Author: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

Mexico’s EV for The People Faces Challenges Ahead of 2027 Launch

Olinia has not sold a single vehicle yet, but it has already set a huge goal. According to Bloomberg, the Mexico-backed company plans to show two prototypes in June. It wants to create a new category of mobility in Mexico and raise $200 million from private investors to start real manufacturing.

Unlike other electric vehicle manufacturers, Olinia is focused on designing small vehicles for commuting, deliveries, and short trips.

The name Olinia comes from the Nahuatl language and means “to move,” reflecting the vehicle’s purpose as a means of transportation and symbolizing a broader movement toward sustainable mobility and technological innovation in Mexico

The Way Ahead for Olinia

The commercial goal is set for 2027. Olinia wants to start sales at the beginning of that year with low-cost, fully electric models. The idea is to create its own space rather than follow the path of brands competing for large electric SUVs or highway-capable cars.

The first model is designed to be a passenger vehicle for a driver and up to five additional passengers. The second will be a two-person cargo version capable of carrying up to 600 kilograms. Both will have a top speed of 50 kilometers per hour. They are not made for highways, only for the city. In early public announcements, the price target was around 150,000 pesos, roughly USD$ 8,500.

Roberto Capuano, a leader of the Olinia project, estimates this niche could sell 100,000 units per year in Mexico. This potential is a big reason for the government’s excitement. President Claudia Sheinbaum has made Olinia a showcase for national technology. From the start of her term, she has spoken of the project as an example of Mexican creativity and industrial capacity.

Government Support and the Need for Private Money

The project cannot move forward with public money alone. It has received less than 50 million pesos in seed capital, plus extra funds for research. It also has 175 million pesos from the Energy Ministry and LitioMx for a battery pack plant, although the plant’s location is not yet public. Still, the key financial muscle must come from the private sector.

One of the biggest challenges facing Olina is that Mexico lacks domestic lithium battery production infrastructure, despite having large lithium deposits. This puts it at a disadvantage compared to China, which built its electric car brands with state support, its own technology, and large-scale industry. Project managers argue they are confident they will be able to get the lithium batteries needed, but analysts consider this a high-risk move, especially given the state of international commerce.

The Road Ahead

This clash of opinions does not erase the main fact. Olinia wants to find a real space in the urban mobility category and get there first. The new regulatory category has already appeared in the official bulletin, though full approval could take one to two years. There is also the fact that the Mexican market is already home to several Asian EV makers, such as BYD and Changan.

If Olinia can show solid prototypes in June and secure private investment, Mexico might see more than just another electric car brand. It could see the start of a new category with its own identity. But the company still needs to clear major hurdles: proving the design works, attracting the necessary capital, and building a supply chain for batteries and parts.

March 19, 2026
Mexico Walks a Diplomatic Tightrope With the US by Sending Aid to a Collapsing Cuba

As Cuba’s energy grid falters and its economy buckles under the weight of a tightened United States embargo, Mexico finds itself in an increasingly awkward position. It is dispatching ships full of food and aid to its Caribbean neighbor while trying not to anger the White House, just as critical trade negotiations are set to resume.

In late February, the Mexican government sent its second major shipment of humanitarian aid to Cuba in less than a month. Navy vessels departed from the port of Veracruz carrying over 1,100 tonnes of food, including beans and milk powder. This followed an earlier delivery of more than 800 tonnes of essentials earlier in the month.

A fleet of volunteer cargo vessels is currently en route to Havana from Progreso, Yucatán, in a move that organizers are calling an emergency humanitarian mission.

For Mexico, this is framed as a continuation of its historical foreign policy. President Claudia Sheinbaum has emphasized that these actions are a matter of sovereignty and “humanitarian aid,” rather than a political slight against the United States.

The aid, however, arrives as Cuba faces what is being widely reported as a total collapse of the island nation’s energy infrastructure. On March 16, the nation’s electrical grid went dark after a complete shutdown, leaving approximately 10 million people without power. This blackout is the direct result of a severe fuel shortage.

