and autonomous vehicles are getting closer to being road-ready and manufacturers need to anticipate the shift. OEMs are doing a great job of phasing-in connected and autonomous vehicle technologies; this has made it easier for consumers and automotive suppliers to keep up. The implementation of new C/AV technologies in each model year is likely to…
The future of electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly clear. Battery and engine technologies are being researched and developed at record pace; this has allowed global consumer demand to increase steadily. As more consumers begin to understand the technology and feel comfortable investing in electric vehicles, the market will become dominated by this trend. This…
Honda of Canada was recently awarded with $48.1 million in Canadian government grants through the Automotive Innovation Fund (AIF). This is the first time that the program has provided grants; previously the program only offered repayable funding. Through the announcement, further details were provided on the types of projects that will now qualify for automotive…
To stay competitive in the automotive industry, manufacturers must find innovative solutions to differentiate themselves and their products. Investing in new research and technology developments can enable both small and large manufacturing businesses to achieve higher profits, and become more competitive. In support of this ideology, Magna International Inc. has invested in the development of…
Unifor, Canada’s largest automotive workers’ union, recently approved new 4-year labour deals with General Motors and Chrysler-Fiat Automobiles. The agreements, which also prevented a potential October 10 strike, will secure slight increases to wages and pensions of workers. However, the real gains made through these negotiations come from securing new investments into Canadian production facilities. Negotiations…
New details have been released regarding the Government of Ontario’s commitment to green energy grants and incentives for business. The low-carbon economy that is being proposed by Ontario’s government will seek to raise funds from a variety of carbon-emitting activities and reinvest those funds into the economy by supporting clean technologies. Businesses in Ontario, especially…
The Canadian automotive industry is enjoying a surge in vehicle sales so far in 2016. Compared to March 2015, the market grew by 9.3% and saw over 175,000 light vehicles being sold last month. These types of increases are expected to remain, or even grow, further into 2016 as Canadian consumers continue to receive reduced…
A transitioning Canadian economy has provided new opportunities for automotive manufacturers across the country. Declining oil and energy market prices have increased the importance of automotive success, and all levels of government within Canada are searching for ways to strengthen the automotive sector. Canadian government funding for innovative research and development projects is now more…
Since its inception in 2008, the Canadian government funding program Automotive Innovation Fund (AIF) has awarded over $468 million in support. This funding fuels automotive R&D projects aimed at improving fuel-efficiency and lowering the environmental impact of automobiles. Canadian businesses awarded with funding include Toyota, Ford, Linamar, and Magna International. The program was renewed in 2016…
Nearly a year ago, CBC reported on former Industry Minister, James Moore’s meeting with executives from leading automotive companies. In an ongoing effort to strengthen Canada’s automotive sector, Moore has been working closely with Ford, Toyota, Chrysler-Fiat, and Honda to secure additional investments in their Canadian operations. “I’m very positive and very confident that we’ll…