Rock, Magna Executive Disagree on Action Needed to Lure Car Plants

Saying government investment is needed to secure the future well-being of the Canadian automotive parts industry, Intier president and CEO Don Walker suggests the government should “come up with an offer” to ensure several automotive OEMs build car plants in Ontario.

Speaking at the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association meeting in April, held in Hamilton, ON, Walker said the government needs to realize how fierce the competition is for automotive assembly plants among countries, and regions of countries. Walker said government offers to get OEMs to locate plants in Canada should include cash, if necessary.

At the time, the Ontario and federal governments were in negotiations with DaimlerChrysler AG to build a US$1.1 billion auto assembly plant in Windsor, ON.

Governments had indicated they were willing to give the carmaker an “incentive” package consisting of tax breaks and programs to support research and development. However Minister of Industry Allan Rock, who shared the stage with Walker, said he did not think it was wise to give automotive companies cash.

Along with DaimlerChrylser, Ford, Toyota and Mitsubishi were also considering building auto assembly plants in Ontario.