Weekly Review I June 7, 2023

GENERAL SITUATION IN MEXICO

Weekly Review I June 7, 2023

RELEVANT NEWS

ELECTRIC CARS WILL BE LIKE ROBOTS AND MEXICO WILL HAVE THE TALENT TO PRODUCE THEM

In the coming years, electric vehicles will be more like robots because their software will be essential, and the country is already preparing the necessary talent to produce this type of units, say experts on the subject.

“(In the future) vehicles will look more like robots or computers,” commented Veronica Orendain de los Santos, a researcher on the electromobility sector.

By 2023, software will represent 30% of the value of cars, she said. At the same time, the specialist assures that the automotive industry is already leading the efforts for Mexico to maintain its leadership as a manufacturer, in the midst of the transition towards electromobility.

Francisco Gonzalez Diaz, executive president of Industria Nacional de Autopartes A.C. (INA), ruled out that Mexico is lagging behind in the talent needed to produce electric cars, despite the fact that the country is just adjusting its curricula to meet the needs of electromobility.

“We are definitely not lagging behind in an industry that is moving very fast. We are not late with the curricula,” he expounded. “Technology is going very fast and we are trying to keep up with it.”

The business representative explained that the curricula are trying to train talent in such a way that they do not learn to understand the latest programming that is applied in electric cars but to understand how this programming is done so that they have the concept understood and are able to apply the

programming methods that are emerging.In an interview, Omar Martinez, INA’s Original Equipment and Aftermarket Manager, explained that Mexico has an opportunity to transform the skills required for the production of electric vehicles.

“New skills related to cybersecurity, programming, and artificial intelligence will be required,” he said. To address those needs, planning, and collaboration between companies and universities are required, he explained.

“But although there is a lot of progress to be made towards electromobility, we are on the right track,” he assured and then highlighted that engineers have always been available in the country.

Orendain de los Santos agreed that the country is on the right track toward producing electric vehicles and added that the authorities are also willing to do so.

“There is a great willingness of governments at federal and state level to try to understand the electromobility phenomenon and to be part of it in some way,” he added.

SOURCE: FORBES MEXICO

RELEVANT NEWS

NEARSHORING HAS ATTRACTED INVESTMENTS OF $13 BILLION DOLLARS TO MEXICO

So far this year, the arrival of companies to Mexico as a consequence of nearshoring has detonated investments for about $13 billion dollars, said the Secretary of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP), Rogelio Ramirez de la O.

While participating in the National Meeting of BBVA Regional Advisors, he commented that this amount is the product of the announcements of around 20 companies, 54% of which come from the automotive and auto parts sector, including Tesla and BMW.

“The announcements underestimate the potential, either because many (investment) plans are not announced or underway, or because the preliminary announcements do not include all the potential considered by the companies,” he said.

In this sense, the federal official explained that along

with the arrival of international companies due to nearshoring, the demand for industrial spaces in the north of the country is at levels never seen before.

The occupancy rate in these areas, he explained, is around 97%, while there are locations such as Guadalajara and Ciudad Juarez where more facilities of this type are being built.

Ramirez de la O also pointed out that this has translated into higher employment levels and wage improvements in the construction sector, as well as an increase in the import of capital goods.

“To the extent that the benefits continue to materialize and foreign companies are linked to the national value chain, there will be a greater positive impact on the potential growth of the economy,” said the Secretary of Finance.

SOURCE: FORBES MEXICO

RELEVANT NEWS

MEXICAN COMPANIES CLOSE FACTORIES IN CHINA TO BRING THEM BACK TO MEXICO

China is no longer the manufacturing center for 50 Mexican companies, which are moving some of their factories out of the Asian continent to bring them to Mexico’s industrial centers.

“There are 50 companies that are returning production plants from China to Mexico,” revealed Jose Gerardo Tajonar Castro, president of the National Association of Importers and Exporters of the Mexican Republic (ANIERM).

The plants that are leaving China belong to the automotive industry, textile and suppliers for manufacturing. “They are Mexican companies with brands that have been recognized by us for a lifetime,” said the business leader.

Among the businessmen involved is a very important ANIERM associate in the construction industry in the country, who is living the clear example of nearshoring, he told Forbes Mexico.

“This associate has had around 22 industries, of which at this moment he has 20% in Mexico and 80% in China, now he gave us the information that he is returning 12 plants to Mexico,” said the president of Trade Point Mexico.

