Province supports innovative projects to build cars of the future

REBECCA BOZZATO, Minister Fedeli’s Office

The Ontario government is investing an additional $12 million in auto parts companies through the next phase of the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) to boost competitiveness and position Ontario as a North American hub for building the car of the future. Funding awarded since the launch of O-AMP in 2019 has leveraged $22.2 million in industry investments.

O-AMP is a centrepiece of the recently launched Phase 2 of Driving Prosperity: The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector. The next phase of the 10-year plan will help Ontario’s auto sector pivot to producing the automotive technologies of the future, including the next generation of electric vehicles and the electric batteries those vehicles need. Phase 2 positions Ontario as a North American leader in developing and building the vehicle of the future through emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing processes.

“By helping Ontario-based companies grow in the globally competitive auto parts industry, O-AMP plays an integral part in the next phase of Driving Prosperity ― The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “The auto and manufacturing sectors are cornerstones of Ontario’s economy, providing good jobs for local families and workers. Through O-AMP, our government is creating the right economic climate to encourage investment, innovation and growth.”

The relaunched O-AMP program is helping small and medium-sized automotive parts suppliers make Ontario a world-leader of the future of auto manufacturing. The program will help make suppliers better, stronger and faster by investing in technology adoption and/or training in lean manufacturing. More than 100 projects are either underway or completed under the program, and they are expected to create about 613 new jobs.

“Productivity is the great facilitator in today’s advanced technology world,” said Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association. “Make more things with better prepared people and processes – that is the proposition of O-AMP and we are very happy to partner with the Ontario government in delivering this program.”

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