General Motors has announced a major expansion of its engineering and software work in Canada, with a focus on supporting the development of innovative new automotive systems and technologies for the future.
According to GM, it will expand its Canadian engineering base to reach a total of approximately 1,000 positions over the next few years. The new GM Canada work will be focused in the areas of active safety and vehicle dynamics technology, autonomous vehicle software and controls development, infotainment and connected vehicle technology.
This will bring the Oshawa Tech Centre beyond its maximum capacity and as a result, GM will also soon open a new Automotive Software Development Center in Markham, Ontario.
Additionally, GM will be investing CAD$10 million in its Kapuskasing Cold Weather testing facility, which is an important part of its engineering capability in Canada.
Steve Carlisle, president and managing director, General Motors Canada, said, “A dynamic new innovation cluster is emerging here to support some of the most exciting work in our global industry. We look forward to working with Canada’s leaders and innovation partners to place Canada at the forefront of the key transportation technologies that are changing our world for the better.”
Hon. Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development added, “GM Canada’s announcement of new engineering jobs shows the world that Canada is a lead player in a competitive global industry. Canada has a world-class automotive sector and the innovative capacity to build the car of the future.”
Earlier this year, GM Canada opened its 2908 Communitech Innovation Lab in Waterloo, Ontario with focus on incubating urban mobility and connected vehicle innovations. In April, the company also announced its purchase of property in south eastern Toronto as the base for a new Urban Mobility Campus to be comprised of office space, research & development facilities, and vehicle sales and services, including sales of electric vehicles.