Tajonar Castro gave the example of a famous brand of paintbrushes sold to Central and South America; they used to be made in Mexico, but at one point, their manufacturing went to China when the maquila there improved its quality.

The Mexican paintbrush company then took its factories out of Mexico and took them to China, from where it produces and distributes worldwide; however, today it is looking to return to the country.

“Today other companies are bringing industries to Mexico because from here there is efficiency in deliveries and costs, as well as competitiveness in logistics,” he mentioned.

Mexican companies are returning their plants to North America because their customers in the United States already require the products in a timely manner, emphasizes the president of ANIERM.

Now there is a great opportunity in attracting U.S. companies, which require someone to help them with softlanding, to set up their companies and certify official standards records, said Tajonar Castro.

“Today Mexico is the logistics center and developer of manufacturing, which is returning from Asia through nearshoring,” said the leader of the international trade sector.

SOURCE: FORBES MEXICO

KEYPOINTS OF PRESIDENT ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR’S MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE

May 31 – June 6, 2023

POLITICAL AGENDA

• Meeting with governors and Morena aspirants: The President of the Republic indicated that he cannot talk much about it; however, he informed that they met to congratulate Mrs. Delfina Gomez for her victory in the State of Mexico. Likewise, he mentioned that they met to maintain unity, reiterating that there are no divisions within the party. He indicated that Morena governors attended, with the exception of the Governor of San Luis Potosi. Also present were party leaders such as the president of the National Council and governor of Sonora, Alfonso Durazo; senator Ricardo Monreal; chancellor Marcelo Ebrard; the minister of government, Adan Augusto Lopez Hernandez and the head of government, Claudia Sheinbaum, a total of 29 participants including him. He mentioned that he made a commitment not to favor anyone in the 2024 electoral process.

• Conclusion and continuation of projects: The president stated that next year the government will have as priorities to strengthen welfare programs, continue developing the activity of the welfare banks, continue with the internet program extended to thousands of communities that do not have signal, increase the pension for senior citizens by

25%, continue moving forward to make the pension program for the disabled universal, consolidate everything that has to do with the welfare of the people. He added that the works being carried out since the beginning of his administration such as the construction of dams, aqueducts, hospitals, universities, the Mayan Train, highways, the Tulum international airport, the rehabilitation of the Isthmus railroad tracks, and improving the salary situation and benefits of workers in general will also be concluded.

• Animal protection and taxes: During a press conference, a reporter suggested two issues to President Lopez Obrador: the reform to stop considering animals as things and the elimination of VAT on pet food. The President mentioned that the issue of animal protection is under consultation and is being worked on in Commissions in the Chamber of Deputies. He supports the reforms and may send initiatives if they are not reconciled in the Chamber. Regarding VAT, the President committed not to change taxes and has only abolished tax remissions and reduced energy prices to avoid increases in gasoline, electricity, and gas.

• Elections in the State of Mexico and Coahuila: President Lopez Obrador congratulated the citizens of Coahuila and the State of Mexico for free-

KEYPOINTS OF PRESIDENT ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR’S MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE

ly electing their new governors, highlighting the absence of serious incidents in the elections. He reaffirmed his support to the winners and recognized the defeated candidates for their civilized political attitude. He also mentioned the electoral panorama, with MORENA governing in 22 states. He called for strengthening democracy in Mexico and criticized media manipulation and anti-democratic practices in elections. He emphasized that in MORENA there will be no hand-picked appointments and that it will be the people who will choose the presidential candidate. During the conference, videos and messages were presented that generated debate on the electoral results in the State of Mexico.

• State of Mexico: On the triumph of Delfina Gomez, the head of the Federal Executive indicated that an important part is its working people, for whom they will seek to improve the public transportation system, being close to concluding the Train from Toluca to Mexico City, which will be inaugurated in 2024; There will be a Trolleybus from Chalco to Santa Martha to connect it with the Trolleybus of the CDMX and the Metro; the highway to Pachuca will be extended; and the Train from the “Felipe Angeles” Airport to Buenavista in the CDMX will be completed. Also, work will be done to improve the health system, so that the IMSS - Bienestar Health Services will exist in the state and to improve the attention and that there will be the necessary medicines, in addition to promoting public education.

