SAN LUIS POTOSÍ, SLP. – Thirty-two years ago, San Luis Potosí was the starting point for Scania ‘s story in Mexico . Today, amidst an economic climate that has led companies to hold back or postpone investments, the automaker has returned to the same location to open a new door: its first Scania Used Vehicle Hub in the country.

With an investment of 4.5 million pesos , the new space adds 1,500 square meters and 10 service bays intended to inspect, intervene and fine-tune used vehicles before returning them to the market.

Aaron Sanchez, manager of the Altiplano and Western Region of Scania Mexico, explained that San Luis Potosi was chosen as the first point because of its location and connectivity, but the operational objective is what happens before delivering a vehicle again.

“What we are looking for is for this workshop to function in order to guarantee that the purchase of used vehicles […] results in a unit without faults, a unit that is ready for the road,” he said.

And to get back on the road, the units go through a checklist of up to 100 points , divided into five categories that cover safety and operational control, powertrain, diagnostics, chassis, suspension, structure and cab conditions.

The inspection can extend to the vehicle’s inner workings. If necessary, technicians can remove and repair an engine , as well as work on the transmission and differentials before the vehicle is put back on sale.

The return to San Luis Potosí also has a historical component for the company. Gisela Quintero, Director of Customer Experience and Services at Scania Mexico, recalled that it was precisely there where the company began its journey in the country.

But the opening also comes at a time when investment decisions face a less straightforward scenario.

Manuel Aranda, Retail Director of Scania Mexico, acknowledged that the country is experiencing a “quite uncertain” economic situation and that, in such scenarios, companies tend to slow down or postpone investments . In response, he maintained that the company’s strategy has been to maintain investments in infrastructure and customer service capacity.

“At Scania we have been doing the complete opposite; we have been opening new sites, expanding our capacity, hiring more staff, and investing in tooling,” said Aranda, who added that the expansion will continue to increase service capacity in the country.

In addition to infrastructure, another key element for the used car market is knowing the vehicle’s history . During the presentation, it was detailed that 98% of the vehicles considered were covered by a maintenance policy , allowing their service history to be traced through the brand’s workshops.

For his part, David Hernández, National Manager of Used Vehicles at Scania Mexico, explained that the strategy seeks precisely to extend the life cycle of vehicles and support fleet renewal beyond the sale of new units.

“Fleet renewal in the trucking industry doesn’t just depend on selling new units, but also on the ecosystem that surrounds them,” he noted.

The scheme also targets small and medium-sized transport companies looking to incorporate newer vehicles without necessarily acquiring a new unit, in a market where knowing the maintenance, mechanical conditions and costs that may come after the purchase can make the difference.

With San Luis Potosí as its starting point, Scania thus opens a new stage for its used and multi-brand business in Mexico, extending the support of the units beyond their first owner.

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Ten years after laying the first stone, BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí has ​​consolidated itself as one of the German automaker’s strategic operations globally and as a relevant link within the automotive chain in Mexico.

The story began in 2016 with the announcement of an investment in Villa de Reyes, San Luis Potosí, which aimed to transform the country into a production platform for premium vehicles destined for international markets. A decade later, the operation has accumulated investments of nearly two billion dollars and is preparing to enter a new phase marked by electromobility .

“Ten years ago, we began building a plant; today we see the impact of having built a community of talent, innovation, and collaboration that has contributed to the growth of San Luis Potosí and the strengthening of the Mexican automotive industry. The most important part of this story is not only the vehicles we produce, but the people who have made this project possible and the opportunities we have created together,” highlighted Klaus von Moltke, President and CEO of BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí.

Since the start of operations in 2019, the plant has produced more than 550,000 vehicles for export, integrating into the BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and strengthening Mexico’s position within the global automotive industry.

Among the manufactured models, the BMW 3 Series stands out, as well as the M2 and the 2 Series Coupé, the latter two manufactured exclusively in Mexico and exported to customers all over the world, in addition to the BMW M2 Racing and the BMW M2 CS, limited production versions.

Currently, approximately 3,700 employees are part of the daily operation of the plant, and it has also generated around 32,000 jobs indirectly, through suppliers, specialized services, logistics, construction, commerce and other activities linked to the value chain.

The brand works with a network of suppliers that has more than 310 production sites in Mexico , which strengthens national supply chains under the principle of local production.

As part of its global electromobility strategy, the BMW Group announced in 2023 an €800 million investment in the production of electric vehicles and high-voltage batteries in Mexico . This investment is part of a long-term commitment that increases the automaker’s cumulative investment in the country and represents a 110,000-square-meter expansion of the plant’s operations.

“The next stage for BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí will be marked by the expansion of its capabilities for integrating electric vehicles into our production line. This technological and organizational adaptation will allow us to further strengthen our team and optimize our processes in the face of an increasingly volatile environment. We are preparing the plant for the future, strengthening it and making it even more competitive in a constantly changing global environment,” emphasized Klaus von Moltke.

Starting in 2027, the plant will produce two models from the Neue Klasse platform, the BMW iX3 and the BMW i3, consolidating Mexico’s strategic role in the future of global mobility.

The plant’s evolution has been accompanied by a talent development strategy . More than 1,200 young people have participated in professional internship programs, and more than 570 apprentices have completed the Dual Vocational Training Program, inspired by the German model of technical training, with a 95 percent hiring rate.

