Tesla has reportedly received overwhelming invitations from Mexican officials to bring the anticipated new assembly site to their state.
Just last week, it seemed like Tesla had finally narrowed down the location where it would build its newest plant in Mexico. The northern state of Nuevo Leon is close to the US border, has historically been home to numerous industrial giants such as Siemens and Caterpillar, and even appeared to be in talks with the American automaker over exactly where to locate its new manufacturing facility. That reasoning may have changed when the Mexican president discouraged the automaker, arguing the state may not have the necessary water resources.
According to ABC, this is when the invitations and solicitations began. Governors from Veracruz, Michoacan and Guanajuato each made offers and even slogans to attract Tesla. Veracruz found it had plentiful water and cheap electricity thanks to Mexico’s only nuclear power plant. Michoacan, a state that its governor says also has plenty of water, even went so far as to create an ad featuring a Tesla vehicle sitting next to a giant avocado.
Photo credit: State of Michoacan
With Tesla expected to make several key announcements next week’s Investor Day, many have wondered if Tesla’s Mexico location will be a part of it. Without a state selected, however, it may be difficult for Tesla to make an announcement about the facility.
A few other challenges also remain, no matter which state Tesla chooses. If Tesla decides to move south toward Veracruz and Michoacan, not only will it be significantly further from the US border, where it likely will ship many of its vehicles, but it will also invade some of the more dangerous parts of the country. Additionally, without the president’s support for the project, Tesla could face an ongoing uphill battle to build a new facility anywhere in America’s southern neighbor.
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