• Government of Yucatan: The Governor of Yucatan, Mauricio Vila, highlighted the projects underway in conjunction with the federal government, such as the expansion of the Port of Progreso, the con-

struction of the Progreso Beltway and the infrastructure works for the connectivity of the Mayan Train in the state. He also mentioned the construction of combined cycle plants, the expansion of the natural gas pipeline, and the promotion of cybersecurity. In addition, work is being done to strengthen relations with the United States, taking advantage of the Port of Progreso as a connection with different areas of the neighboring country.

• Queretaro: President Lopez Obrador mentioned that he is considering supporting the Aqueduct project presented by the governor of Queretaro in coordination with CONAGUA. In addition, he referred to the Queretaro Train project and stated that they are having conversations with Kansas City Southern de Mexico, due to its merger with the Canadian railroad company. The President proposed to analyze the possibility of using the existing tracks for a train, since the highway is saturated. It was agreed to send them a proposal for this necessary project.

• Grupo Mexico: President Lopez Obrador reached an agreement with Grupo Mexico to recover a section of the railway in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The company will voluntarily hand over the strategic section, while the government will extend the concession of another section for eight years. In addition, a lawsuit filed by another subsidiary of Grupo Mexico against the Mayan Train was resolved. The President highlighted the importance of recovering the railroads and expressed his desire to deliver more kilometers with passenger trains by the end of his term.

KEYPOINTS OF PRESIDENT

ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR’S MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE

INFRASTRUCTURE

• Hydraulic Programs: Regarding the hydraulic projects of this administration, the President pointed out that the Mexican government has invested around 93.55 billion pesos for the benefit of 21.3 million people. The President mentioned that every Wednesday he will be presenting new projects at the morning conference. The progress of the following projects was presented: 1) Yaqui Aqueduct, Sonora, 2) Yaqui Irrigation District, Sonora, 3) Santa Maria Dam, Sinaloa, 4) Irrigation Zone, Sinaloa, 5) Picachos Dam Irrigation Zone, Sinaloa, 6) Picachos-Concordia Aqueduct, 7) “Alejandro Gascon Mercado” Irrigation District, 8) Adolfo Lopez Mateos-Xpujil Aqueduct, and 9) El Zapotillo Dam, Jalisco.

ECONOMY

• Economic situation: In his economic report, the president highlighted the following positive points: the record 21,862,909 workers registered with the IMSS, the increase in the average salary to $16,263 per month, the increase in the purchasing power of the minimum wage by 88% since 2018, the unemployment rate of 2.8%, the appreciation of the Mexican peso by 13. 2%, the annual growth of remittances by 10%, the increase in foreign direct investment to $18.636 billion, Mexico’s position as the main trading partner of the United States, GDP growth of 1.0% from the previous quarter, the inflation rate of 6.3%, and changes in energy prices, such as the increase in the price of the Mexican export blend of oil and the decrease in the prices of premium gasoline, diesel and LP gas.

• Water: When asked about the Panuco Aqueduct, the President indicated that he will first review the water situation in Tamaulipas, an entity that requires support to access the water supply. This situation is being addressed with the construction of a new dam, which will also benefit Nuevo Leon. He commented that he is working with the Governor of Tamaulipas, to attend to the shortage of the liquid in that entity in San Luis Potosi, Nuevo Leon, Hidalgo, and Veracruz in its entirety. He indicated that on Wednesday the head of the National Water Commission will speak on the subject, specifically on “Cuchillo II” and “Healthy Water for La Laguna”.

• Mayan Train: Section 3 of the Mayan Train, which runs from Calkini to Izamal, has 129 kilometers of finished tracks and has generated 11 thousand jobs. In terms of environmental protection, no open-pit mining concessions have been granted and fracking has not been permitted. The Preliminary Ho-

KEYPOINTS OF PRESIDENT ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR’S MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE

mologated Inventory of Jale Dams has been made available to the public to monitor mining waste sites. In addition, new natural protected areas have been declared, such as the Sierra de San Miguelito, Lake Texcoco, Jaguar, and Peña Colorada. We are working to establish more protected areas in collaboration with the communities. We are promoting the creation of the Gran Calakmul region, which will be the largest network of protected areas in the Americas after the Amazon.

