The transition to electric vehicles and clean mobility technologies represents a significant change for the automotive industry and global logistics. Specifically in Mexico, this process offers both opportunities and challenges that must be addressed strategically, according to specialists.

Javier Valadez, Director of Operations at PACCAR Mexico , highlighted that decarbonization encompasses more than electrification, including technologies such as natural gas and hydrogen engines.

During his participation in the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico , he stressed that the success of the transition depends largely on logistics , since different business models require specific solutions to decarbonize their operations.

For his part, Juan Cerdeira, CEO of SEV Mexico , said that the transition to electric mobility is inevitable and that his company is focused on the development of an integral ecosystem , from the manufacturing of solar panels to the assembly of batteries and vehicles.

“Mexican customers, like any other, are looking for the best return on investment when investing in clean energy,” he said.

He also highlighted that the standardisation of information and components will be crucial in the coming years to optimise costs and processes in the supply chain.

Logistical challenges

Christian Moser, Global Solutions Manager e-Mobility at DB Schenker , noted that supply chains need to be resilient and flexible, especially in the context of electric vehicle production.

“The battery supply chain is critical as it is the most expensive and essential component for the production of electric vehicles,” he said.

He added that due to the lack of global standards in their storage and transportation , costs and complexities increase, particularly in land and air transport.

In this regard, David D’Anunnzio, Global Vice President of DP World , addressed another crucial logistical aspect: the transport of electric vehicles in containers .

The specialist pointed out that, although electric vehicles are heavier than traditional vehicles, the use of specialized racking systems can reduce transportation costs.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring adequate battery charge levels during transport, as any failure could cause delays.

D’Anunnzio also anticipated that the adoption of solid-state batteries, expected between 2026 and 2030, will significantly transform the industry.

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Bernardo Taboada, Head of Logistics Planning at Volkswagen Mexico , highlighted the progress made in adapting logistics strategies to address changes in the market.

“We have learned a lot from past experiences. For example, we now use specific containers not only for regular volumes, but for solid markets, which is more cost-effective,” he said.

He also noted that the focus on stable processes and customization has been key in recent years.

Taboada also highlighted the importance of communication in the supply chain to react more quickly to unexpected disruptions.

“When there is timely communication, it is possible to seek alternatives and develop backup solutions. We have partnered with alternative capabilities, such as online transportation modes, to prepare for possible contingencies,” he explained.

For his part, Antonio Zepeda, commercial director of CSI Group , highlighted the progress in operational capacity and fleet renewal , emphasizing that in the last 11 months they have received 15 new trucks, and that by next April they expect to reach a fleet of 400 units, which represents a 60% increase in capacity.

This growth is accompanied by investments in maintenance services and infrastructure expansion , crucial elements for offering complete solutions.

Zepeda stressed the importance of integrating different modes of transport, such as rail, and noted that flexibility in logistics is key.

“Our distribution center in Veracruz allows us to adapt to the needs of our business partners, giving them confidence to make joint investments,” he said.

On the other hand, Felipe Quijano, Commercial Manager of the National Port System Administration (Asipona) Veracruz , said that the port continues to be a strategic pillar for the automotive industry and other commercial activities.

“Finished cars are one of our flagship loads, but we have also optimized spaces for other goods during periods of lower automotive production,” he said.

Quijano mentioned that Volkswagen and Asipona Veracruz are working on an advanced lighting project to improve night-time logistics, which will allow 24/7 operation during times of high load.

In line with global trends, Quijano also highlighted the growing infrastructure for electric vehicles in the port of Veracruz.

“Over the past three years we have doubled our charging station capacity and plan to install 14 more next year. We are also working with authorities to identify new areas that can accommodate additional charging stations,” he said.

Despite the many challenges facing the supply chain, industry leaders are confident that strategic investments and technology integration will help overcome the challenges.

“We are building the right conditions to adapt to whatever comes, with a focus on motivating our team and using resources efficiently,” Taboada said.

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From logistics planning to infrastructure investment, automotive industry leaders in Mexico are seeking initiatives to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector , in a context of constant challenges in the supply chain.

