Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas — The San Luis Potosí Automotive Cluster connects manufacturers, suppliers, universities and government agencies through a nonprofit organization focused on training, industry needs and business opportunities, its director told Rio South Texas region economic development officials.
The Council for South Texas Economic Progress, known as COSTEP, led by Adam Gonzalez, CEO, hosted the meeting at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen. The agenda focused on industrial growth, supply chain integration and investment opportunities across the Rio South Texas region and northern Mexico.
Luis Alberto González, director general of the cluster, described its structure during a June 11, 2026, presentation hosted by COSTEP at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen.
“We foster connections between companies and identify industry capabilities and needs,” Luis Alberto said. “We promote training, link various sector stakeholders, and help generate business opportunities.”
The San Luis Potosí Automotive Cluster was established in 2015 with seven participating companies, González said. BMW arrived in the state in 2016, and the cluster had more than 100 participating companies by 2022.
The organization operates as a nonprofit civil association. Its work follows a collaborative model involving private companies, government agencies and educational institutions.
The cluster’s board is led by President Alberto Rosales, Luis Alberto said. Its secretary is the state’s secretary of economy. The board also includes representatives from BMW, General Motors, two public universities and several Tier 1 automotive suppliers.
The organization operates four committees focused on human resources, purchasing, supply chains and academics. Each committee is led by an employee of a participating company.
Luis Alberto said the committees identify matters affecting member companies and organize programs around those needs. The cluster had already conducted a human resources event and scheduled a supply chain event for July, another human resources event for September and a supplier showcase for November.
The cluster operates independently within San Luis Potosí but also participates in Mexico’s National Network of Automotive Clusters. Luis Alberto serves as the network’s treasurer.
It was also said during the meeting that Mexico has 12 automotive clusters in its principal production regions. The national network addresses issues affecting the industry across state lines, while each cluster continues to operate within its own region. San Luis Potosí has two vehicle assembly plants and more than 250 automotive suppliers. BMW and General Motors operate the assembly facilities.
The COSTEP meeting brought the cluster together with Rio South Texas region economic development corporations and strategic partners. The agenda covered industrial development, investment, and cross-border supply chain integration.
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