Baja California denies Toyota’s departure from Tijuana

The government of Baja California has dismissed rumors that Chinese automakers could take Toyota's place in Tijuana, following the Japanese company's announcement of changes to its Tacoma pickup truck production plans.

Kurt Honold Morales, head of the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, reaffirmed that the Japanese automaker has no plans to leave the state and will keep its local plant operating while new production projects are being finalized.

“The official word is from Toyota… What they’ve told us is that Toyota isn’t leaving; it has committed to expanding its plant in Texas, but the production line here will remain, and we’re already seeing how they plan to grow. Neither the Chinese, nor the French, nor anyone else will take that place.”

Honold Morales clarified that the adjustment will not involve dismantling the industrial facility or physically relocating the entire production line. According to the official, the changes will concern the product assembled at the plant.

“A lot of people think they’re going to load up the production line like a Lego set and take it away, but that’s not how it works… The production line stays here; what leaves is the product being manufactured.”

The secretary explained that the state government has been working for five years on projects related to the plant's future, although he did not specify which product could eventually be manufactured in Tijuana.

He added that some companies already operating in Baja California are considering expanding their operations but are waiting for greater clarity on U.S. tariff policies before making concrete decisions.

He also dismissed speculation about an influx of Chinese capital, stating that the investments reported in the state come primarily from countries with an established industrial presence.