TAIPEI, Sept 20 (Reuters) - Tesla supplier Hota Industrial Mfg. Co (1536.TW) will invest $99 million to build its first plant outside of Asia in the U.S. state of New Mexico, the Taiwanese company said on Wednesday, citing greater emphasis on regional production in supply chains. Hota, which makes gears and other auto components primarily in Taiwan, said it would begin construction on the factory in Santa Teresa, near the U.S. border with Mexico, early next year and mass production in 2025. Hota is a key supplier to Tesla (TSLA.O), GM (GM.N) and Ford (F.N). James Huang, chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, said EVs would be an important focus for bilateral trade and especially in New Mexico.

---

Persons: David Shen, Shen, Michelle Lujan Grisham, TSMC, James Huang, EVs, Huang, Sarah Wu, Mark Potter Organizations: Industrial Mfg ., U.S ., New, Reuters, GM, Ford, Taiwan External Trade Development Council, U.S, Thomson Locations: TAIPEI, Asia, U.S ., New Mexico, Taiwan, Santa Teresa, U.S, Mexico, China, United States, Taipei, American, Arizona