Why Mexico is dominating auto manufacturing + Expat guide to Mexico City

The Nearshore Cafe

In this episode of the Nearshore Cafe podcast, host Brian Samson introduces guest Stuart McGillivray, or Stu, who shares his background of living in various countries as a child and his expat assignment in Mexico City from 2005 to 2010 in the automotive industry.

Stu highlights the rapid growth of Mexico's automotive industry, with major companies investing in the country. He discusses the three components necessary for a successful hub: capital, talent, and knowledge recycling. Stu also mentions positive changes in Mexico's stability, such as a stronger peso and accessible local financing options.

Living in the Polanco neighborhood of Mexico City, Stu describes its beauty, walkability, and diverse cuisine. He encourages visitors to speak Spanish and connect with locals to fully experience Mexican hospitality.

Regarding safety, Stu notes that it varies depending on the location and time. While some areas have seen an increase in crime, safe regions like the Yucatan Peninsula exist, attracting expats with low crime rates. The Mexican government prioritizes the safety of foreigners, reducing their likelihood of becoming crime targets.

Stu discusses the hierarchical work culture in Mexico and the importance of building relationships and showing genuine interest in colleagues. He advises a proactive approach to hiring and leveraging networks to find trusted talent.

He mentions the shifting hiring process in Mexico, with candidates demanding more from employers due to increased awareness of their worth. Mexican companies are now competing globally and acquiring overseas companies.

Stu shares his experience of learning Spanish through immersion and the challenges of providing coaching and feedback in a second language. They discuss economic and cultural differences between Latin American countries and the benefits of nearshoring in the automotive industry.

They advise those interested in nearshoring to visit in person, assess local infrastructure, and build relationships with suppliers. They also emphasize the value of speaking to locals for a deeper understanding of the country.

The podcast concludes with a recommendation to check out Nearshore Direct as a resource for finding talent in Latin America.

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