Ontario is helping Magna International and Magna E-Car develop the next generation of clean vehicle technologies creating 728 jobs and protecting another 1,337 jobs at Magna’s Aurora, Brampton, Concord and St. Thomas plants.
Magna International will invest $ 430 million to advance the electric car and other automotive technologies in the province. Of the total investment, $ 48 million will come from the province to support development of the next generation of electric vehicle technologies.
“Ontario has always been the province that leads by determining where we need to be and working to make that happen. Our government’s investment in Magna International and Magna E-Car is one way we are making the future happen now,” said Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, while speaking to a gathering at the Magna plant in Brampton on August 29.
Magna International, based in Aurora, Ontario, is the largest automotive supplier in North America and a top five global supplier. Magna is Ontario’s leader in automotive research and development, and employs 17,900 Ontarians in 44 plants across the province.
With the government’s support, the company is launching a number of new projects, including:
- electric car concept development;
- parts for hybrid electric/battery electric vehicles;
- advanced lightweight metallic components;
- an alternate energy project; and,
- advanced bio-based composite materials to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency.
Magna International will undertake 19 separate research and development projects over the next six years, which would involve working on parts for hybrid vehicles and on light bio-based materials to improve fuel efficiency.
Don Walker, CEO, Magna International, said, “We are very excited to receive support from Ontario that helps us pursue a mutually shared goal of leveraging Canada’s automotive design, engineering and manufacturing toward building a clean economy. Our plan aligns with Ontario’s Auto Strategy by supporting increased R&D and innovation, developing more fuel efficient vehicles and technologies, and a creating a pool of skilled automotive professionals.”
Partnering with businesses is a key component of the McGuinty Government‘s plan to strengthen the economy and to create jobs for families.
Ontario’s vision is to have one out of 20 cars in Ontario electrically powered by 2020. The province has kick-started the wide-spread availability of electric car charging stations – making it more convenient for families to choose electric cars. Also, Ontarians can receive between $ 5,000 to $ 8,500 for purchasing an electric vehicle and can also get “green license plates”, which allow drivers to use the province’s network of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes.
Source: The above news is published with editorial adaptations from materials provided by Ministry of Economic Development & Trade, Government of Ontario, Canada.
