Ontario An Automotive Leader

Ontario is a leader in the auto sector.  Since 2004, Ontario has produced more vehicles than any other state or province in North America thanks to its dedicated workers, state of the art technology and innovation.

The province's auto industry supports nearly 400,000 jobs and contributes about $20 billion to the economy annually.  With the Canadian International Auto Show beginning in Toronto today, it's a good time to look at some of the sector's strengths, innovations and other notable achievements:

Industry Strengths

• Ontario is unique in North America with five of the top light vehicle makers operating plants here (GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda).

• The Honda Civic, built in Alliston, remains Canada's top selling car for the 14th straight year.

• Chrysler's Windsor assembly plant produces vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Lancia brands.

• About one quarter of all the vehicles General Motors produces in Canada and the U.S. are built in Ontario.

Technology and Innovation

• The climatic wind tunnel at the Automotive Centre of Excellence at UOIT in Oshawa can re-create extreme weather conditions including minus 40°C temperatures and hurricane-force winds.

• The Fumes-to-Fuel system at Ford's Oakville assembly plant converts fumes from the paint shop into clean electric power to help run the plant, saving energy and reducing emissions.

• Researchers working on Ontario's BioCar Initiative have developed plant-based materials such as a wheat straw-reinforced plastic that can be used to to reduce petroleum-based plastics found in cars.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• Through projects such as Better Place, Ontario has joined jurisdictions from around the world exploring the role of electric vehicles as part of building a sustainable transportation future.

• Toyota will build the RAV4 electric vehicle at its plant in Woodstock - the company's first electric vehicle to be built in North America.

• Dana Holding Corporation has its global R&D centre for battery cooling systems in Oakville.  The company is developing technology for use in electric and hybrid vehicles that maintains the battery at optimal temperature, helping to maximize range and performance.

Supporting a sustainable and innovative auto industry is part of the McGuinty government's plan to create and support jobs for Ontario families, and strengthen local economies.