Chihuahua Accelerates Automotive Innovation with a Quadruple Helix Vision

Chihuahua’s Autocluster drives innovation, electromobility, and local supplier integration through a quadruple helix strategy and industrial regionalization.

Through the Autocluster of the State of Chihuahua, the region is aligning industry, academia, government, and civil society to transform itself into a hub for innovation, talent development, and advanced supply chains. Already a key pillar of Mexico’s automotive sector, Chihuahua is rapidly advancing its capabilities to meet the demands of a changing global industry.

With a strategic location that facilitates exports—80% of Chihuahua’s production is destined for the U.S. market—the state contributes over 12% of Mexico’s total auto parts output, amounting to $10.5 to $12 billion USD in 2024 sales. From Ciudad Juárez to the south-central region, Chihuahua produces up to 80% of the components required to assemble a vehicle, demonstrating remarkable maturity, specialization, and forward-looking vision.

Driving Electromobility and Specialized Talent Development

At the forefront of this transformation is Jorge Alberto Charles Madrigal, President of the Autocluster, who leads a comprehensive strategy based on the quadruple helix model.

“We don’t want studies that remain on paper—we want to turn research into concrete action in manufacturing, supply chains, and talent development,” he emphasizes.

A core priority is the transition to electromobility and sustainable mobility. In partnership with the University of Michigan, the state government, and local research centers, the Autocluster is spearheading a pioneering study that addresses industrial, social, and technological shifts required by this new paradigm. From this research, actionable strategies have emerged to strengthen key sectors such as software development, advanced electronics, and specialized harness systems, with a strong emphasis on growing local suppliers.

“Our goal is to integrate more Chihuahua-based companies into the automotive value chain—not just as Tier 2 or Tier 3 suppliers, but in strategic segments like vehicle intelligence, automation, and advanced manufacturing,” says Charles Madrigal.

Through partnerships with universities, the cluster is also helping to shape academic profiles aligned with the industry’s emerging needs.

Industrial Regionalization to Strengthen Local Supply Chains

The Autocluster currently brings together nearly 50 members, including major OEMs like BRP and Ford, as well as technology and manufacturing specialists. Its participation in national and international expos has been crucial to attracting new investments and showcasing Chihuahua’s industrial capacity.

“When we show visitors a map of the companies in our state, many are surprised by the level of installed capacity,” notes Charles Madrigal.

The cluster also promotes industrial regionalization by expanding into municipalities such as Delicias, Saucillo, Camargo, Cuauhtémoc, and Meoquí, areas with strong manufacturing bases—including a robust trailer export industry. Ciudad Juárez alone accounts for nearly 50% of the state’s auto parts production.

In the face of global challenges—ranging from shifting trade policies to technological disruption and growing sustainability pressures—the Autocluster remains a proactive convener, organizing webinars, expert panels, and constant communication with plant managers to adapt its strategy to real-time industry feedback.

“We firmly believe that Chihuahua’s industrial development must align with our regional strengths and a shared vision between the public and private sectors. It’s no longer just about attracting investment—it's about building a robust, specialized ecosystem where local suppliers grow and professionalize,” concludes Charles.

With vision, leadership, and cross-sector collaboration, the Autocluster of Chihuahua is positioning the state as a national and international benchmark in the automotive industry, advancing toward a more innovative, competitive, and sustainable future.