Ford has recently made a significant move by shipping its cars from the Guaymas port close to its Hermosillo plant in Mexico. This decision aims to address the existing logistics issues faced by the U.S. automaker and could potentially reduce their costs by up to 30%, as stated by the Sonora state governor.
Traditionally, Ford has been transporting its vehicles over a long distance of nearly 2,000 kilometers from Hermosillo to the port of Lazaro Cardenas in Michoacan. This process was considered a logistical challenge and was described by Governor Alfonso Durazo as a “logistical tragedy.” By shifting their shipping operations to the Guaymas port, Ford hopes to streamline their logistics and reduce costs significantly.
The recent shipment of pickups and Broncos to Chile marks the beginning of a broader initiative to revamp the Guaymas port, led by Mexico’s outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The port’s modernization and expansion have enabled Ford to utilize it for their shipping needs effectively. Additionally, ongoing construction at the port includes the development of a parking platform to facilitate larger scale shipments.
Moreover, the deepening of the port’s waters is in progress to accommodate heavier ships with larger cargo loads. Governor Durazo highlighted the potential for cars to enter the Sonoran and even the American market through the Guaymas port. Furthermore, there are plans to expand the port’s capabilities to receive or dispatch container ships to the Asian market in the near future.
The Guaymas port is set to benefit from the “nearshoring” trend, where companies are moving their operations closer to their final destinations in North America. Additionally, President Lopez Obrador’s “Sonora Plan” includes a massive solar energy park with a capacity of 1 gigawatt to power the port. The second phase of this energy park, costing around $840 million, is expected to be inaugurated soon.
Furthermore, the Sonora Plan aims to leverage the state’s lithium resources, which are believed to be Mexico’s largest. Mexico nationalized its lithium resources in 2022, and there are plans for private firms to partner with the state firm LitioMx for lithium extraction. However, regulatory clarity is needed to enable private companies to participate effectively in this initiative.
In conclusion, Ford’s decision to ship cars from the Guaymas port signifies a strategic move to address logistics challenges and reduce costs. The port’s modernization and expansion efforts, combined with renewable energy initiatives and plans for lithium extraction, position Guaymas as a key hub for automotive and energy industries in Mexico. This development aligns with broader trends in nearshoring and sustainable practices, contributing to the economic growth and competitiveness of the region.