Bernardo Taboada, Head of Logistics Planning at Volkswagen Mexico , highlighted the progress made in adapting logistics strategies to address changes in the market.

“We have learned a lot from past experiences. For example, we now use specific containers not only for regular volumes, but for solid markets, which is more cost-effective,” he said.

He also noted that the focus on stable processes and customization has been key in recent years.

Taboada also highlighted the importance of communication in the supply chain to react more quickly to unexpected disruptions.

“When there is timely communication, it is possible to seek alternatives and develop backup solutions. We have partnered with alternative capabilities, such as online transportation modes, to prepare for possible contingencies,” he explained.

For his part, Antonio Zepeda, commercial director of CSI Group , highlighted the progress in operational capacity and fleet renewal , emphasizing that in the last 11 months they have received 15 new trucks, and that by next April they expect to reach a fleet of 400 units, which represents a 60% increase in capacity.

This growth is accompanied by investments in maintenance services and infrastructure expansion , crucial elements for offering complete solutions.

Zepeda stressed the importance of integrating different modes of transport, such as rail, and noted that flexibility in logistics is key.

“Our distribution center in Veracruz allows us to adapt to the needs of our business partners, giving them confidence to make joint investments,” he said.

On the other hand, Felipe Quijano, Commercial Manager of the National Port System Administration (Asipona) Veracruz , said that the port continues to be a strategic pillar for the automotive industry and other commercial activities.

“Finished cars are one of our flagship loads, but we have also optimized spaces for other goods during periods of lower automotive production,” he said.

Quijano mentioned that Volkswagen and Asipona Veracruz are working on an advanced lighting project to improve night-time logistics, which will allow 24/7 operation during times of high load.

In line with global trends, Quijano also highlighted the growing infrastructure for electric vehicles in the port of Veracruz.

“Over the past three years we have doubled our charging station capacity and plan to install 14 more next year. We are also working with authorities to identify new areas that can accommodate additional charging stations,” he said.

Despite the many challenges facing the supply chain, industry leaders are confident that strategic investments and technology integration will help overcome the challenges.

“We are building the right conditions to adapt to whatever comes, with a focus on motivating our team and using resources efficiently,” Taboada said.

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The nearshoring phenomenon , driven by Mexico’s proximity to the North American market and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) , has opened up new opportunities for the country, especially in key sectors such as automotive, technology and manufacturing.

During the panel Unified Vision: Aligning Government and Supply Chain for Automotive Growth in Mexico at the 10th edition of Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico , specialists pointed out that in this context, collaboration between the private sector and the government is important , as well as the adoption of new technologies, to make the most of the opportunities that nearshoring offers, while addressing the risks associated with security and efficiency in the supply chain.

Francisco González, CEO of the National Auto Parts Industry (INA) , highlighted the importance of taking advantage of Mexico’s proximity to the North American market, but noted that this is not enough on its own.

“The current context requires us to be efficient, sustainable and strategic. We must be the best option in terms of costs, efficiency and sustainability,” he said.

He added that thanks to the USMCA, Mexico has seen renewed interest from international investors, but turning that interest into action requires long-term stability and certainty.

For her part, Lizzette Gracida, director of External Affairs and Commercial Compliance at Toyota Mexico , emphasized that nearshoring alone is not enough, since the integration of the value chain in the region is crucial.

“Mexico has a historic opportunity, but it still faces challenges such as infrastructure, availability of clean energy and water scarcity. The USMCA promotes this integration, but also demands industrial and sustainability policies that support the development of local suppliers,” said Gracida.

In addition, Victor Salazar, Director of Operations (COO) of Trayecto , stressed the need for adequate and safe transportation infrastructure .

“Improving roads and safe parking spaces is necessary to reduce unproductivity in freight transport,” he said.

He also proposed that both companies and authorities work together to improve security at all levels.

Along these lines, Lizzette Gracida highlighted the importance of working together with the Army and the National Guard to mitigate the negative impacts of the security environment , but stressed that the solution requires a broader national security strategy, with an appropriate profile in the institutions to address this issue in a comprehensive manner and with a long-term vision.

