General Motors to Boost Research and Development in Oshawa Engineering Centre

Strategic Insights -

General Motors of Canada Ltd. plans to enhance its research and development efforts at its engineering centre in Oshawa, Ont., with the addition of as many as 100 engineers. This move comes as the company aims to accelerate the development of green technologies, connected vehicles, and self-driving cars. The announcement is set to be made by GM Canada president Stephen Carlisle on Tuesday, with speakers including Ontario Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid and University of Waterloo engineering professor Amir Khajepour.

Key Takeaways:

  • General Motors of Canada Ltd. plans to add up to 100 engineers to its engineering centre in Oshawa, Ont., for research and development of green technologies and connected vehicles.
  • The announcement aligns with the company's efforts to develop high-tech options for self-driving cars and comply with more stringent emission and fuel-economy guidelines.
  • Among the technologies being developed are electric vehicles, vehicle-to-vehicle communications, and features like Super Cruise that control a vehicle's braking and speed in some highway driving scenarios.
  • GM Canada has committed to investing $750-million in research and development through 2017, focusing on electronic controls of mechanical components, environmental vehicles, and lightweight materials.
  • Sources confirm the new initiative for the research centre comes as General Motors and its rivals race to develop cutting-edge technologies.

Statistics:

  • Up to 100 engineers will be added to the engineering centre in Oshawa, Ont.
  • GM Canada plans to invest $750-million in research and development through 2017.
  • The focus of the research and development is on electronic controls of mechanical components, environmental vehicles, and lightweight materials.
  • The company aims to develop technologies for electric vehicles, vehicle-to-vehicle communications, and features like Super Cruise for self-driving cars.
  • GM has committed $10.8-billion from the bailout in 2009.

Sources:

  • [GM Canada media advisory (no date)]
  • [General Motors Co. statement by Mary Barra (summer 2016)]
  • [GM Canada statement (2012)]
  • [Internal documents from General Motors of Canada Ltd.]