The Cooperation Manufacturing Plant Aguascalientes (COMPAS) has attracted interest from nine potential buyers following its planned shutdown in May 2026, according to Aguascalientes Governor Tere Jiménez. The facility employs 800 workers and currently produces Infiniti vehicles for Nissan, as well as select Mercedes-Benz models.
Jiménez said decisions regarding the plant’s future are being led by the companies involved. “These nine brands interested in acquiring COMPAS will decide who can enter,” she said in a group interview. “Some have already visited the plant and toured the facilities; now it is up to the business owners to make their decisions.” She added, “The most important thing is that employment must be maintained.”
Among the companies reportedly evaluating the acquisition is Chinese automaker Build Your Dreams (BYD). Local broadcaster BI Noticias reported the company has shown interest, though the state government has not issued formal confirmation. Jiménez emphasized that “COMPAS will have to make the decision” regarding the sale.
BYD currently has no manufacturing plants in Mexico but announced in late 2024 that it was considering establishing an assembly facility in the country. At the time, BYD Mexico CEO Jorge Vallejo described the project as “a decision made” and confirmed that the Bajío region, including Aguascalientes, was under consideration. However, the plan was put on hold in 2025 following US tariffs targeting Chinese imports.
Rogelio Padilla de León, head, National Union of Auto Parts Industry Workers, described COMPAS as attractive for investors due to its advanced infrastructure. “It has technology and high-level installations,” he said, noting that Nissan or Mercedes-Benz could also consider purchasing the facility.
The industrial slowdown in Aguascalientes adds urgency to securing a new operator. According to INEGI, industrial activity in the state declined 0.8% in June compared with May, though it increased 1.2% year over year.
