Teresa Gutièrrez Smith has been appointed as the Country Manager for Tesla in Mexico, coinciding with advancements in the construction of the new Gigafactory in Nuevo Leòn. With a background of over two decades in leadership roles at multinational corporations such as Mattel, Procter & Gamble, and Nestlè, Gutièrrez Smith is well-equipped to steer Tesla’s initiatives in the country.
Professional Background and Regional Challenges
Gutièrrez Smith’s academic credentials include a Chemical Engineering degree and a Master’s in Business Administration, both from prestigious institutions in Mexico City. Her expertise is set to play a crucial role in Tesla’s growth in Latin America, a region where electric vehicle (EV) penetration remains minimal. Despite Mexico’s role as an EV manufacturing hub, with companies like Ford producing models such as the Mustang Mach-E, EVs accounted for only 0.5 percent of the country’s automotive sales in 2022.
Gigafactory Mexico’s Role and Economic Outlook
The upcoming Gigafactory Mexico, officially announced by Tesla in early 2023 after securing federal land use permits, is poised to bolster the company’s production capabilities, particularly for the anticipated $25,000 EV. CEO Elon Musk has indicated a cautious approach to the factory’s construction, citing the need to assess the global economic climate amidst a high interest rate environment.
The establishment of the Gigafactory is set to generate a significant number of direct and indirect jobs, with estimates suggesting a combined impact of up to 36,000 positions. This employment surge is anticipated to substantially benefit Nuevo León’s economy. Additionally, Tesla is slated to receive $153 million in incentives from the state, recognizing its potential contributions to job creation and economic growth.
The Gigafactory’s first phase involves a $4.5 billion investment and is part of a three-phase project, reflecting Tesla’s commitment to expanding its manufacturing footprint in Mexico.
- Tesla names Teresa Gutièrrez Smith as Mexico’s Country Manager.
- Gigafactory Mexico to bolster Tesla’s production, create jobs.
- Tesla receives incentives for economic impact in Nuevo León.
