Operating in a volatile environment requires flexibility and constant adaptation, acknowledged Lourdes (Lulú) Cobos, general manager of the Turbo Plant at BorgWarner Ramos Arizpe, who admitted that decisions must be adjusted to the changing pace of the market.

“The industry is living in an environment of uncertainty. Our challenge is to maintain operations with certainty, even when everything around us is in flux,” he emphasized.

Cobos explained that, given the uncertain global outlook, the company has opted to maintain its presence in Mexico without halting its operations, which span 12 industrial sites in six states and employ nearly 4,500 people . Its portfolio includes turbochargers , electric drive motors, valves, and thermal management systems.

From Coahuila, the Ramos Arizpe plant produces nearly three million turbochargers a year , making it the company’s largest for this type of component, he explained.

Although electrification is progressing more slowly than expected , the company maintains its participation in all three market segments: combustion , hybrid, and electric . In Mexico, nearly 80% of its operations remain focused on internal combustion technologies, added Esteban Valera, director of the Saltillo plant.

In addition to its participation in light vehicles, the company also serves the heavy-duty vehicle segment , primarily those with turbochargers. This market represents approximately 10% of its sales , and although it is currently experiencing some stagnation, especially in class 8, the medium-term outlook indicates solid growth in both Mexico and North America.

“What seemed like it was going to decline is now showing signs of growth. Some platforms that we saw as stagnant are rebounding, and that demands an immediate response on our part,” Valera said.

In addition, company executives emphasized that their commitment to electrification remains, but warned that infrastructure, planning, and external conditions are required for the market to grow sustainably.

Another challenge is meeting sustainability goals. The company has set a goal of achieving zero carbon by 2030 , and although progress has already been made, such as the installation of solar panels, this is an effort that also involves suppliers and local governments, company representatives noted.

One of the key actions has been ISO 50001 certification (an international standard that establishes a framework for improving energy efficiency), already achieved by several of its plants, including Ramos Arizpe. Work is also underway on the use of clean energy and on programs to evaluate suppliers under the same environmental criteria.

Regarding its relationship with automakers , the company explained that its position as a preferred supplier has allowed it to maintain strategic agreements, even in the face of adverse circumstances. However, they also recognized that the environment is constantly changing and that it is necessary to anticipate long-term decisions, such as opening new lines or redesigning the portfolio.

Following this same diversification strategy, BorgWarner seeks to strengthen its presence in the aftermarket. Furthermore, Lourdes Cobos emphasized that the quality of its components allows it to offer a warranty of up to 60 months .

For now, the strategy is to maintain what works and adjust where the market demands it, company executives commented. The goal is to keep moving, even when the direction isn’t always clear.

Comment and follow us on X:  @karinaquintero  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Operating with certainty in uncertainty: BorgWarner’s challenge apareció primero en T21.

BorgWarner , a company specializing in the manufacturing and supply of engineered systems and components for mobility, has a network of 84 facilities in 20 countries to facilitate its logistical operations.

“As a global company, with 84 facilities in 20 countries, our strategy is to be where our customers are and where they need us, facilitating their logistics operations and management times,” said Lourdes Cobos , general manager of the Turbo Plant at BorgWarner Ramos Arizpe, in an interview with T21 .

In Mexico, the company has 11 facilities , nine of which are manufacturing plants and two are technical engineering centers . These units are located in strategic cities such as Ramos Arizpe, Saltillo, Irapuato, and others.

Mexican plants produce essential components for the automotive industry, such as turbochargers, engine chains, friction separator plates, EGR systems, starter motors, and alternators.

According to Cobos, the firm has no investment announcements in the works at this time; however, he emphasized that the region is very important to the company, which is why “we are constantly evaluating new investment opportunities.”

The automotive parts and components industry is also seeking to integrate sustainable and innovative goals into its operations with a view to reducing its carbon footprint.

“The truth is that the company has very specific goals to reduce our operational carbon emissions, boost energy efficiency, and responsibly manage our waste and water,” he emphasized.

Lourdes Cobos, who is also the first woman to preside over the Coahuila Automotive Industry Cluster , stated that “in 2023, the combined efforts of our facilities brought us even closer to achieving those goals.”

“All of our manufacturing plants, which supply original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) directly, are ISO 14001:2015 certified for their environmental management systems,” he explained.

This sector is playing a key role in promoting more sustainable production, implementing the use of solar panels and heaters, rainwater harvesting systems, and other measures and devices.

“We are making progress toward our goals: an absolute reduction of 85% by 2030 compared to our 2021 baseline, and carbon neutrality by 2035,” Cobos said of the company.

As part of these efforts, Lourdes Cobos said the firm seeks to offer and deliver innovative and sustainable mobility solutions.

“For several years now, we have been investing in the development of future technologies. Today, we have major electric vehicle projects underway in different regions of the world, including Mexico. We are investing prudently to keep pace with electric vehicle adoption, while leveraging the strengths of our foundational products. During this transition, sustainability remains a key priority,” he concluded.

According to information from the National Auto Parts Industry (INA) , auto parts production in Mexico reached a value of 18.375 billion dollars (mdd) in the first two months of 2025.

Meanwhile, the most manufactured components during the period were electrical parts, transmissions, clutches and related parts, engine parts, suspension, steering and related parts, according to the agency.

The integration of the supply chain in North America has strengthened Mexico’s role in that market, positioning the country as a strategic partner to meet the demand of the automotive sector in the region, driven by the relocation of production lines in Mexico ( nearshoring ). This is why this sector seeks to be more efficient in its operations, with environmental responsibility through measures to reduce its carbon footprint.

Comment and follow us on X: @Eliseosfield / @GrupoT21

El cargo BorgWarner, towards sustainable mobility and logistics apareció primero en T21.