chains.
“Economic development must be inclusive and sustainable, which is why we continue to focus on developing specialized talent, promoting exports, and fostering collaboration between government, academia, and businesses,” concluded Garza de Vega.
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