Ontario government invests in Automotive Centre of Excellence

The Ontario government has announced that it is providing $58 million towards a new Automotive Centre of Excellence in Oshawa.

The centre — a partnership between the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), General Motors of Canada and the Government of Ontario — will include a wind tunnel that recreate weather and road conditions; collaborations to bring new automotive products to market; and opportunities for students and faculty to work alongside auto industry professionals.

According to the government, the centre will help ensure that parts and vehicles are researched, designed and built in Ontario. The ACE is currently under construction, and is expected to open in late 2009.

“By investing in know-how, we are bolstering the long-term future of our auto industry,” said Minister of Economic Development and Trade Sandra Pupatello. “Ontario’s investment is part of our strategy to strengthen the province’s research and develop infrastructure and build the network that is essential to making this province the best place to create the products and jobs of the future.”

The latest funding is part of the province’s $235 million investment in the $2.5 billion GM Beacon Project, announced in 2005 as part of the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy.

“Our vision has been to create a new advanced automotive technology cluster centered at UOIT which also links together our best Canadian companies, universities and engineers with suppliers in the Canadian automotive supply chain,” said General Motors of Canada president Arturo Elias.