INTERNATIONAL

• Meeting with White House Security Advisor: President Lopez Obrador had a positive meeting with Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, White House Security Advisor. Issues of migration and drug trafficking were discussed. He emphasized that a legal channel was opened for migrants to carry out procedures in an orderly manner, granting temporary work visas. It was agreed to reinforce this measure and the embassies in Central America and the Caribbean will be informed. Investing in poor communities was discussed and the President asked that the fentanyl issue not be politicized against Mexico. An upcoming meeting with the United States and Canada was agreed upon. Robert Kennedy Jr. sent an apology for John Kennedy’s offensive behavior towards Mexico. The letter was delivered by Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma.

• Free Trade Agreement with Belize: When asked about the request of Chetumal’s businessmen to formalize the Free Trade Agreement with Belize, the President pointed out that for the past two years, trade has been promoted in the southern border, seeking for Chetumal to once again become an important commercial center. He explained that it is necessary to disseminate more information about the decree he approved so that no taxes are paid in the zone, similar to what happens in the northern border.

SECURITY

• Disappearance of people in Guerrero: Regarding a question from a journalist about the disappearances in the state, the President emphasized that if necessary, a law initiative or a reform to the ex-

KEYPOINTS OF PRESIDENT

ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR’S MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE

isting laws should be presented, so that the authorities of Guerrero can facilitate and help in the search for missing persons. He indicated that at the federal level work is being done as it has never been done before, he detailed that he has the commitment to search for the disappeared, besides having the support of the local authorities. He specified that if there is a need for a State Law for this purpose, it should be presented.

• Tamaulipas: President Lopez Obrador offered a conference from Tampico, Tamaulipas, focused on security. He emphasized that the local government is part of the solution and rejected the militarization of the country. The governor of Tamaulipas, Americo Villarreal, mentioned his government’s priorities, including security, the fight against corruption and health care. The Minister of the Navy reported a decrease in some crimes and an increase in others in the region.

HEALTH

• Medical Residents: Regarding the initiatives that have been stopped by Congressman Emmanuel Reyes Carmona so that medical residents can be paid, a reporter emphasized that this congressman was found to have relations with the Light of the World Church and pointed out that there was information that they were going to create a political party, which could be the cause of the stop to the initiatives. The president pointed out that his administration has no problems with the doctors since they have complied with everything they have promised.

• Addiction prevention campaign: The Minister of Public Education, Leticia Ramirez pointed out that the development of parental involvement in

the matter of addiction prevention is fundamental. She informed that next June 17 throughout the country and in a coordinated manner, activities of different kinds will be carried out to publicize the intentions of the program and raise awareness about the consumption of these substances among young people.

• IMSS-Wellness: The Director General of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), Zoe Robledo Aburto, reported on the progress of the IMSS-BIENESTAR program, indicating that to date in the 14 states in which agreements have been signed for the federalization of health care services, actions were carried out for the conservation and maintenance of medical units. Likewise, he pointed out that throughout the country, 667,256 square meters have been renovated.

NEWS BY STATE

BAJA CALIFORNIA

Korean investors with companies in Baja California met this Monday with the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Mexico, Huh Taewan, in order to strengthen cooperation ties with the Baja Californian community and discuss investment opportunities. The Ambassador indicated that some of the sectors that attract the attention of potential investors are related to electric cars, electrical appliances, semiconductors, and electronics.

SONORA

Sonora has positioned itself in one of the first places of employment mainly due to the automotive industry, but also due to the attraction of raw materials that it has. Unemployment in Sonora decreases, remains at 2.8% at the state level, and it is estimated that the year will close with lower numbers. 20,000 new jobs have been generated throughout the State during 2023, mostly in industry, commerce, services, and agriculture.

SOURCE: UNIRADIO INFORMA, RADIO SONORA

NUEVO LEON

The Government of Nuevo Leon expects to close the year by attracting 8.8 billion dollars in foreign investment, which represents more than double the amount received by the state last year, Ivan Rivas, the state’s Secretary of Economy, revealed in an interview.

The arrival of foreign capital to the state is largely due to the Tesla effect and the phenomenon known as nearshoring, where companies, mainly from Asia, seek to relocate their investments to the American continent.

Of 141 projects, 76 are new investments and 65 are expansions.

Thirty percent are manufacturing projects, followed by automotive (26 percent), logistics (8), IT & Software (6), machinery and equipment (6), and the remaining 23 percent are distributed in other sectors.

TAMAULIPAS

The most recent edition of the Industrial Supplier Expo in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, organized by the Maquiladora Association (index) in the city, concluded with more than 600 business meetings in which the commercial relationship of multiple sectors of the economy of northeastern Mexico and South Texas was strengthened.