No oil has been imported to the island since January 9. The situation has deteriorated rapidly following an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump in late January, threatening tariffs on any country supplying oil to Cuba. This move effectively blocked the primary sources of fuel that kept the island running.

The current energy situation has also cripled tourism to Cuba, which has historically been one of its main economic lifelines.

The strategic pressure from Washington has been twofold. First, the US effectively halted oil shipments from Venezuela after the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by US forces, which cut off a third of Cuba’s supply. Second, the threat of tariffs pressured Mexico—which had become Cuba’s primary supplier, accounting for 44 percent of its foreign oil in 2025—to reconsider its energy exports. Reports emerged that Pemex, the state-owned Mexican oil company, had paused or reviewed planned crude shipments to Cuba as early as January amid fears of US retaliation. Sheinbaum confirmed that a shipment was canceled but stressed that diplomatic channels were being used to navigate the situation.

The humanitarian consequences on the island are stark. Beyond the blackouts, which have shut down water pumps, hospitals, and public transport, the lack of fuel has crippled daily life. The BBC reported that protesters in the city of Morón ransacked a Communist Party building amid soaring food prices and persistent power cuts, a rare public display of dissent. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that no fuel has entered the country in three months, leaving the economy gasping for air.

This places Mexico in a geopolitical vise. On one hand, the country has a deep-rooted history of solidarity with Cuba. The ruling Morena party publicly rejected the US measure, calling it a violation of international law and a tool of “collective punishment.” On the other hand, Mexico’s economic stability is inextricably linked to its northern neighbor. The upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is scheduled to be completed by July 1, 2026.

The timing could not be more delicate. Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard has been in talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to expedite the review process, discussing everything from steel tariffs to the automotive industry. Any perception that Mexico is defying US foreign policy by supporting the Cuban regime could complicate these negotiations. US Republican lawmakers have already signaled that continued shipments to Cuba could influence the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement talks and cooperation on security issues like migration and drug trafficking.

For now, Mexico is attempting to maintain balance. While the oil shipments have reportedly slowed or paused amid the uncertainty, the government continues to send visible, symbolic humanitarian aid by sea. This allows Sheinbaum to project an image of regional solidarity without directly provoking the tariff war that Trump has threatened. As one analyst put it, the situation may force a break not just between Mexico and Cuba, but between the foreign policy instincts of the past and the economic realities of a Mexico facing a powerful, protectionist US administration.

March 18, 2026
Mexico Purchases New Aircraft as Part of Broader Military Modernization Push

The Mexican Navy has announced plans to integrate 36 new aircraft into its fleet as part of a broader strategy to bolster national security capabilities. The announcement came during the centennial celebration of Naval Aviation held at the Veracruz Naval Air Base.

The acquisition plan includes transport aircraft, coastal surveillance helicopters, close-air-support units, and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to modernize reconnaissance and surveillance operations.

Currently, the Naval Aviation branch operates 115 aircraft—69 fixed-wing planes and 46 helicopters—staffed by more than 2,200 personnel, including pilots, mechanics, electronics specialists, and operations crews. These assets operate from 10 naval air bases and 22 squadrons distributed across Mexico’s Pacific and Gulf coastlines, and are responsible for monitoring 11,122 kilometers of coastline.

The Navy’s primary aerial missions include Search and Rescue (SAR), protection of strategic installations, and counter-narcotics operations. During the anniversary event, two female naval aviators shared operational experiences. Fragate Lieutenant Karla Elizabeth Espinoza, a CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft commander equipped with infrared sensors and radar, described participating in counter-narcotics operations, including detecting submersible vessels.

Nevertheless, military observers have noted that Mexico is preparing to adopt a more hawkish stance in defending its sovereignty against domestic and foreign threats.

Military Expansion Across All Branches

The naval aviation expansion reflects a broader trend of military growth and institutional consolidation. According to budget analysis, Mexico’s armed forces are projected to control nearly 10% of administrative spending in 2026, representing a historic increase in responsibilities and corresponding budget allocation.