“BMW Group’s vision has been to prepare new generations for an increasingly technological, digital, and electromobility-oriented industry. As a result, more than 110 Mexican employees have participated in international projects within BMW Group’s global network in countries such as Germany, Hungary, China, the United States, and South Africa,” the company emphasized.

Furthermore, during the last decade, BMW Group has promoted, among other actions, initiatives focused on education, community development, sports and culture , contributing to the well-being of more than 220,000 people in San Luis Potosí.

According to data from the municipality of Villa de Reyes, exports increased by 1,600% since BMW’s arrival. By November 2025, the municipality accounted for 42% of total exports and generated 30% of the state’s gross domestic product.

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BMW Group announced that, effective January 1, 2026, Klaus von Moltke will assume the position of president and CEO of its plant located in San Luis Potosí , succeeding Harald Gottsche, who has been in charge of that facility since December 2020

In a statement, the company announced that the arrival of Klaus von Moltke represents a new boost for the production of the BMW iX3, a model of the NEUE KLASSE platform , which will be manufactured in San Luis Potosí as part of its global electromobility strategy.

“At the BMW Group’s largest engine plant, I had the opportunity to supply the exceptional engines for the NEUE KLASSE. Now, I am extremely pleased to bring the NEUE KLASSE vehicles to the streets together with the extraordinary team at the San Luis Potosí plant. Despite the current challenging conditions, we will continue to write our company’s success story in the Americas,” emphasized Klaus von Moltke.

With more than 25 years of international experience, Klaus von Moltke is Senior Vice President for Engine Production at BMW AG and Director of the BMW Group plant in Steyr, Austria, and has held strategic positions in South Africa, the Netherlands and Germany.

The company highlighted that under Harald Gottsche’s leadership, production reached half a million units, and iconic models such as the BMW 2 Series Coupé and the BMW M2 were added to the lineup . Furthermore, the transition to the manufacture of electric vehicles and high-voltage batteries was accelerated, supported by an €800 million investment for expansion and the establishment of a Battery Module Production Center.

“It has been a privilege to lead an exceptional team in San Luis Potosí. Together we have achieved important milestones that position Mexico as a key player in the BMW Group’s global strategy,” said Gottsche.

BMW Group thanked Gottsche for his contribution and welcomed Klaus von Moltke.

“Both leaders guarantee the expansion of electromobility and will set the course for the future in the coming years,” said Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production.

With this change in leadership, the company reaffirms the strategic importance of its plant in San Luis Potosí , which has been operating since 2019. Supported by nearly 3,700 associates and utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing, Artificial Intelligence, and collaborative robots, these facilities produce models for the global market, including the BMW 3 Series Sedan, the BMW 2 Series Coupé, and the BMW M2.

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Grupo INFRA , a Mexican company dedicated to the manufacture and distribution of industrial, medical and special gases, inaugurated its new clean hydrogen plant in Querétaro, in alliance with Gerresheimer, with an investment of 100 million pesos (mdp) .

“We are building Mexico’s energy future with solutions that integrate sustainability, safety, and traceability. Clean hydrogen is a key element in transforming the industry and its value chain,” stated Dieter Femfert, Commercial Director of CRYOINFRA.

During the opening ceremony, the governor of Querétaro, Mauricio Kuri, highlighted the plant’s role as a catalyst for innovation and competitiveness in the state , where the demand for clean energy solutions continues to rise.

The plant, which uses water electrolysis technology powered by clean energy sources such as wind and solar, will enable the production of green hydrogen without carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. In addition to Querétaro, Grupo INFRA operates a clean hydrogen plant in San Luis Potosí, so the combined operation of both plants will reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 150 tons annually .

The company also implemented water efficiency measures, using treated water in its processes , and continues to invest in renewable energy, such as installing solar cells at its manufacturing centers, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.

Grupo INFRA seeks to guarantee the production of clean hydrogen, under international standards and complying with the highest criteria of quality, safety and traceability, to give way to a new energy era in Mexico.

According to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) , Mexico aims to reduce its CO₂ emissions by at least 212 million tons . The agency estimates that the country produces approximately 758 million tons annually.

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The facility covers 31,000 square meters (m2 ⁾ , of which 16,000 will be used for production and 10,000 for storage. The plant incorporates high-precision machinery such as fiber laser cutting, plasma welding, and automated testing systems. It also stands out for its eco-friendly design, which includes 500 MW solar panels, smart LED lighting, and water collection and reuse systems.

“This facility significantly improves our ability to deliver customized solutions with greater speed and flexibility. It also brings us closer to our customers and strengthens our operational agility throughout the region,” said Peter Revesz, CEO/President of Franke Foodservice Systems.

The plant currently employs 200 workers, with projected growth of up to 500 direct jobs . It is also estimated that 1,000 indirect jobs will be created through the supply chain, logistics, and related services.

The choice of San Luis Potosí was based on its proximity to key markets on the continent, its local talent, and favorable industrial environment. “This location represents a cornerstone for strengthening our supply chain and providing customized solutions with greater agility,” Revesz added.

Among the products to be manufactured at the plant are commercial kitchens, beverage shelving, and custom products . Woodworking and refrigeration lines will be added later this year.

San Luis Potosí has established itself as one of the states with the highest economic growth in the country. According to the Monthly Indicator of Industrial Activity by Federal Entity (IMAIEF) from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) , in March 2025, the state grew 9.2% compared to the same period last year , ranking third in the country, behind only Baja California Sur and Nayarit.

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