Mexico Drive Forward Summit 2024: Shaping the Automotive Future

The Mexico Drive Forward Summit 2024, celebrated on Oct. 16, 2024, in Mexico City and organized by AMIA, aimed to address the future of Mexico's automotive industry, focusing on innovation and sustainability. The event brought together key stakeholders, including industry leaders, government officials, and international experts, to explore the sector's evolving role in the global market and discuss the opportunities and challenges it faces.

The summit focused on Mexico's potential to continue driving significant investment, promoting the adoption of new vehicle technologies and reducing emissions through industry modernization. More than 300 attendees participated, including figures such as Altagracia Gómez Sierra, Coordinator of the Business Advisory Council for the Mexican Government, and Vidal Llerenas Morales, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce.

Key discussions centered around the importance of fostering an effective public policy framework for electromobility. Odracir Barquera, Director General, AMIA, emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy: “It is important to have an integrated plan that ensures an effective transition to electromobility and provides favorable conditions for the automotive companies that have invested in Mexico for decades.”

The event featured five panels addressing critical issues, such as the transition to a circular economy, talent development, and industry-wide collaboration. AMIA also presented a 10-point proposal to President Claudia Sheinbaum and her administration, emphasizing the need for a smooth transition toward the future of the automotive industry in Mexico. 

AMIA’s proposal includes developing a comprehensive public policy for electromobility and creating favorable conditions to improve existing operations, while attracting higher levels of investment. It also highlighted the importance of enhancing the reliability of Mexico's energy infrastructure to meet global environmental goals, strengthening physical and digital infrastructure to streamline foreign trade, and fully leveraging international trade agreements like USMCA.

The association also emphasized the need to adapt the workforce to meet new technological demands and establish a modern, reliable vehicle registry. Strengthening the domestic market and updating regulatory frameworks were also key points, along with ensuring security across all business activities, from facilities to the distribution of goods.

"We are at a historic moment, not only for Mexico but for the automotive industry," stated Barquera.