Federal Minister of State (Science and Technology), the Honorable Greg Rickford, has announced federal funding for new automotive research and development (R&D) projects. Announced on October 25, Minister Rickford highlighted that the government remains committed to investing in automotive R&D in order to bring greener and more fuel-efficient vehicles to Canada’s roads and create jobs, stimulate the Canadian economy and improve quality of life.

The 10 university-industry projects will receive federal funding in excess of $30 million through the Automotive Partnership Canada (APC) initiative. Additional funding of more than $22 million will come from industry and other partners.

The first three projects are through a $24.2 million investment for McMaster University. All three projects will result in more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. The first project will explore the development of innovative electrified powertrains and components for electric and hybrid cars; the second project will assess technologies to re-design aluminum and magnesium alloys in the manufacturing process; and the third will look at any potential societal and economic impacts connected to the adoption of electric vehicles in Canada.

Notably, Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently announced the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which will provide Canada with superior market access to the European Union’s more than 500 million consumers. This increased access will be a significant benefit for the automotive industry.