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Automotive icon

With a robust supply chain, a wealth of critical minerals and a talent pool of experts, Ontario's automotive manufacturing legacy spans over 100 years.

Ontario is leading the way in the EV transition, leveraging its leadership in technology development and AI and is the only subnational jurisdiction in North America to have five major automotive assemblers: Ford, General Motors, Honda, Stellantis and Toyota. In 2023, Volkswagen Group-owned battery company PowerCo chose Ontario to build its first battery cell factory in North America.

Build the cars of the future here, in Ontario.

A measurable difference

#2

auto producer in North America after Michigan in 2022

1.2

million vehicles built in 2022

85%

of Ontario’s vehicle output is exported

100,000+

workers directly employed in Ontario’s auto sector

36

auto-focused programs at Ontario universities and colleges

400+

companies work in connected and autonomous development and smart mobility

From steel to steering: Ontario’s unparallelled auto ecosystem

Build an entire vehicle in Ontario using our end-to-end automotive supply chain.

Automotive corridor

From raw materials to parts and assembly for Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, Ontario’s automotive corridor is reliable and talent-rich.

In January 2023, the first, all-Canadian, zero-emissions connected vehicle, designed and built in Ontario, was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Project Arrow leverages Ontario’s end-to-end automotive supply chain and demonstrates the province’s world-class automotive innovation on a global stage.

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Ontario's automotive corridor: Windsor to Ottawa

Wealth of critical minerals

Ontario is home to rich deposits of nickel, lithium, platinum, cobalt and other crucial raw materials, making it one of the best places in the world to manufacture cars and car parts.

Ontario’s mining industry has generated more than $13 billion in mineral production and in March 2022, the Ontario Government released a Critical Minerals Strategy, "Unlocking potential to drive economic recovery and prosperity" to further enable production and exploration

Automotive expertise

The backbone of Ontario’s automotive industry ecosystem is its people. The world’s best and brightest call Ontario home, driving advancements across the automotive cluster.

Ontario has 12 leading universities and 24 colleges with auto-focused programs, boasting more than 70,000 STEM graduates per year.

close-up of the charging plug connected to the vehicle's charging port with a glowing blue light.

ONTARIO: THE FUTURE OF AUTOMOTIVE STARTS HERE

Tech Expertise

Innovation in EVs, PHEVs, connected cars and autonomous vehicles happens every day in Ontario. 

As the second most concentrated IT cluster in North America, after Silicon Valley, Ontario’s innovations in EVs, PHEVs, connected cars and autonomous vehicles happen every day in Ontario.

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3rd

North America’s third-largest ICT region by employment

420,000+

ICT workers

automotive worker

Global Production

In 2022, Ontario was the number two automotive producer in the world next to Michigan building over 1.2 million vehicles.

With 14 border crossings into the US and 50+ trade agreements, Ontario manufacturers supply cars all over the world.

Build from a foundation of success.

Ontario is the only jurisdiction in North America to have five major global automotive assemblers.

In addition to these OEMs investing billions of dollars to produce EVs and PHEVs, Ontario has attracted billions of dollars in battery cell manufacturing from PowerCo (Volkswagen) and NextStar (LGES-Stellantis), as well as CAM production by Umicore.

In the past four years, Ontario has attracted over $43 billion in new investments in vehicle manufacturing and the electric vehicle battery supply chain.

A new wave of vehicles

Ontario has seen massive investments by industry leaders in the EV sector.

Over $43B in new
auto investments

Other Investments

$401M, which includes investments through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP), Regional Development Programs and more.

Magna

Magna

$471M to expand Ontario EV operations with new Brampton plant and five upgraded facilities

ArcelorMittal Dofasco

ArcelorMittal Dofasco

$1.8B to invest in clean steelmaking technology to support the automotive sector

Ford

Ford

$1.8B to retool the Oakville Assembly Complex into a global hub for battery electric vehicle production

General Motors

General Motors

$2B to transform and update all GM Ontario manufacturing and R&D facilities

Umicore

Umicore

$2.8B to build a first-of-its-kind industrial-scale cathode and precursor materials manufacturing plant

Stellantis

Stellantis

$3.6B to upgrade its assembly plants and build low-emission vehicles

NextStar Energy Inc.

NextStar Energy Inc.

$5B to build a facility in Windsor to manufacture batteries

Volkswagen

Volkswagen

$7B to establish a new EV battery manufacturing facility

Honda

Honda

$16.4B to build next-generation vehicles

A new wave of vehicles

Ontario has seen massive proposed investments by industry leaders in the EV sector.

Over $43B in new auto investments

Battery top

$401M, which includes investments through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP), Regional Development Programs and more.

