• RULE: The decision by seven states in Central Mexico to no longer grant an air quality certification exemption to so-called mild hybrids is going to hit the market for this specific kind of vehicles but would most probably move buyers towards greener options, according to experts.
• EXEMPTION: Starting last January, mild hybrids in Mexico City and other surrounding six states are required to pass a regular air quality certification. Among the most popular mild hybrids in Mexico were theAudi A8, Audi Q8, Jeep Wrangler y el Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Exclusive.
• LIMITED: “We found that mild hybrids have a very limited environmental benefit because the gasoline engine works all the time, only when it starts does it receive help from a small electric motor,” said Sergio Zirath Hernández, Mexico City’s top air quality official.
• MIGRATION: According to Manuel Nieblas, a manufacturing industry specialist at Deloitte Mexico, mild hybrids may go down but consumers of this type of cars would migrate towards other even greener options given their habits are guided by sustainability.
