Nuevo Leon Gov. Samuel Garcia revealed Wednesday that his government won a letter from Tesla asking it to release infrastructure allocations that would supplement its factory allocation near Monterrey.
Speaking in Leon, Guanajuato, after attending a meeting of the commercial sector, Garcia said Tesla had called for the start of artwork on a rail link with the proposed “gigafactory” in Santa Catarina, the expansion of four roads and a water treatment plant.
The governor previously said the government would be forced to build new infrastructure as part of the deal with the Austin-based company led by Elon Musk.
Garcia said Tesla’s request would be sent to a “committee” whose approval is required to move forward with infrastructure projects. He did not specify which framework he is referring to.
“I hope the committee will authorize [the projects] to fulfill what we promised,” he said.
Garcia said the Nuevo Leon government needs Tesla to begin construction of its gigafactory as soon as possible, but cited a start date. It will be up to Musk to make that announcement, he said.
Garcia predicted that between 60 and 70 Tesla suppliers would set up shop in Mexico following the company’s resolution to invest in a large, multibillion-dollar factory that will make “next-generation” electric vehicles.
“The consequences [of Tesla’s investment] will be visible in Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi and Coahuila,” he said, referring to the 3 states bordering Nuevo Leon.
“But the investment is for the whole country to benefit,” Garcia added.
The governor said last month that Tesla and its suppliers would invest $15 billion in Nuevo Leon, triple the figure previously cited by the federal government.
“The factory we announced in March will be wiped off the map. It looks like it’s going to be twice as big,” Garcia said. “Tesla and its suppliers will generate $15 billion in investments over two years. “
The governor, who met with Musk in Monterey ahead of the gigafactory’s announcement, said on Sept. 18 that the state permits needed for Tesla to build the factory had been issued, but claimed the company had still obtained some federal permits.
Forbes Mexico reported in early September that Tesla had received any of the permits it needed to build and operate its electric vehicle gigafactory in Santa Catarina.
Construction of the factory is expected to take 36 months, according to a Tesla document seen through Forbes, and could be completed by the end of 2026 at the earliest, if the company secures the necessary leases in the final months of this year.
With Milenio, La Jornada and El Economista
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