With the consolidation of NAFTA in 1994, North America grew to become a relevant region in the automotive scene, competing against the mature European region and the growing Japanese presence. The US became the design center and trend-setter of the region, supported by supply chain operations from Mexico and Canada. Now the second-biggest market in the world, the US has become both a strategic ally and the main export destination for Mexico.

In this chapter, OEMs, suppliers and technology developers headquartered in the US share their views on how North America can remain a competitive region in the automotive industry. Mexico’s position in these countries’ development strategies is featured, along with companies’ own objectives for sustained growth.

Main question to answer

How can Mexico and the US grow their collaboration in automotive operations, both in manufacturing and technology development processes?