Puebla Seeks US$46 Million Investment in Electric Buses.

An electric bus company is interested in investing US$46 million to open a factory in Puebla, as part of the Economic Development Hub for Well-being (Podecobi) in the municipality of San José Chiapa.

The coordinator of the Investment Promotion Committee, Beatriz Camacho Ruiz, noted that the investment firm—which has chosen to remain anonymous—has submitted a request for support to launch the project, which aims to manufacture 12 to 15 electric vehicles per month.

Similarly, Ruiz mentioned that representatives from that company approached the committee and the Secretariat of Economic Development and Labor (Sedestra) to share their plans.

Investment is a key priority for the state, which would help demonstrate the region’s potential to host any project; however, the development hub has created greater uncertainty by providing an ideal environment for investment.

It is believed that the committee’s collaboration with the state government could help ensure follow-through and accelerate the implementation of investment projects that view the state as a safe place to do business, given its stable work environment and skilled workforce.

The electric bus manufacturer would source most of its supplies from domestic companies; furthermore, if the factory is ultimately built for Podecobi, the company could take advantage of the tax benefits offered by the state government. Although, the company has emphasized that it is open to setting up operations in another location, provided it receives the same tax benefits.

Camacho Ruiz emphasizes that the current goal is to finalize the project so that construction can begin, which is why they are following up on the matter.