LEÓN, GTO.- The competitiveness of the automotive industry in North America increasingly depends on the ability of its logistics chains to respond to an environment marked by trade uncertainty, economic volatility and technological transformation, specialists agreed on the panel “The automotive logistics world championship is played in North America”.
Within the framework of the second edition of the Road 2 Logistics Automotive 2026 of the Industrial Cluster , representatives of the automotive and logistics sector pointed out that the region maintains structural advantages that position it as one of the main manufacturing hubs in the world .
“The United States, Mexico, and Canada are not separated by seas, which gives us a constructive advantage. We have highways, trains, and different means of transportation that allow us to move materials, cars, and finished products much more efficiently,” highlighted Roxana Castro, Transportation Control Manager at BMW Group ‘s San Luis Potosí Plant.
Anna Frank, Vice President of Purchasing at FORVIA Clarion Electronics America, believes that North America has a very favorable integration between logistics, manufacturing, and technological development, which allows it to be one of the most competitive regions in the world. However, she said that there are challenges in the supply chain , “especially connectivity, electrification, sustainability; all of that here we have the precondition to build a very resilient chain.”
In his presentation, Cornelius Goertz, director of PC&L and Aftermarket for Nexteer Automotive Mexico, pointed out that logistics has become the bridge that connects all the links involved in automotive production, from the supply of components to the final delivery of vehicles, and estimated that without this coordination, regional competitiveness would be impossible.
One of the central themes of the panel was the evolution of the just-in-time model , which continues to be fundamental to automotive manufacturing, although it now requires greater flexibility and resilience in the face of supply chain disruptions.
In that regard, Roxana Castro stated that flexibility has ceased to be a competitive advantage and has become an indispensable condition . She explained that companies can no longer focus solely on operational efficiency, but must guarantee the continuity of their operations in the face of any contingency. “We need efficiency, but without jeopardizing the entire supply chain.”
The panelists also emphasized that digital tools and algorithms allow for the analysis of variables that were impossible to manage a few years ago.
The conversation also touched on the role of smart inventories . Unlike traditional models based on static safety stocks, companies are increasingly using dynamic systems that adjust inventory levels according to component criticality, supply source, and market conditions.
“We really need smart inventories, because one component is no longer like another. If it comes from China, it’s different than if it comes from Taiwan, Japan, or any other Asian country. There are digital tools to anticipate and identify critical components, and based on that, we make the decision,” said Anna Frank.
The experts agreed that the strategic use of data allows for risk reduction without compromising efficiency . However, they cautioned that data quality remains a challenge, as decisions based on inaccurate data can impact the entire operation. “Data is key. It’s the most important element for ensuring an efficient supply chain, and therefore, smart inventory management,” Goertz emphasized.
Another key point of the discussion was the changing role of suppliers. The panelists emphasized that simply meeting delivery deadlines is no longer enough to be considered a strategic partner in the automotive industry.
Today, automakers are looking for suppliers that can react quickly to changes in volume, border closures, regulatory adjustments, or logistical disruptions. Adaptability has become as important a criterion as quality or cost.
“Ultimately, what we’re looking for from the supplier is the certainty that the production line will be able to continue normally. That even if there are road closures, changes in rates, or changes in volume, they have that flexibility,” Roxana Castro stated.
Participants emphasized that collaboration between manufacturers, logistics operators, carriers, and suppliers will be crucial to facing the challenges of the coming years.
One of the panel’s conclusions is that North America must strengthen regional integration, invest in logistics infrastructure, accelerate technological adoption, and develop specialized talent to maintain its global competitiveness.
It is worth remembering that in April 2026, exports of light vehicles manufactured in Mexico showed growth, totaling 286,317 units, which meant an increase of 11.4% compared to the same month of 2025, according to figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) .
Meanwhile, from January to April of this year, 1,081,948 vehicles were exported, a 4.6% increase compared to the same period last year. The United States was the main destination for light vehicle exports, accounting for 76% , or 821,984 units. Canada followed with 134,245 vehicles , representing 12.4% of exports. These figures reflect the importance of automotive integration in the North American region.
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