Gracida also expressed confidence that the new administration is moving forward with a national security strategy, and reaffirmed the willingness to collaborate with the authorities to find effective solutions.

Claudia Ávila, an expert in international trade and economic development, expressed her optimism about the Mexican government’s willingness to attract new investments.

“The government is committed to strengthening the current infrastructure at ports and borders, but it is essential to have a systemic vision where all parties collaborate in an open dialogue,” he said.

Ávila stressed that the key lies in cooperation between the private sector and the government to achieve sustainable and competitive economic development in the country.

Ávila also mentioned that technology will play a crucial role in improving security and efficiency at the borders.

“The new Digitalization Secretariat aims to use technology to improve the traceability of goods and road safety,” he said.

Ávila also addressed the need to strengthen the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) program , which has been neglected in previous administrations.

The future of mobility in Mexico

INA projects that by 2031 Mexico will produce more than 6.8 million electric vehicles , which reaffirms the country’s leadership in the automotive sector.

In this sense, the industry in Mexico is moving towards cleaner and more sustainable production practices , incorporating recyclable materials and advanced technologies to reduce emissions and waste.

To achieve these goals, the government will need to continue strengthening trade agreements and improving technological infrastructure, such as digital connectivity and traceability in the supply chain, which are essential for the accelerated growth of the industry, according to the specialists.

In this regard, Lizzette Gracida also addressed the impact of the T-MEC rules of origin , which have established strict requirements for the production of vehicles in the region.

“The rule of origin is the strictest of any free trade agreement in the world. We have made sure to comply with these rules and will continue to do so,” he said.

However, he warned that concerns from trading partners such as the United States and Canada about unfair competition from certain companies that do not comply with the agreement’s requirements could affect the integration and competitiveness of the automotive industry.

Francisco González highlighted that Mexico is a key supplier of auto parts for the United States, exporting 43% of the auto parts used in the American automotive industry.

He stressed the need to continue adopting new technologies and improving connectivity, particularly in the areas of batteries and software, to remain competitive in the global market.

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Global vehicle production is clearly recovering following the impact of the Covid pandemic.

Gerardo Gómez Gálvez, senior director & country manager Mexico at JD Power , highlighted that production of 89.8 million units is projected for 2024 on a global scale , and although growth towards 100 million was expected earlier, it is now estimated that it will not arrive until 2032, mainly due to the long-term effects of the pandemic.

In Mexico, according to JD Power estimates, production shows a positive trend, having reached 3.4 million vehicles in its latest report for the first 10 months of the year.

At the 10th edition of Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico , Gómez Gálvez said that the country’s production capacity could reach 5.8 million, which is “a sign of the potential to attract investments from Chinese and American brands” in the region.

In this sense, according to JD Power, by 2030, 60% of vehicle sales worldwide will be hybrid or electric .

“This will be driven primarily by the development of favorable legislation and greater incentives in markets such as China, the United States and Europe,” said the executive.

He stressed that in Mexico, the penetration of hybrid and electric vehicles is still low, representing only 8% of sales in 2024.

Despite a projected growth of 18% by 2030 , factors such as infrastructure and high prices remain significant barriers to faster adoption in the country, said Gerardo Gómez.

He also highlighted the growth of Chinese brands that manufacture hybrid and electric vehicles in the region, as they have rapidly gained ground, reaching 10% of the Mexican market share and doubling their sales in the last year.

“These brands face challenges in terms of customer satisfaction and perceived quality. JD Power studies indicate that consumers in Mexico value both value for money and after-sales experience, which represents a key opportunity for Chinese brands seeking to establish themselves in the country,” he said.

Gómez Gálvez added that this is happening in a context in which the generational change in consumer expectations demands more personalized shopping and service experiences.

Along these lines, Gómez Gálvez stressed that logistics and timely delivery are essential for the customer’s perception of quality.

“Transparency in vehicle tracking is something that consumers value highly. The ability to resolve logistics issues before they impact the customer experience will be essential for brands that want to be successful in the long term,” he said.

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