Descentralización y reconfiguración productiva en la industria automotriz mexicana

In a context of changes in the international economy, Mexico is positioned currently as the first vehicle and auto parts producing country in Latin America, seventh producer of vehicles in the world. The automotive sector constitutes one of the strategic axes of the Mexican economy. Since the nineties it has shown a particular dynamism with the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement and after 2009 presents a new stage of expansion with the opening of new plants, the arrival of more foreign direct investment, growth of production, an increase in international trade and exports. In recent decades a specific model of industrial organization and a new territorial organization has been configured, when productive decentralization is generalized, with a growing number of activities carried out in separate establishments that belong to various companies. The production of components and parts is externalized towards suppliers, tasks that used to be integrated get dissociated and are organized in company networks. The supplier companies acquire importance as they concentrate 90% of employment and 70% of the sector’s compensation. It is important to focus on the presence of this segment of the automotive industry, as in recent years it acquires a main role. Mexico is positioned as the fifth auto part exporter in the world. Considering the importance of the decentralization process and industry reorganization, the objective is to present a general outlook of the Mexican automotive sector, focusing on the supplier segment. The methodology that we utilize implies the review and following of statistical variables of production, export, foreign direct investment and employment. It is also based on results of research that implies review of literature about suppliers.