During a morning conference at the National Palace, the Mexican government presented the Olinia Project, an ambitious initiative that promises to transform the country’s automotive industry by boosting innovation and sustainability.
Under the leadership of the Ministry of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation, led by Dr. Rosaura Ruiz Gutiérrez, and coordinated by Roberto Capuano Tripp, the project seeks to establish the first national assembly plant for electric vehicles developed with Mexican engineering.
Dr. Arturo Reyes Sandoval, director of the National Polytechnic Institute, and Rafael Garayoa, technical coordinator of the project, also participated in the presentation on Monday, January 6. This interdisciplinary team will be key to integrate academia, the productive sector and the government in the construction of a sustainable mobility model.
Sonora’s advantages as a possible site
Among the states evaluated for the installation of the assembly plant, Sonora stands out as a strategic option, thanks to its lithium reserves, an essential resource for electric vehicle batteries, as well as for its qualified human talent, strategic infrastructure and capacity to attract investments under the nearshoring model.
- Critical mineral resources: Sonora has large reserves of lithium, an essential component in batteries for electric vehicles.
- Qualified workforce: The state has experience in mining and technology industries.
- Strategic connectivity: Its land and maritime transportation network facilitates distribution to domestic and international markets.
- Promotion of nearshoring: Sonora’s geographic location attracts foreign investment and the integration of supply chains.
Details of the Olinia Project
The initiative includes the manufacture of three models of mini electric vehicles:
- Personal mobility: A safe and economical alternative to motorcycles, with a base price of 90,000 pesos.
- Neighborhood mobility: Designed to replace motorcycle cabs, with greater safety and lower operating costs.
- Last mile deliveries: An efficient and affordable vehicle for the growing online commerce, with a maximum price of 150,000 pesos.
The vehicles will be designed on a multipurpose module platform, which will optimize production and allow a higher percentage of domestic components to be used.
Effects and goals
With an initial investment of 25 million pesos and the participation of institutions such as the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) and the Tecnológico Nacional de México, the first Olinia model is scheduled to be launched at the opening game of the 2026 World Cup at the Estadio Azteca.
President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted that the project will not only address sustainable mobility needs, but will also boost the Mexican automotive industry.
“Olinia will be an example of how industry, education, the public sector and the private sector can work together to transform mobility and generate development opportunities,” she said.
The decision on the final location of the main assembly plant could be made this month, after technical visits to Sonora and Puebla. The project is expected to include several assembly plants in different regions of the country to decentralize production and reduce logistics costs.
This project not only positions Mexico as a leader in electric mobility, but also seeks to democratize access to sustainable, safe and economical transportation solutions, with a view to consolidating a global automotive industry.
