Nissan hasn’t even finished turning off the lights at its COMPAS plant in Aguascalientes, and there’s already a line of people waiting to get in. At least nine automotive companies have submitted proposals to acquire the facilities, which will gradually close in May 2026. Among them, the one that has garnered the most attention is the Chinese company BYD, which is looking to expand aggressively in Mexico, according to a report by the local news outlet LJA.MX.
The negotiations are progressing quietly, but with anticipation. Sources close to the process say that a decision will be made in the coming months. If BYD manages to acquire the plant, it could guarantee job security for the current staff and keep industrial operations alive in the region. It would be a change of ownership, not a complete shutdown.
The governor of Aguascalientes, Teresa Jiménez, confirmed that the offers have already been received. She also cautioned that the final decision rests with Nissan and its partners. Her message was clear: the essential thing is to preserve jobs and the automotive presence in the state, a key driver of the local economy for decades.
COMPAS was born as a joint venture between Nissan and Mercedes-Benz to manufacture luxury vehicles for export. But times have changed. New global dynamics and adjustments in the value chain led Nissan to rethink its strategy, now under the leadership of Mexican executive Iván Espinosa. The closure is part of the Re:Nissan plan, which also resulted in the permanent closure of other legendary plants such as Oppama in Japan and CIVAC in Mexico.
The land where the assembly plant stands not only has machinery and skilled workers, but also a strategic position within the Bajío automotive corridor, one of the most competitive in the country. This explains the international interest. What’s at stake is not just a production space, but a point of power within the Mexican automotive industry.
If BYD takes control, the move would have both symbolic and economic value. The Chinese firm would add an operational base in the heart of Mexico, reinforcing its presence after the success of models like the Dolphin Mini and the Song Plus DM-i. Furthermore, it would be the first instance of a Chinese brand directly taking over a plant founded by a Japanese-German alliance.
In Aguascalientes, the atmosphere is one of anticipation. COMPAS factory workers hope the transition will preserve their jobs. Local suppliers are seeking certainty regarding the continuity of their contracts. And the state government, which seven months ago stated that Nissan would remain unaffected in the region, is trying to ensure that the operation translates into more investment and technology.
The outcome will mark a new stage for the Mexican industry. COMPAS has unintentionally become a reflection of an era in which Asia and Latin America are redefining their relationship in automotive production.
In the short term, the question is not only who will buy the plant, but also what direction employment and car manufacturing will take in Mexico. BYD is already making its moves decisively.
Source: xataka