Mexico’s national defence budget is set to rise by 7.8% from 158.287 billion pesos (approximately $8.794 billion) in 2025 to 170.753 billion pesos (approximately $9.486 billion) in 2026. This includes roughly 5.135 billion pesos ($280 million) allocated to modernization and equipment projects—marking a significant shift after seven years without major military procurement funding.

For 2026, the Navy’s requested budget stands at 65.926 billion pesos. Beyond traditional naval functions, SEMAR has assumed control of the Mexico City International Airport, various ports, and customs administration, while also managing restoration and expansion of the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

The National Guard, now formally integrated into the Defense Ministry budget following its administrative transfer from civilian control, received 23.492 billion pesos ($1.305 billion) for daily operations. However, this initial amount does not include physical investment and equipment procurement. Personnel transfers between the Army, Air Force, and National Guard are now authorized to meet operational requirements.

Equipment Challenges

Despite modernization announcements, analysts point to significant equipment challenges. The air combat capability relies on approximately three operational F-5 fighter aircraft, originally acquired in 1982, with production lines long closed.

Much of Mexico’s armed combat vehicles are being retired and displayed in outdoor museums to make way for newer and more advanced hardware.

Ground forces operate approximately 650 combat vehicles, including Panhard light armored vehicles, DNC1 tracked vehicles, and Humvee fleets, though some analysts question real combat readiness. Mexico represents less than 3% of U.S. military capacity by equipment metrics. The military’s fundamental orientation remains focused on internal security, emergency response, and social assistance rather than conventional warfare. This doctrine shapes procurement, training, and deployment decisions even as capabilities modernize.

March 17, 2026
Angry Taxi Drivers in Mexico City Airport Create Chaos

Taxi Blockades at Mexico City Airport Expose Long Battle Over Ride-Shares

Hundreds of taxi drivers blocked access to Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport this week, paralyzing circulation at both terminals in a dramatic protest against ride-hailing platforms they say are illegally stealing their livelihoods.

The March 11 protest, organized by the airport’s 11 authorized taxi unions, left passengers stranded on access roads, many of whom were forced to haul luggage long distances to catch flights. Police in riot gear eventually negotiated the reopening of some lanes while shuttle trucks transported stranded travelers.

At the heart of the conflict is a legal gray area that has festered for nearly a decade: federal law explicitly prohibits services like Uber, Didi, and inDrive from operating within airport grounds, yet they continue picking up passengers daily with little consequence.

A Web of Contradictory Rules

The legal framework seems clear on paper. According to the Ley de Aeropuertos and Ley de Caminos, Puentes y Autotransporte Federal, all ground transportation within airports falls under federal jurisdiction. To operate legally, vehicles need permits from the Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes, as well as authorization from the airport administration.

Authorized taxi operators must meet strict requirements: vehicles must be no more than five years old, meet specific technical specifications, have passenger insurance, be emissions-certified, and pay significant access fees to the airport. Some unions report paying up to six million pesos per month for the right to operate within the federal zone.

“We are simply demanding that the law be followed,” said Ignacio Rodríguez, secretary of the Movimiento Nacional Transportista.

But the situation grew murkier in October 2025 when a federal judge granted Uber a definitive suspension in an amparo case. The ruling, from the Juzgado Décimo Tercero en Materia Administrativa, ordered the Guardia Nacional to halt sanctions against Uber drivers at airports, requiring that any operations be conducted in accordance with existing transportation law.

Uber celebrated the decision, stating it protects its drivers and calling on Congress to modernize the legislation ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The SICT quickly clarified that the ruling does not grant authorization to operate, arguing that the ruling is invalid and would be ignored.

Historical Tensions Boil Over

The conflict is hardly new. In May 2015, hundreds of Mexico City taxi drivers blocked major thoroughfares protesting Uber’s arrival.

A year later, tensions turned physical when cab drivers surrounded suspected Uber vehicles near the Monumento a la Independencia, rocking cars and pushing against them in snarled traffic.

