Waterloo is at the centre of Canada’s Automotive Corridor, where manufacturing innovation is driving the future of mobility.
Widely known as one of North America’s top tech hubs, the Waterloo region also has deep roots in automotive manufacturing. But what sets this region apart is how it combines world-class tech expertise with industrial strength, creating a unique concept-to-commercialization ecosystem for the automotive industry.
Today, our community is home to Canada’s largest automotive manufacturer, Toyota, and global brands like Ford, Mercedes-Benz and Bosch who have established R&D operations here to tap into Waterloo’s specialized talent and support. With 1 in 5 jobs in manufacturing and more than a quarter of Ontario’s automotive researchers based here, Waterloo is shaping the future of automotive and mobility.
Want to see how? Our new video, “Waterloo: Driving Automotive Innovation,” offers an inside look at our region’s thriving ecosystem and why it’s an ideal place for automotive companies to grow.
Watch the video
Transcript
This is Waterloo, the heart of Canada’s Automotive Corridor. Where the world’s largest companies have invested billions in automotive innovation and vehicle manufacturing.
Waterloo Region is an industrial powerhouse, with 1 in 5 jobs in manufacturing. It’s Canada’s largest robotics and automation cluster, home to Toyota, the country’s largest automotive manufacturer. And a quarter of Ontario’s automotive researchers, developing groundbreaking technologies for EV batteries, AV, autotech, shared mobility and more.
Powered by the University of Waterloo, Canada’s largest engineering school and home to a top 25 global computer science program. Combine that talent with thousands of new skilled tradespeople every year from Conestoga College. In one of North America’s top tech and AI ecosystems, and you have a complete concept-to-commercialization automotive ecosystem. That gets people and products to where they need to go, with the talent and ecosystem you need to innovate, the manufacturing and tech know-how to build, and the strategic location to ship.
Invent the future of automotive and mobility, in Waterloo.
A talent pipeline built for automotive
Waterloo’s talent pool is a key reason why so many automotive companies are expanding here. Our region is powered by a steady stream of graduates from world-class institutions.
The University of Waterloo, Canada’s largest engineering school, is home to a globally ranked computer science program, supplying top-tier talent for AI and autotech innovation.
Meanwhile, Conestoga College, one of the country’s largest polytechnic institutions, graduates thousands of skilled tradespeople each year, fueling the local manufacturing workforce.
This continuous pipeline of engineering, tech and skilled trades talent ensures that companies in Waterloo have the expertise they need to innovate and grow.
An ideal location for expansion
Waterloo’s location offers easy access to key markets across North America. With proximity to Toronto and major US markets like Detroit, companies based here are strategically positioned for efficient operations.
Easy access to Canada’s most comprehensive trade network – via Highway 401, Canada’s busiest superhighway, an extensive rail network and Pearson International Airport, the country’s largest airport – provides fast connections to national and international markets.
This prime location allows businesses in Waterloo to streamline supply chains, reduce shipping times and get products where they need to go faster.
A collaborative ecosystem
Waterloo’s success in the automotive sector is built on collaboration. The region’s ecosystem thrives because of strong partnerships between industry, academia and government. This collaborative spirit fuels innovation, from EV batteries to autonomous vehicle technologies.
The new video was made possible through the efforts of key partners who contribute to our region’s success. We’d like to thank these organizations for their ongoing support:
- Toyota (TMMC)
- PWO
- Bosch
- ETAS
- OTTO Motors
- Fischer
- University of Waterloo
- Conestoga College
Special thanks to Arc Media for helping bring Waterloo’s automotive story to life.
If your business is ready to invent the future of automotive and mobility, Waterloo is the place to do it. Whether you’re developing new technologies, expanding production or looking to enter new markets, our team is here to help.