OVERVIEW
William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan (WDI) convened a virtual roundtable focused on the dynamic U.S. and Mexico collaboration in the auto industry. This discussion was in partnership with U-M's Ross School of Business and the US-Mexico Foundation (USMF), a binational non-profit organization dedicated to fostering bilateral cooperation and understanding between the U.S. and Mexico. This discussion featured valuable perspectives and insights from diplomats, executives, analysts and academics.

BACKGROUND
In 2020, USMF and the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute brought together six former U.S. ambassadors to Mexico and six former Mexican ambassadors to the U.S. to discuss the bilateral relationship. The conversation explored the future of U.S.-Mexico relations in critical areas, including economic competitiveness. This discussion is reflected in the report titled “Convocation: A Vision for a Stronger U.S.-Mexico Partnership.”

Virtual Roundtable
Leveraging the State of Michigan’s rich auto manufacturing heritage and expertise, this event brought together two former ambassadors, Gerónimo Gutiérrez Fernández and Earl Anthony Wayne, hosted industry leaders to discuss emerging opportunities to strengthen the U.S.-Mexico partnership with a focus on the auto industry. This event featured two interrelated, consecutive discussions:

Panel 1: U.S.-Mexico Automotive Supply Chain Integration: Trends and Opportunities, Moderated by Interim Dean Francine Lafontaine at the Ross School of Business

Panel 2: Powering Mobility: Implications of the Energy Transition, Moderated by Diana Páez, Senior Director of Grants & Partnerships at WDI