US automakers are optimistic but cautious on USMCA outcome

US automakers are optimistic but cautious on USMCA outcome

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U.S. automakers embraced with optimism the new trade deal between Mexico, Canada and the United States (USMCA), but also seemed cautious of what the final outcome would be.

Officials from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said they were grateful for the tireless efforts of the U.S., Mexican and Canadian negotiators to reach an agreement. “While we still need to review the final text carefully, we expect – based on discussions with the negotiators – that the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will allow FCA's North American production to remain competitive at home and in export markets around the world,” said the Italian-American company in a statement.

Meanwhile, Ford Motor Company said it was ‘very encouraged’ by the announcement, “(…) we applaud all three governments for working together to achieve free and fair trade in a strong regional agreement,” stressed the company. “We stand ready to be a collaborative partner to ensure this agreement is ratified in all three markets because it will support an integrated, globally competitive automotive business in North America. The benefits of scale and global reach will help to drive volume and support manufacturing jobs.”

It’s worth noting that the company took some heat from the Trump administration due to plans to build an assembly plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, which finally got axed, although the company said it was cancelled because of trends in consumer preferences aimed towards a low demand of the Ford Focus, whose production was slated for the Mexican facility.

Production of the Ford Focus was shifted to China instead and eventually the Dearborn automaker decided not to import the model to the U.S. market.

General Motors was the only auto maker of the Big Detroit 3 that did not issue an official stance on the matter.

MexicoNow

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