At the García plant, truck and bus manufacturers in Mexico are ready to start the production of heavy vehicles with low emission technologies as soon as it is appropriate, according to the president of the National Association of Bus, Truck, and Tractor Manufacturers (Anpact), Rogelio Arzate.
The main challenge facing the industry is the importation of used trucks from the United States, which complicates vehicle renewal, the implementation of low emission technologies, and the scrapping of old units. Major manufacturers such as International, Scania, Freightliner, Daimler Truck, and Mercedes-Benz are seeking to boost the sale of low-emission vehicles.
To comply with the new standards, starting January 1, only vehicles with Euro VI/EPA 10 engine technologies can be produced, imported, and marketed in Mexico. Currently, various technologies are being offered, such as natural gas vehicles, electric, hybrid, and some with hydrogen cells.
According to data from the Mexican Association of Automotive Distributors (AMDA), the majority of heavy vehicles sold in Mexico until November were diesel technology, followed by hybrids, natural gas, and electric. The transition towards more environmentally friendly vehicles is seen as key for the industry, especially in the last mile and public transportation.
The National Association of Bus, Truck, and Tractor Manufacturers (Anpact) aims to reduce the age of heavy vehicle fleets and scrap thousands of units annually to encourage renewal. Additionally, the distribution of ultra-low sulfur diesel in Mexico is another challenge to supply low-emission vehicles with Euro VI and EPA 10 technologies.
Regarding the importation of used trucks, the heavy industry is proposing better control to combat this problem. Manufacturers like Cummins have developed new generations of engines to contribute to decarbonization in Mexico. Mercedes-Benz Buses claims to be prepared to comply with current regulations and plans to produce electric buses in collaboration with Brazil to carry out the project in Mexico.