$471M to expand Ontario EV operations with new Brampton plant and five upgraded facilities

$1.8B to invest in clean steelmaking technology to support the automotive sector

$1.8B to retool the Oakville Assembly Complex into a global hub for battery electric vehicle production

$2B to transform and update all GM Ontario manufacturing and R&D facilities

$2.8B to build a first-of-its-kind industrial-scale cathode and precursor materials manufacturing plant

$3.6B to upgrade its assembly plants and build low-emission vehicles

$5B to build a facility in Windsor to manufacture batteries

$7B to establish a new EV battery manufacturing facility

$16.4B to build next-generation vehicles

Battery bottom

State-of-the-art R&D facilities

Manufacturers and assemblers can partner with Ontario Research & Development Institutions developing cutting edge innovations in the auto sector.

Testing with wind

The Automotive Centre of Excellence at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology is one of the largest and most sophisticated climatic wind tunnels on the planet, where test winds reach speeds of 300 kilometres per hour, temperatures range from -40 to +60°C, and relative humidity ranges from 5-95%.

Metals and Materials

Canmet MATERIALS lab in Hamilton, along with its lab in Calgary, is the largest research centre in Canada dedicated to metals and materials fabrication, processing and evaluation.
The Fraunhofer Project Centre for Composites Research (FPC) is a joint venture between Western University and the Fraunhofer Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) in Pfinztal, Germany. The FPC at Western develops, tests, validates and characterizes new lightweight materials and advanced manufacturing processes at an industrial scale.

Sensing and Communication

The Waterloo Centre for Intelligent Antenna and Radio Systems (CIARS) provides researchers with five interconnected indoor labs, an outdoor lab and a highly advanced computational facility dedicated to electromagnetic devices and communication and sensing system development and characterization.

quote mark

Magna’s roots in Ontario run deep, and we are excited about opening a new facility dedicated to a strategic electrification product. The Brampton facility, coupled with investment and growth in five existing [regional] Ontario facilities, allows Magna to keep up with customer demands across several product areas. We are excited to bring new business, more investment and additional jobs to Ontario.

Eric Wilds

CHIEF SALES AND MARKETING OFFICER MAGNA

In good company

Asahi Kasei

The Tokyo-based multinational chemicals company is investing approximately $1.6 billion in constructing the facility. With growth anticipated in the North American EV market, Asahi Kasei expects to make additional multi-billion-dollar investments through multiple phases.

Dana

Dana Canada Corporation's investment will create 105 jobs in Cambridge and Oakville and grow their manufacturing capacity.

LG Energy Solutions and Stellantis

LG Energy Solution (LGES) and Stellantis invest more than $5 billion in a joint venture to build an EV battery manufacturing facility in Windsor.

Magna

Magna, one of the world's largest suppliers in the automotive industry, announced today that it will expand its operations across six locations in Ontario with a $471 million investment, expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs by 2027.

Mitsui

Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc. announced its plans for a significant $102.3 million investment in Brantford, Ontario. This new facility spanning approximately 103,500 square feet.

Umicore

Umicore plans to make a $1.5 billion CAD investment to build a first of its kind industrial scale cathode and precursor materials manufacturing plant, in eastern Ontario, Canada.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen, Europe's largest automaker, announced that its subsidiary PowerCo will establish an electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facility in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada.

quote mark

Ontario has been a great place for Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc. to settle and build. With the growing focus on the hybrid and EV industry in Canada, and our opportunity to strengthen the supply chain, Ontario is a fantastic location to be close to borders for export, with space and opportunity to continue growing.

Yasushi Harada

President of Mitsui High- tec (Canada), Inc.

Ontario’s assets in action

Rendered image of Asahi Kasei’s new lithium-ion battery separator plant in Port Colborne, Ontario
Asahi Kasei chooses Ontario to build Canada’s first EV battery separator plant

Asahi Kasei to build Canada’s first EV battery separator plant in Port Colborne, Ontario

A row of cars in a factory
Honda to Build Canada’s First Comprehensive Electric Vehicle Supply Chain, Creating Thousands of New Jobs in Ontario

Honda will build an innovative and world-class electric vehicle assembly plant – the first of its kind for Honda Motor Co. Ltd. – as well as a new stand-alone battery manufacturing plant at Honda’s facilities in Alliston, Ontario.

Graphic depicting connected vehicles on a highway
Ontario and Michigan Partnering on Cross-Border Transportation Technologies

Ontario and Michigan partnering on cross-border transportation technologies. Projects will help people and goods move safely and efficiently across the border by land, air and water.

A cell phone with an image of the Die Welt app
DIE WELT - Börsen-Podcast: Investing in Ontario’s Auto Sector

In an interview with DIE WELT journalist Laurin Meyer, Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade discusses the province’s plans to become a world-leading green industry site.

