Freightliner Aims to Stay on Top in Mexico
Rollout on Nov. 15 of new Freightliner 360 2528, a Mexico-specific Class 8 truck. Photo: David Cullen
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PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO — Freightliner is maintaining an impressive 39% share of the Mexican commercial truck market as 2017 draws to a close— and is looking to build on that standing in 2018.
That’s according to Freightliner Mexico President and CEO Flavio Rivera, who spoke to North American trucking journalists at a press briefing here on Nov. 29.
Noting that Freightliner Mexico is in a unique market that faces challenges and competitors unknown north of the border in the United States, Rivera outlined the strategies the company is using to not only maintain its market share but also to expand its role as the truck “pacesetter” in Mexico going forward.
He began with an overview of Freightliner Mexico’s operations, which include a robust manufacturing presence in Saltillo and Santiago, as well as a proprietary dealership network. According to Rivera, Mexico is the 8th largest builder of trucks in the world today, and the 4th largest exporter of trucks globally. Additionally, he said the country is projected to build 5 million passenger cars over the next two years.
This potent manufacturing presence has kept the Mexican trucking industry strong, Rivera added, despite slowed growth in other key economic sectors, such as construction and oil fields. However, he was optimistic that the Mexican construction truck market would soon heat up again, citing major government infrastructure projects including the high-profile development of a new, ultra-modern airport as well as a key rail network connecting port facilities to Mexico City.
Rivera also noted that the unique realities of the Mexican market are prompting Freightliner Mexico to develop new models and strategies to maintain its competitive edge in the country. He said the top challenges include poor infrastructure, heavy congestion, …Read the rest of this story
