Mexico. Valeo, the French manufacturer of automotive components, has announced an investment of more than 500 million dollars in Mexico over the next four years.
This decision responds to the rise of electromobility and the growth in the assisted and autonomous driving sector. The revelation was made by Marco Hernández, national director of Valeo Mexico, during the inauguration of the new Valeo Mobility Technical Center (VMTC) in Empresalia, Querétaro.
"We are opening a space where ideas and talents will converge to shape the future of software-based mobility," said Hernández. "The VMTC will not only be a center for the development of advanced technology, but also a crucial meeting point for local and national talent, making our vision possible."
This new centre, the first of its kind in the Americas and the fifth globally, represents a significant step forward in Valeo's strategy to address rapid growth in electrification and innovation in assisted and autonomous systems. The other four VMTCs are located in Egypt, India, China and France.
Located in the state of Querétaro, the VMTC will focus on the development of advanced technologies in software, embedded systems, innovation and diverse technological applications. The facility, which currently employs 102 engineers, plans to increase its workforce to 200 by 2025 and to 500 in the next two to three years. The new engineers will specialize in areas such as software development, embedded systems, electronics, mechanics, as well as protection and cybersecurity.
Jeff Shay, President of Valeo North America, underscored the potential of local talent as a determining factor in the choice of Querétaro as the site of the new center. To maximise talent attraction, Valeo has launched a dual education programme in partnership with five local universities. This program will start with two universities and expand to three more in 2025.
In 2023, Valeo's sales in Mexico reached $3 billion, with the goal of doubling this figure by 2030, projecting growth to $5.5 billion. In Querétaro, the company operates three manufacturing plants in the Querétaro industrial park and employs 4,000 workers.
Nationwide, Valeo has 14 production plants and three development and research centers, with more than 13,000 employees, of which 29% are women.
Delphine Borione, French ambassador to Mexico, highlighted the importance of the automotive sector, noting that "Mexico is positioned as a world leader in this sector, being the seventh largest producer of vehicles and the fourth largest exporter globally."
This push towards electromobility and technological innovation marks a milestone in Valeo's growth in the region and reinforces Mexico's role as a key player in the global automotive industry