Now, authorized taxi operators claim the economic damage has become unsustainable. Before ride-hailing platforms, their organizations averaged 6,000 monthly trips. Today, that figure has fallen to 2,000.

Carlos Lovera, advisor for Sitio Nueva Imagen, told reporters they are not opposed to competition, but demand equal rules.

“We demand an even playing field, the way things are running currently is simply not sustainable,” Lovers said.

Taxi drivers have also been active on social media, arguing that ride-sharing platforms are unsafe. However, most comments on platforms like Facebook and TikTok point out that taxi drivers are infamous for not following the rules themselves and are, in fact, less safe than drivers on platforms like Uber or Didi.

Violence and Tensions

Wednesday’s protest saw moments of physical confrontation. At Terminal 2, pushing matches erupted between protesters and police attempting to clear lanes. A 39-year-old man was detained for breaking a tow truck’s medallion, although he was released after agreeing to pay damages. Five others were released hours later.

Three vehicles obstructing traffic were sent to impound lots. For passengers caught in the chaos, the political battle translates into missed flights and frustrating delays.

An Uncertain Resolution

Following four hours of dialogue with the federal government and airport authorities, protesters agreed to lift the blockades. The government committed to initiating operations by the national guard beginning March 12 to “disincentivize” ride-hailing services in the federal zone, with permanent monitoring expected by the end.

But taxi representatives remain skeptical. “We have been promised the same thing over and over, but it never actually happens,” said taxi driver Manuel Olivera.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, with more than 5.5 million additional visitors expected, pressure mounts for a permanent solution. Uber has urged Congress to establish clear regulations enabling coexistence between traditional and digital models.

March 13, 2026
‘La Oficina’: Prime Video Brings ‘The Office’ to Mexico with a New Adaptation

‘La Oficina’: Everything We Know About the Mexican Adaptation of ‘The Office’

The popular workplace comedy mockumentary format, which has been remade in countries around the world, is still alive. La Oficina brings the spirit of The Office to a Mexican setting, using a familiar style to explore often awkward workplace dynamics.

Set in the city of Aguascalientes (the Scranton of Mexico, we presume), the series takes place inside Jabones Olimpo, a soap company where a group of employees navigates meetings, on-the-spot decisions, and situations that reflect the everyday reality of any workplace. With a comedic tone, the show looks at professional relationships, management mistakes, and the small tensions that simmer between coworkers.

This production is part of the well-known format created by BBC Studios, which has been adapted in 17 countries over the years. The Mexican version aims to translate the original’s workplace dynamics into a specific cultural context, using humor to portray everyday situations in a professional environment.

The action centers on a group of employees who are constantly trying to keep the business running while dealing with questionable decisions, organizational problems, and the unexpected situations of the daily grind.

At the center of the story is Jerónimo Ponce III, the company’s regional manager. The character got the position by inheriting it from the family business, but he lacks the experience needed to run it. His management style and decisions constantly create awkward situations.

Fernando Bonilla plays Jerónimo Ponce III and leads the cast. His character becomes the focal point around which many of the situations employees face revolve, as they’re often left to clean up the mess left by their boss’s decisions.

The workplace — which bears a striking resemblance to Dunder Mifflin in Scranton — brings together a mix of personalities. Some are just trying to do their jobs while dealing with personal or financial problems that spill over into daily office life.

Mockumentary Style as a Storytelling Tool

La Oficina uses the tried-and-true mockumentary style that defines the original format. This technique allows characters to speak directly to the camera and share their thoughts on workplace situations, giving viewers an inside look at how coworkers interact.

This narrative approach has been one of the keys to The Office’s success in its different international versions. The structure lets audiences observe power dynamics, workplace conflicts, and each character’s quirks from a perspective that blends observation with humor.

La Officna Production and Creative Team

The series is directed and produced by Gaz Alazraki, with Marcos Bucay as showrunner. Both are part of the creative team responsible for adapting the format to the Mexican context.

The production is part of a global agreement among Amazon, MGM Studios, and Máquina Vega to develop local content with international appeal. La Oficina will premiere on Prime Video on March 13.

March 12, 2026