March 2012
Ford to invest 1.3 billion in Hermosillo to make Fusions
Dow Jones - Ford Motor Co. will invest $1.3 billion in its Mexico operations in Hermosillo to build the new generation of one of its most-popular models, the midsize Ford Fusion, company officials said Friday.
Maquila exports expected to grow 12% in 1st Q
Sentido Comun - The National Council of Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing expects the industy's exports to grow about 12 percent in the first quarter. Last year, manufactured exports generated more than $170 billion.
www.sentidocomun.com.mx/breves.phtml
Cemex sees recovery in key U.S. market
Reuters - Mexico's Cemex said on Thursday that it might have recorded strong double-digit growth in U.S. cement volumes in the first two months of the year helped by good weather, based on industry estimates.
www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/30/cemex-idUSL2E8ET7D420120330
Pemex signs deep water oil drilling safety contract
Reuters - Mexico's state oil monopoly Pemex signed a contract with a company specializing in oil spill clean ups to boost its safety controls as it plunges into exploration of deep waters in the Gulf of Mexico.
www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/30/mexico-oil-idUSL2E8EU0WX20120330
Spain, Mexico to strengthen economic cooperation
CJREnglish.com - The governments of Mexico and Spain agreed Thursday to strengthen bilateral relations to help increase the flow of trade and investment and strengthen cooperation on economic issues. Spain is Mexico's second largest trading partner.
NYT reviews Mexican film "Paraísos Artificiales"
New York Times - Slow, deliberate and art house ready, “Paraísos Artificiales” (“Artificial Paradises”), the first feature by the Mexican director Yulene Olaizola, teeters between the dreamy and the soporific.
movies.nytimes.com/2012/03/30/movies/paraisos-artificiales-from-mexico.html
Calderon says he might become consultant
Associated Press - President Felipe Calderon says he might work as a legal or political consultant after he leaves office on Dec. 1. The 49-year-old Calderon says he has had some offers to teach at foreign universities, but will probably stay in Mexico.
abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/mexicos-president-consultant-16030657#.T3W14tX5-So
Narco menace overshadows presidential election
Reuters - As the campaign to pick a new president on July 1 formally begins on Friday, many fear the election will highlight the growing threat of the gangs. Electoral authorities are offering unprecedented levels of protection for candidates.
www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/29/us-mexico-election-drugs-idUSBRE82S10J20120329
Grupo Mexico drops bid for airport operator GAP
Reuters - Copper miner and railroad operator Grupo Mexico said on Thursday it plans to drop its offer to buy outstanding shares in Mexican airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP) after a lengthy legal dispute.
af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL2E8ET6K520120329
IMF report says Mexico resilient but vulnerable
International Monetary Fund - Mexico’s financial system proved resilient during the first wave of the global financial crisis, but authorities will need to remain vigilant given the risk of spillovers from global shocks, the IMF said in a new report.