Index Matamoros informed that during the fifteenth edition, 90 supply companies were brought together to offer their products and services to established companies, through the creation of new supply chains, with economic reactivation for the region. Tamaulipas was also promoted as a prosperous area for the arrival of new investments, mainly for manufacturing, as it has a skilled labor force.

COAHUILA

After the electoral process held this Sunday in Coahuila, Riquelme Solis celebrated the prevailing tranquility and citizen participation of more than 56 percent, which, with a margin of 35 percent, gave the victory to Manolo Jimenez Salinas.

The governor pointed out that the election day is over and “in the state, we are calm because we live in a safe state, where, unlike other entities that in similar processes had the interference of organized crime, in Coahuila this did not happen. Security and confidence were reflected in the presence of voters at the polls, which allowed for a historic vote and was the result of the joint work with the Mexican Army and the National Guard”.

SOURCE: MEXICO INDUSTRY, EL SIGLO DE TORREON

SAN LUIS POTOSI

In the last five years, the northern region of Mexico has stood out for attracting foreign investment and occupying more and more industrial warehouses for incoming companies that seek the border due to its proximity to the United States. San Luis Potosi offers competitive pricing and innovative projects.

The state has leaned towards the demand for land acquisition, as it has an automotive vocation and

GUANAJUATO

Guanajuato ranked first nationally in vehicle production in 2022 with a total of 725,251 units, representing 21.9% of the national total, as reported by the Industria Nacional de Autopartes A.C. (National Auto Parts Industry).

State Governor Diego Sinhue Rodriguez

Vallejo promotes Guanajuato’s competitive advantages to attract investment with strategies focused on creating a competitive environment for private initiatives to develop its projects.

SOURCE: EXPANSION, GOVERNMENT OF GUANAJUATO

QUERETARO

During the first five months of the year, eight investment projects for the automotive industry have been finalized, representing capital for 9,491 million pesos, said the Secretary of Sustainable Development (Sedesu), Marco Antonio del Prete Tercero.

The automotive investments achieved in the 2023 advance are equivalent to 53.3% of the 15 projects that were finalized in 2022 for this industry, according to Sedesu’s annual report.

AGUASCALIENTES

This year, the Gross Domestic Product of Aguascalientes is expected to grow by 3%, thanks to the arrival of more investment and capital from nearby Zacatecas, the Jalisco Highlands and part of San Luis Potosi. This growth is due to the security environment and the rule of law that favor the economy, estimated Mauricio Duarte, regional director of Grupo Financiero Banorte.

In a press conference, the specialist affirmed that the State presents a promising economic outlook, since it is among the areas with the best economic positioning in the center of the country.

SOURCE: EL ECONOMISTA, EL HERALDO

CDMX

As part of the electromobility strategy, Mexico City announced to reinforce actions for the private sector to replace its last-mile transportation that operates with diesel, the new goal is a minimum of 5% more of the fleet each year. In a press conference, the head of government, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, explained that the Environmental Self-Regulation Program for Diesel Vehicles intends that all large cargo vehicles in the capital of the country achieve an energy transition, this under a context that has identified 200,000 cargo units in circulation in the Valley of Mexico.

STATE OF MEXICO

Once Sunday’s Edomex 2023 election has concluded, the candidate of the Juntos Hacemos Historia alliance, Delfina Gomez Alvarez, formed by Morena, Partido del Trabajo and Partido Verde Ecologista de Mexico, is projected to be the first woman governor of the State of Mexico with a projected percentage of between 57 and 61 percent, to 39 and 43 percent for Alejandra del Moral. It will be next September 15 when the former Mayor of Texcoco and former Federal Secretary of Education will be sworn in, if ratified, as the first governor from outside the PRI in almost 100 years.

SOURCE: EL ECONOMISTA, EL FINANCIERO

INVESTMENT NEWS

NORTHEAST

MARRIOT

American company Marriott announced the construction of a new hotel in Tampico, Tamaulipas, with a $25 million investment. The project aims to boost tourism and economic development in the region, and includes the creation of a theme park, an aquarium, and a national museum of Mexican history.

ALTAMIRA

TERMINAL PORTUARIA

Mexican company ATP will invest over $25 million to enhance the Port of Altamira in Tamaulipas. The investment includes a new waterfront and the purchase of four-yard cranes, improving container operations and offering faster service with turnaround times of under 25 minutes per user.

