Highlighted below are recent automotive projects of note in Mexico. The Mexican Automotive Industry Association, in concert with the Ministry of the Economy and Tecnolôgico de Monterrey, is launching a program to organize the country's 800 suppliers to better serve the new wave of supplier parks and just-in-sequence operations.
   Meanwhile, a Council for Technology and Infrastructure of Automotive Industry in Mexico has also been established. According to the Ministry of the Economy, more than $3.5 billion is being invested by the automotive industry in 2005-2006, creating more than 11,000 direct jobs. At the same time, opportunity exists for further expansion, as parts continue to be imported at substantial volume.
    • Nissan said it would invest $45 million in its plants, primarily to increase production of "tourism vehicles."
    • Magna International continues to invest in its stamping facility in Sonora.
    • Volkswagen Mexico has begun export of parts of the Bora model to assembly plants in South Africa and China, in addition to already-existing exports to Germany, Argentina and Brazil.
    • Preh GmbH will invest $10 million in its Monterrey plant in order to make air conditioning systems for Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and GM's Hummer.
    • PACCAR heavy truck broke ground in the summer for an assembly plant in Mexicali, which will include a Kenworth truck assembly line plus a separate parts fabrication plant.
    • Ford's $1.2-billion investment in Hermosillo, Sonora, combined with its suppliers' $400-million investment in the supplier park concept, officially launced production of three new models in August.
    • Diesel Nacional has resurrected its truck and bus plant in Hidalgo with a $7-million, 750-job investment.
    • Hyundai purchased the facilities of Grupo DINA in order to produce its Rino Super X model, with an investment of $47 million and the creation of approximately 500 jobs in the first phase.
    • After seeing increased imports of vehicles from Japan, Lazaro Cardenas Port in the state of Michoacan may soon invest in a new vehicle import terminal, with a projected capital investment of $14 million.
    • Steel Technologies Inc., a Kentucky-based supplier to multiple industries including automotive, will invest $8.5 million in a new steel processing facility in Juarez, Mexico.
    • Eurotranciatura will invest $25 million in the state of Queretaro to make metal parts for alternators.
    • Bridgestone will construct a third tire plant in Mexico, with a $220-million investment in Monterrey. It will be the company's 49th global plant. Meanwhile, competitor Michelin has opened a new $6-million corporate facility next to its plant in Queretaro.