Canada is a powerhouse in the automotive industry. Our automotive sector accounts for 10% of the country’s manufacturing GDP and 23% of all manufacturing trade.
With zero-emission goals and forward-looking initiatives like Project Arrow, Canada is at the front of the pack in sustainable automotive technology.
Our robust manufacturing supply chain enables seamless collaboration across different sectors. Companies like Magna, Linamar and Dana are key players that are driving progress and technological advancements in our thriving automotive ecosystem.
With 135,000 direct jobs across Canada, 91% of which are in Ontario, the country’s most populous province, we attract manufacturing expertise and skilled professionals from around the world. This talent influx further positions Canada as a major player on the international stage.
Ontario’s automotive corridor runs from Windsor to Ottawa, Ontario.
Leading auto OEMs located in Canada
Ontario is home to all six Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that have a Canadian presence, reflecting our region’s considerable influence within the industry – both domestically and internationally. Let’s explore each of their contributions to the future of Canada’s automotive industry.
Toyota
As Canada’s largest automotive manufacturer, Toyota has established a significant presence, particularly in Waterloo Region. As North America’s top seller of non-pickup vehicles, Toyota’s Cambridge and Woodstock facilities employ about 8,500 people.
The company’s $1.4B investment in Ontario and its decision to produce Lexus NX crossover and Lexus NX hybrid vehicles in our community emphasize their confidence in Canada – especially since these models were previously only made in Japan.
Stellantis
With operations in Windsor, Brampton and Etobicoke, Stellantis is a major automotive player in Canada, with over 8,400 employees. Known for producing a variety of vehicles under major brands, including Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Ram, Stellantis is advancing in the electric vehicle (EV) space with a recent $5B investment in its Windsor EV battery manufacturing facility.
Ford
With its main facility in Oakville, Ontario, along with additional sites in Ottawa and Waterloo, Ford is no stranger to Canada’s automotive scene. Employing approximately 7,000 Canadians, Ford is also making strides in EV technology with a $1.8B investment to scale production of its EV models and make them more accessible to customers.
GM
General Motors (GM) has a significant presence in Oshawa and other Ontario locations. GM is a key job provider, employing over 5,100 Canadians, and is pivoting towards electric vehicles with a $1B investment in its new EV600 electric van production at the CAMI Assembly plant.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen is advancing its EV strategy with plans for a massive cell factory in St. Thomas, Ontario. PowerCo SE, VW’s battery company, will build its largest gigafactory in North America, aiming to produce up to 90 gigawatt hours per year with a $7B investment by 2030. The facility will create up to 3,000 highly skilled jobs and tens of thousands more indirectly. Production is set to begin in 2027.
Honda
Honda’s operations are set to expand significantly with a historic $15B investment, establishing a comprehensive EV supply chain that includes assembly and battery cell production.
Located in Alliston, Ontario, Honda’s manufacturing operations are known for producing popular models such as the Honda Civic and Honda CR-V. The company employs around 4,200 people, highlighting its impact on the local economy and the automotive sector.
" In the last four years, automotive and battery makers have announced more than $31B in investments in electric vehicle manufacturing across Canada. They want a reliable partner with world-class talent, and this is exactly what we have to offer. "
Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister of Canada
Why automotive companies locate here
Ontario is home to a rich ecosystem of automotive manufacturers and research centres, serving international supply and demand for over a century. Located along Canada’s 401 highway, the Ontario Automotive Corridor is a key area that streamlines automotive innovation, stretching from Windsor to Toronto.
Waterloo remains a central hub within this corridor, recognized as one of the top automotive clusters in North America. Home to dozens of top-tier research institutions and automotive and mobility companies, Waterloo is one of the reasons this area has garnered worldwide attention and attracted some of the world’s largest OEMs.
So, what makes Waterloo Region unique?
1. Ecosystem
Waterloo champions growth and innovation with a dynamic mix of research centres, automotive manufacturers and tech companies. Its strategic location and industry diversity make it a leading hub for innovation and collaboration.
2. Talent
Our community is home to three major post-secondary institutions – the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College – which have unique manufacturing-oriented strengths in engineering, supply chain management and skilled labour. Their sizeable co-operative education programs mean most graduates are workforce-ready.
3. R&D opportunities
Waterloo’s leading research centres remain at the automotive innovation forefront, such as the Waterloo Centre for Automotive Research (WatCar) and the Autonomous Vehicle Research and Intelligence Lab (AVRIL), driving progress in technology and industry practices.
Canada has a long history of automotive manufacturing and innovation, making it a top destination for car companies. Regions like Waterloo play a big part in this success. With a strong ecosystem, top engineering talent and cutting-edge R&D opportunities, Canada remains an ideal destination for the automotive leaders of tomorrow.
Head to your next destination
Automotive companies are in the fast lane to Waterloo. Will you join them? Contact Gavin to get started.
