In this context, Raúl Gamboa, Director of Logistics, Production Control and Plant Systems at the BMW Group , San Luis Potosí, shared how his company implements the use of artificial intelligence (AI),  a tool that allows them to anticipate changes in demand and manage the flow of materials .

“Digitization allows us to increase transparency and responsiveness in our supply chain,” said Gamboa.

He said that in recent years, BMW has implemented a “digital strategy” that includes AI for predictive analysis . These tools have made it possible to mitigate risks and increase efficiency.

Gamboa also explained that, in addition to technology, collaboration with suppliers and customers is essential for a smooth operation.

“We are focused on creating a culture of operational excellence within the plant, based on processes that support efficiency at every stage of production,” said the BMW representative.

Daryl Knight, commercial director of ProTrans , highlighted the need for accurate and reliable data at all stages of the supply chain.

“Increased visibility allows you to anticipate problems and make informed decisions to avoid additional costs and reduce risks,” Knight explained.

As an example, he explained that his company implements transportation management systems that integrate data from different sources , a strategy that allows them to improve capacity and optimize response times.

Additionally, Brandon Kennedy, global managing director, High-Tech & Industrials at Airspace, highlighted that digital transformation is a gradual process , especially in large companies or those with legacy systems.

“It’s not just a matter of upgrading systems, but of building bridges between older technologies and modern solutions,” Kennedy said.

Experts also agreed that one of the biggest challenges remains capacity constraints and a lack of talent specializing in digital technologies .

To mitigate this, Knight explained that ProTrans implements digital training tools for its staff , optimizing repetitive processes to free up its employees from operational tasks and focus them on higher-value activities.

They also commented that the automotive industry in Mexico is undergoing a period of accelerated transformation, driven by the need to adapt to a changing environment.

“This digitalisation process is a step towards greater agility and responsiveness in the industry, with benefits that extend throughout the entire value chain,” said Knight.

Panelists concluded that the adoption of digital technologies is necessary for operational efficiency and resilience to future disruptions.

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The Secretary of Economic Development of the State of Mexico, Laura González Hernández, highlighted the growth and logistics infrastructure of the state , emphasizing the advantages it offers for the automotive industry and its supply chains, highlighting among them the tax incentives .

In this regard, the official also stressed that, thanks to its strategic location and investment in infrastructure, the State of Mexico becomes a key logistics hub for the country , attracting companies from various sectors seeking to optimize costs and distribution times.

He mentioned tax incentives focused mainly on payroll tax and green taxes for companies that move operations, increase their workforce or start operations in the State of Mexico.

These incentives offer a 100% exemption on these taxes for 12 months . In addition, the possibility of extending these benefits in the following fiscal year is being considered.

He explained that with nine automotive plants and an ecosystem of more than 150 companies supplying the industry, the State of Mexico is one of the main vehicle manufacturers in the country, producing everything from cars and SUVs to tractor-trailers and buses. In addition, it houses design and engineering centers for well-known brands such as Ford and Nissan , consolidating itself as a hub for automotive innovation.

González also spoke about the progress of the creation of development hubs , such as the one planned in the Felipe Ángeles International Airport region , in conjunction with the states of Hidalgo and Mexico City. This development will focus on strategic sectors and will have federal and municipal tax incentives to attract large companies.

“The State of Mexico has a unique position that offers a combination of infrastructure, resources and talent that few states can match. We are committed to creating a favorable environment for companies to find a space to grow here,” explained González.

The head of the Secretariat of Economic Development also highlighted that the State of Mexico has more than 16 thousand kilometers (km) of road network and 743 km of freight railways , in addition to three customs offices and two international airports: the Toluca International Airport and the Felipe Ángeles International Airport, currently the largest cargo airport in the country, which makes it attractive for investment.

 “The location of the State of Mexico gives us advantages that are not found in other regions of the country, allowing us to optimize the transfer of goods, both to the northern border and to the seaports,” said González.

Additionally, to reinforce this strategic position, the secretary mentioned that the state is working on the availability of energy resources , road infrastructure and access to natural gas, key elements to attract investors seeking to establish distribution centers and logistics plants.

He noted that the state has 219 industrial parks and is a leader in this area, providing the necessary support to facilitate the expansion of the automotive industry and other manufacturing.

The State of Mexico is also the entity with the highest number of employed people in Mexico, with 8.2 million inhabitants employed in various sectors.

“The State of Mexico has the capacity to train highly specialized labor to meet the demand of the automotive industry and other strategic areas,” said González.

He also stated that the state produces technical and professional graduates every year in areas such as engineering, manufacturing, information technology and business administration. He assured that this human resource is essential to support the more than  2,700 logistics companies that operate in the state .

According to Gozález and in line with global trends, the State of Mexico seeks to consolidate itself as a center for the development of advanced technologies, semiconductors and alternative energy.

He mentioned that the state is committed to the care of natural resources, ensuring the availability of water and promoting sustainable practices for industries seeking to establish themselves in the region.

“The State of Mexico has optimal conditions to host alternative energy projects and data centers, which will strengthen our economy and attract investment from top-level technology companies,” González said.

The official made these statements within the framework of the 10th edition of Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico , where she highlighted the commitment to electromobility and the semiconductor industry, sectors that, in collaboration with the federal government and the private sector, seek to position the State of Mexico as a leader in innovation and technology.

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