FARMACIAS

DEL AHORRO

Mexican pharmaceutical company “Farmacias del Ahorro” has announced a $54 million investment to open 157 new branches in Tamaulipas over the next five years. The company’s Business Plan for Tamaulipas, presented by Executive Director Arnulfo Treviño to the state governor, aims to generate 2,400 direct and indirect jobs in nine municipalities of the region.

MITSUBISHI

& OTHERS...

The mayor of Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, announced an investment of approximately $48 million in the capital city. The investment will cover sectors such as pharmacies, discount stores, and car dealerships including Mitsubishi. The mayor emphasized that his government is focused on promoting tourism in the state through these initiatives.

INVESTMENT NEWS

CENTRAL MEXICO

BROWN FORMAN CORPORATION

Brown-Forman Corporation, a US-based company, will invest $200 million in an expansion project in Amatitán, Jalisco. The focus will be on the production of “Jimador” tequila, enhancing the company’s presence in the beverages industry.

MITSUI HIGH TECH

During his working tour in Japan, Guanajuato’s governor confirmed the first investment in Guanajuato. Mitsui High Tech will invest $6.8 million in a new plant in Apaseo el Grande. This Japanese company is a leading provider of integrated circuit frames, precision tools, motor cores, and surface grinders. The new plant is expected to create 180 direct jobs.

CDMX

BTS DEVELOPMENT

BTS Development, a US-based company, has expanded its operations in Cuautitlán Izcalli, Estado de Mexico. With an investment of $53 million, the inauguration of the industrial park, Campus Cuautitlán I, marks the company’s fifth industrial park in the state. Notable tenants include Ford and McCormick, further enhancing the park’s industrial presence.

NATIONAL PROLOGIS

Fibra Prologis, a real estate investment trust based in Mexico, will invest $400 million to expand its portfolio of industrial properties, driven by the growing demand for nearshoring in key markets. The increased demand for industrial spaces, especially in manufacturing and logistics, has led to historic levels of occupancy, prompting Fibra Prologis to make new investments to address these needs. SOURCES: MEXICO

TALENT DEVELOPMENT

THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTERREY ANNOUNCES STUDIES FOCUSED ON TESLA’S ARRIVAL IN MEXICO

The University of Monterrey announced that it will make adjustments to its curriculum to prepare the professionals required by Tesla and its supply chain for the arrival of the automotive company in the country.

The School of Engineering and Technologies of the University of Monterrey will deploy from the fall semester 2023 these curricula that take as a basis to leverage the strength of the Automotive Engineering program and enhance learning through practice.

Carlos Atoche Kong, dean of the aforementioned school, stated in a press release that one of the main hallmarks that summarizes the combination of both elements are the Last Mile Professional Certificates.

For example, a student of Automotive Engineering will be able to take subjects thanks to which he/she will obtain, apart from his/her degree, the Professional Certificate in Data Science and Artificial Engineering for Electric Vehicles or the Professional Certificate in Manufacturing 4.0 of Electric Vehicles.

There will also be certificates in Analytics and Digital Transformation; Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Artificial Intelligence and Automation.

The changes at UDEM reflect the impact of the arrival of Tesla, the automaker owned by tycoon Elon Musk, which in February announced that it will set up an electric car mega-factory in the state of Nuevo Leon with an investment of more than 5 billion dollars, which is shaping up to be the company’s largest.

“Manufacturing processes in Nuevo Leon will evolve towards the Tesla model, where automation, the use of industrial robots and process management assisted by artificial intelligence will be the new work standards. Tesla brings the future we expected to the present moment, and this is a challenge for UDEM,” explained Atoche Kong.

UDEM informed that this new semester, Javier Verdura, Tesla’s Director of Product Design, will be a guest professor in a course that will address the topic “How to convert the energy model of your home based on Tesla’s principles”.

In 2020, Verdura had already collaborated as a professor developing the Helios Project, which was part of Chair III: Innovation + Interdisciplinarity + International, where he worked closely with students from the Roberto Garza Sada Center to generate proposals for sustainable products.

UDEM currently has more than 17,000 students and offers 47 degree programs, four high schools with three bachelor’s degree programs, 19 master’s degree programs, 13 graduate specialties, 37 medical specialties, and two doctorates.

SOURCE: FORBES MEXICO