Drive Automotive innovation with
an end-to-end supply chain in Ontario
The global Automotive manufacturing sector is a huge industry, producing 60 million vehicles annually. The industry contributes approximately 3% to the world’s GDP.
Two significant trends shaping the industry are the transition to electric vehicles to curb emissions and the rise of connected cars driven by IoT technology.
The Automotive manufacturing market, valued at he industry contributes approximately US $2.9 trillion in 2022, is rebounding from a decline due to the pandemic. It’s projected to grow at a 3.71% CAGR from 2020 to 2030, reaching 122.83 million units.
A world leader in the design and construction of future-oriented vehicles
Canada’s Automotive industry has been a pivotal force in shaping the global industry for over a century. With well-established supply chains and global market accessibility, Canada ranks among the top 20 vehicle-producing nations, and the sector contributes CA $12.5 billion to the GDP, employing 117,200 people.
As a top 12 global light vehicle producer, Canada is home to major OEMs such as Stellantis, Ford, GM, Honda, and Toyota, assembling 1.4 million vehicles annually. This dynamic ecosystem includes over 700 parts suppliers, including homegrown industry giants like Magna, Martinrea, and Linamar.
As the Automotive sector shifts towards zero-emission vehicle production and autonomous transportation, Canada is taking the lead in three critical Automotive trends – autonomous vehicles, electric buses and EV.
Autonomous Vehicles: Canada already ranks top 20 globally for autonomous vehicle partnerships and #1 in government-funded autonomous vehicle pilot projects. Ottawa has collaborated with Blackberry QNX to pioneer on-street AV tests linked to city infrastructure.
Electric Buses: The nation is driving the transition to eco-friendly public transport with top electric bus manufacturers like Green Motor Power Company, Lion Electric, New Flyer, and Nova Bus. Committing to an emissions-free future, Canada plans to deploy 5,000 zero-emission buses and 5,000 charging stations by 2025.
EV: Canada ranks #6 globally for heavy-duty electric vehicle production. Companies worldwide are tapping into the country’s potential for EV battery and fuel cell production, EV manufacturing, components, and more. Canada propels the electric vehicle industry forward with abundant minerals and an end-to-end supply chain.
Ontario’s end-to-end Automotive ecosystem includes premier vehicle assemblers, parts manufacturers, and research centres. The expertise of Ontario’s Automotive spans from initial prototyping to advanced production line automation systems and comprehensive global logistics software.
Revolutionary breakthroughs have emerged from Ontario’s research labs that are driving the trajectory of connected-car technologies, autonomous vehicles, and electric-hybrid powertrain systems.
In 2016, Ontario pioneered Canada’s first on-road testing of autonomous vehicles through the Automated Vehicle Pilot Program. Furthermore, Ontario and Michigan formed a continent-wide supply chain to jointly develop a cross-border testing platform for mobility technologies to facilitate seamless crossings across land, air, and water.
Currently, there are over 400 Ontario-based companies pioneering connected, autonomous and mobility technologies.
People are at the core of Ontario’s Automotive industry ecosystem. In Ontario, businesses have access to the highest-educated workforce in the G7 and the second-largest tech cluster in North America.
Ontario is a hub of education and expertise and has 12 universities and 24 colleges that offer auto-focused programs. The workforce here has demonstrated loyalty, averaging nearly nine years with a company, thereby minimizing training and recruitment expenses for employers.
Canada’s trade agreements cover markets valued at over US $50 trillion with 1.7 billion consumers. Canada has free trade agreements with the largest manufacturing markets in the world: the United States (USMCA), the European Union (CETA) and Asia-Pacific (CPTPP).
Your business can have access to 187 million consumers within a day’s drive of the Greater Toronto Area. Ontario has 4 international and 300 regional airports, 250,000 km of roads and highways, a dozen border crossings and the 6th most internationally connected airport in the world.
See all of our programs and find out how TBDC can maximize the potential in your Automotive business.
largest Automotive
sector in Canada
of the world’s top original equipment manufacturers
tools, die and
mould makers
parts suppliers
of production exported
to international markets
most internatioanlly connected airport
Funding, Resources and Organizations
Canada’s Innovation Superclusters foster collaboration among industry leaders, SMEs, non-profit organizations, and post-secondary institutions to accelerate growth in five promising sectors:
As a startup in the Automotive sector, based on your product or service, you may be able to apply for membership to the Advanced Manufacturing cluster or AI cluster. Members have the opportunity to propose and participate in Supercluster projects. Approx CA $750 million over five years has been earmarked for Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters.
Other resources include:
at Ontario Tech University, Windsor Essex’s Virtual Reality Cave, and the Centre for Intelligent Antenna and Radio Systems (CIARS) at the University of Waterloo have sophisticated validation facilities. Visit Site
in Ottawa and GM’s McLaughlin Advanced Technology Track in Oshawa are test sites for mobility technologies. Visit Site
is a collaboration between Western University and the Fraunhofer Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Germany – pioneering new lightweight materials and advanced manufacturing processes. Visit Site
offers unique testing facilities for de-risking Aerospace product development. They provide research programs, cutting-edge facilities, technology licensing, and advisory services, making them an ideal partner for Aerospace companies. Visit Site
of Canada champions the interests of the Automotive aftermarket sector, fostering growth and innovation. Visit Site
empowers Canadian Automotive parts manufacturers, driving competitiveness and collaboration within the industry. Visit Site
in Ontario is recognized as a global AI and machine learning hub. Visit Site