Minister Fedeli visits Ottawa-area manufacturer Beau-Roc
Your Future in Ontario: A Roadmap for Innovation and Collaboration at the Heart of North American Markets

In his feature article, Minister Fedeli sets out how Ontario is working proactively across industry sectors as forward-looking companies position for long-term growth in an economy shaped by technological disruption and the need for environmental sustainability.

The NPR on a mobile phone
After years of decline, the auto industry in [Ontario], Canada is making a comeback

In the final installment of his two-outlet mini-series, National Public Radio’s HJ Mai reports on Ontario’s transition towards electric vehicles and building on Canada’s automotive legacy.

The view of Windsor, Ontario from across the Detroit River
AutoMobil Podcast – Ontario, Canada: A location for the German car industry?

In the first of a two-outlet mini-series, HJ joins the AutoMobil podcast to discuss why the German auto industry should be considering Ontario for future investments.

Hybrid badge on a vehicle
Ontario, Canada, secures another game-changing auto investment

Landmark investment from Honda Canada secures thousands of jobs and moves Ontario one step closer to becoming a North American hub for building the cars of the future

Generic electric car with battery visible
Ontario, Canada, invests in Windsor electric vehicle battery Innovation Lab

Ontario, Canada, invests in Windsor electric vehicle battery innovation lab. Project will strengthen province as a hub for tomorrow’s EV.

An intelligent vehicle cockpit
Ontario, Canada, launches flagship initiative to lead development of EV and smart transportation technologies

Ontario launches flagship initiative to lead development of EV and smart transportation technologies.

Electric vehicles connected to charging stations
Ontario, Canada, boosting electric vehicle charging availability

Ontario, Canada, boosting electric vehicle charging availability. Partnership building Electric vehicle chargers at all ONroute locations.

Electric vehicle plugged in
Ontario, Canada, stakes its claim to compete for future auto sector investments

Phase 2 of Driving Prosperity plan will grow Ontario’s auto sector and secure new investments in electric vehicles and battery manufacturing

Electric vehicle plugged in
Ontario, Canada, secures largest auto investment in province’s history

LG Energy Solution and Stellantis investing in Ontario, Canada, for province’s first large-scale EV battery manufacturing plant.

New all-electric BrightDrop commercial vehicle
Canada’s first all-electric vehicle manufacturing facility opens in Ontario

With support from the province, GM Canada has transformed its CAMI manufacturing plant into an all-EV manufacturing facility, the first of its kind in Canada.

The flags of India and Canada side by side
Ontario attracts economic opportunities with Trade Mission to India

The Ontario government has concluded a successful trade mission to India to strengthen relationships with economic partners and attract new investments in key sectors.

Stellantis logo on the side of a factory
Major Investments Secure Automotive Manufacturing Futures for Windsor and Brampton

Ontario is quickly becoming a leader in developing and building the car of the future by attracting a $3.6 billion investment from Stellantis in the automaker's Windsor and Brampton plants.

New all-electric BrightDrop commercial vehicle
Ontario, Canada, secures another milestone auto investment

General Motors of Canada’s investment in Oshawa and Ingersoll plants secures Ontario’s place as a North American automotive hub.

The Volkswagen logo on a vehicle
Canada and Ontario welcome historic investment from Volkswagen

Earlier today, Volkswagen, Europe’s largest automaker, announced that its subsidiary PowerCo will establish an EV battery manufacturing facility in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada.

Planned expansion of Magna’s electric vehicle structures in Brampton.
Magna expands Ontario EV operations with new Brampton plant and five upgraded facilities

Invest Ontario is supporting Magna's $471 million expansion across six different locations in Ontario, expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs by 2027.

A Rendering of the Project Arrow electric vehicle.
First all-Canadian, zero-emission concept vehicle designed in Ontario unveiled at Consumer Electronics Show

Project Arrow makes use of Ontario’s complete end-to-end automotive supply chain and demonstrates the province's world-class automotive capabilities and innovation on the global stage.

Photo of Mitsui Hight-tec’s Brantford manufacturing facility
Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc. expands Ontario’s EV manufacturing capacity with $102.3 million investment

Discover Ontario's booming electric vehicles sector with Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc.’s transformative $102.3 million investment Brantford Ontario, creating 104 jobs.

The Volkswagen logo on a vehicle
Volkswagen’s new Electric Vehicle Battery Plant will create thousands of new jobs

The plant, Volkswagen’s largest to date, will create up to 3,000 direct jobs and up to 30,000 indirect jobs. Once complete in 2027, the plant will produce batteries for up to one million electric vehicles per year, bolstering Canada’s domestic battery manufacturing capacity to meet the demand for electric vehicles now and into the future.

Photo of Dana Canada’s manufacturing facility
Dana Canada Corporation grows production capacity in Ontario with investment to expand EV technologies

Dana Canada Corporation’s investment will create 105 jobs in Cambridge and Oakville and grow their manufacturing capacity.

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