Almost two years ago, Samuel García, governor of Nuevo León, enthusiastically announced the arrival in Monterrey of a multi-million dollar investment estimated between 5,000 and 10,000 million dollars. This investment, confirmed in March 2023 by Elon Musk at 4.5 billion, promised a significant impact on the local economy by generating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, as well as boosting the development of local suppliers in the automotive industry.
Tesla's investment was projected as a development engine for Nuevo León and for Mexico in general, fostering innovation in areas such as clean energy and electromobility. The expectation for Tesla's gigafactory generated great media coverage and public excitement. Tension reached a peak when President Andrés Manuel López Obrador suggested that the factory should be located in another state with better conditions, sparking a controversy that was resolved with Musk's confirmation in favor of Nuevo León.
However, in July 2024, Elon Musk announced the suspension of the plant's construction due to the uncertainty caused by Donald Trump's statements about potential tariffs on Mexican products. Despite Samuel García's optimistic statements, construction did not resume, and the project was forgotten.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk has strengthened his ties with China, inaugurating a Tesla megafactory in Shanghai that marks a milestone in energy storage battery production outside the United States. This new plant adds to another Tesla electric vehicle factory in the same location, which has been successful since its creation in 2020.
The situation raises questions about trade relations between China and the United States, as well as Mexico's ability to attract foreign investments if it does not offer conditions of legal certainty and security. Despite initial expectations, the cancellation of Tesla's plant in Mexico highlights the importance of creating a conducive environment for foreign investments in the country.
