Fifth Largest Automobile Producer in the World
Texas Border Business –
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
McAllen Mayor Jim Darling and Keith Patridge president of the McAllen Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) will travel to visit South Korea with the main interest of strengthening the relationship with the automotive industry of that nation.
The South Korea’s automotive industry is the fifth largest in the world measured by automotive unit production and the fifth largest by automobile export volume.
While these operations were merely the assembling of parts imported from foreign companies, South Korea is today among the most advanced automobile producing countries in the world. South Korea Motor vehicle production during 2013 was 4,521,429.
Keith said that they have been going to South Korea for many years. “Recently with the auto-manufacturing boom in Mexico, we have recognized the opportunity to reach out to big suppliers. This trip will be packed with meetings with auto suppliers, and other manufacturing companies that have previously visited the McAllen/Reynosa area.”
He also said, “We will also be presenting at a global innovation forum alongside other global leaders. The benefit of this trip would be, if we can secure a solid supplier base that means more jobs and opportunities for other suppliers to follow the lead.”
The group from McAllen departs on November 9, 2014 and returns on November 15. Included to travel is Mayor Jim Darling; Keith Patridge, President McAllen EDC; Ralph Garcia, VP of Mexico Business Recruitment; Adriana Treviño, Marketing Director McAllen EDC; and a few Reynosa/Tamaulipas officials that were not identified while working on this report.
Mayor Darling told Texas Border Business, “I am looking forward to meeting many leaders in the manufacturing business from around the world and especially from South Korea.” He added, “I look forward to the possibility of making connections that result in bringing manufacturing and parts business to our area of McAllen, our neighboring communities, and Northern Mexico.”
Currently the McAllen/Reynosa Maquiladora area has 9 South Korean companies. Their industries range from paper printing to electronics. Keith also pointed out that, “The last two years, we have seen more activity from South Korea, hence our frequent visits and meetings. This is a timely process, but we are doing things right, and we want to make sure they succeed.”
McAllen/Reynosa is a hot spot for manufacturers and for that reason there have been quite a few visitors from South Korea. “Most of them are friends we have made through the years looking to tap into the U.S. market. Keith said, “They have recognized the geographic competitiveness and strategic location of our region. That’s what keeps them coming back to learn more. We will be visiting with companies that were here during our last trip. It’s part of the relationships building and trust factor.”
The Global Innovation forum in Daejeon, which is South Korea’s fifth largest metropolis, will give McAllen Mayor, Jim Darling an opportunity to talk about innovation and competitiveness in Rio Grande Valley region. McAllen EDC President, Keith Patridge will be talking about advanced manufacturing, NAAMREI and the future of start-ups. TBB
Automotive Production Ranking
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