GUADALAJARA, JAL.- A stopped unit stops producing, and although the causes that can lead a tractor-trailer to the workshop are diverse, behind its availability there is also a challenge for the tractor-trailer parts chain : having the correct component and in the necessary quantities when the carrier requires it.

Inventory planning thus becomes relevant to keep units moving, particularly in the face of demand that can change depending on fleet needs.

During the meeting “Connections that drive the path” , organized by Converto SPs in Guadalajara, Iván Carrillo, Sales Manager of Continental , pointed out that maintaining the correct part numbers and quantities represents one of the challenges of this chain.

“It’s always a challenge to have the right part numbers in the right quantities, believe me, it’s a real headache,” he stressed.

The challenge lies in responding to dynamic demand. Carrillo gave the example that there may be seasons when a customer requires 20 airbags and the available inventory is only 10.

“This is very dynamic; having the right inventory, the right part number is a big challenge,” he emphasized.

But obtaining the part is only part of the challenge . Its performance also has implications for vehicle availability and the costs faced by a trucking company .

The specialist explained that a part that fails prematurely can necessitate a replacement, requiring the vehicle to be returned to the workshop early, increasing downtime and, consequently, costs. If the failure occurs on the road, it may even require roadside assistance.

“In a short time you’re going to have to repair it again, you’re going to have to bring your units back to the workshop again and that costs money, inactivity costs money,” he said.

From this perspective, the purchase price is no longer the only factor in choosing a tractor part . Performance, replacement cycles, and the cost of taking a unit out of service for maintenance are also taken into account.

That’s where the concept of total cost of ownership comes in , which Carrillo linked to the investment made in the components and their performance during operation.

Availability also requires coordination between manufacturers and distributors. In this regard, he emphasized that even with technological advancements, a component needs to be available on the market when the customer requires it. In Continental’s case, the company works with Converto SPs as a business partner to make its portfolio more accessible to different channels.

Thus, the challenge for the truck parts supply chain goes beyond expanding a catalog: it involves anticipating demand, having the required part number available, and reducing the chances of a unit being out of service , because for a fleet the cost of a spare part does not end with the part itself; it can also be measured in the time the truck is out of service.

According to the consulting firm IMARC Group , the aftermarket for heavy vehicles in Mexico reached 2.1 billion dollars (USD) in 2025 with an estimated 3.4 billion USD in 2034.

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Continental announced the complete elimination of coal and fuel oil as energy sources in tire production. Since January of this year, all of the company’s plants have switched to alternative energy sources such as biomass, biogas, electricity from renewable energy sources, and fuels like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas, with the goal of ensuring a constant energy supply .

“By opting for a smart mix of energy sources, increasingly renewable and, where possible, generated directly on site, we are making our manufacturing more independent and, therefore, more resilient,” said Bernhard Trilken, Director of Manufacturing and Logistics at Continental Tires.

For his part, Henning Mühlenstedt, Director of Future Technologies and Sustainable Infrastructure at Continental Tires, highlighted that the reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions is the result of continuous investments in electrification and alternative sources .

Until the early 2020s, seven of the company’s 19 plants relied on coal and fuel oil to generate steam. Currently, all operate with a diversified mix of alternative sources , the result of systematic investment.

According to the tire manufacturer, the greenhouse gas intensity of its production has been reduced by more than 70% compared to 2019, avoiding nearly 180,000 metric tons of CO₂ in the last four years .

The energy transition is reflected in various of the company’s plants . In Gqeberha, South Africa, coal was replaced by biomass and LPG; in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, the installation of a second biomass boiler eliminated fuel oil. In Otrokovice, Czech Republic, collaboration with the regional energy provider led to a shift towards biomass and natural gas.

Currently, all of Continental’s tire plants have a diversified mix of alternative energy sources, due to systematic and long-term investments.

Last year, Continental’s efforts to reduce its emissions were recognized by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) , which awarded it an A- rating for climate transparency and emissions reduction measures .

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Competitiveness in the trucking industry is increasingly linked to coordination between manufacturers, distributors and suppliers, particularly with regard to the availability of spare parts, technical support and response times.

In that context, Daimler Truck Mexico held the 2025 Supplier Awards , where it highlighted the strategic role of its supply chain in the performance of the after-sales business .

According to the company, the operational continuity of the units depends largely on the timely supply of components and the technical and commercial alignment with specialized suppliers, factors that affect downtime, maintenance costs and operational predictability.

In the Commercial Development category, Continental was recognized for its participation in technical-commercial training and initiatives aimed at promoting the adoption of its portfolio within the network.

Marco Feregrino, leader of the Commercial Area of ​​Daimler Truck Mexico, pointed out that the year’s results were linked to the coordination with the supply chain and the shared strategy with suppliers, which allows strengthening the commercial and technical execution for 2026.

In Customer Support, Eaton stood out for its consistent response times , product availability, and quality of service to distributors and end users.

The Business Partner of the Year award was given to Fleetguard for its comprehensive contribution to operational efficiency, innovation, and strategic alignment with after-sales operations.

Perla Verdi, After-Sales Director of Daimler Truck Mexico, stated that the competitiveness of the business is built on long-term strategic alliances, where every improvement in service and every timely delivery directly impacts distributors and end customers.

The company believes that, in a market where operational continuity and cost control are crucial for industrial and logistics clients, integration between manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers will become increasingly important.

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Continental announced the expansion of its use of recycled and renewable materials in tire production. The company stated that it aims to increase the proportion of these materials from 26% in 2024 to 40% within the next five years .

“We are not reinventing the wheel, but we are reinventing the tire, with more sustainable materials and production processes that are more compatible with the environment,” said Matthias Haufe, Head of Materials Development and Industrialization at Continental Tires.

In a statement, the company indicated that the focus is on materials that reinforce the tire structure and ensure performance throughout its lifespan. Steel and textiles represent approximately 18% of the components in passenger car tires, with an even higher proportion in commercial vehicle tires. Therefore, the company has incorporated recycled steel and polyester derived from PET bottles , in addition to technologies such as COKOON for textile-rubber bonding.

The company also explained that it uses synthetic rubber derived from used cooking oil, resins from biological waste, and silica from rice husks . These alternatives are integrated into all raw material groups to diversify the origin of the components. The goal is to move towards more environmentally friendly production processes.

Recycled steel is incorporated into the casings, bead cores, and belt layers of passenger car and commercial vehicle tires . These reinforcements improve puncture resistance, stability, and fuel efficiency without compromising safety or performance. Recycled polyester is obtained from up to 15 PET bottles per tire , transformed into textile cords using ContiRe.Tex technology developed in partnership with OTIZ. This application, verified by SGS, reduces carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 28% compared to fossil fuel alternatives. This material is already used in models such as the UltraContact NXT, with bottles collected in regions without closed recycling systems.

The COKOON technology , developed with Kordsa, allows for the bonding of reinforcing textiles to rubber without reorcinol or formaldehyde . It is offered as an open-source, license-free solution for manufacturers and suppliers in the industry. The company explained that this aims to promote more sustainable production practices in the tire sector.

Continental recorded sales of €39.7 billion in 2024 and employs 95,000 people in 54 countries. Its Tires division generated €13.9 billion and has more than 57,000 employees in 20 production and 16 development centers.

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Aguascalientes emerges every day as a key point in the relocation of global operations , its strategic location, qualified workforce, and high safety standards, attracts significant investments, as explained by Esaú Garza de Vega, Secretary of Economic Development, Science and Technology. of this state.

In that sense, the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO) , highlighted Aguascalientes  within the first three states with the best environment for nearshoring , along with Nuevo León and Coahuila, consolidating itself as a strategic destination for economic growth in Mexico.

In this context, Garza de Vega highlighted that the state continues to receive important investments, such as the recent installation of a Continental plant and a significant US investment in the personal care products sector.

“We are witnessing a growing arrival of international companies, particularly from Asia, that see Aguascalientes as an ideal place to establish and expand their operations. This not only strengthens the automotive industry, but also diversifies our economy with sectors such as information technologies and advanced manufacturing,” explained Garza de Vega.

In addition, the Secretary of Economic Development explained that from January to August 2024, 18 new investment projects were announced , of which 13 were international and will generate 10,000 jobs and an approximate investment of 867 million dollars.

Garza de Vega also indicated that state security is a crucial aspect for nearshoring.

“Aguascalientes is one of the safest states in Mexico and in all of North America, an achievement that we have achieved with the joint efforts of the government, companies and society. This safe environment is essential to attract and retain investments,” added Garza de Vega.

Esaú Garza de Vega concluded by highlighting that Aguascalientes is making the most of the opportunities offered by nearshoring, positioning itself as a key player in the reconfiguration of global supply chains. As he explained, the state is committed to continuing to strengthen the conditions that make it attractive for investment, always maintaining a vision of orderly and sustainable growth that not only benefits companies, but also the local community.

With the intention of promoting dialogue about the opportunities offered by nearshoring, Grupo T21 will hold the Transportation and Logistics Meeting (ETYL), on October 9 and 10 in Nuevo León. Under the central theme Maximizing logistics opportunities with nearshoring , the event will bring together prominent industry leaders in Mexico. 

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