June 14, 2016
In June, 2016, the representatives of General Motors joined Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Oshawa in order to announce major expansions for the automaker's software and engineering developments in the country. The major auto group has placed particular emphasis on continuing operations to support the development of new and more innovative technologies in the future. This expansion focuses on developing the country's engineering base to approximately 1,000 positions over the course of the new several years. Once the necessary groundwork is covered, the new GM Canada foundation can begin working on various necessary automotive areas, including Autonomous Vehicle Software operations, Vehicle Dynamics Technology and Active Safety developments. Many of these systems are designed to optimize shared and autonomous mobility systems.
Additionally, this development will put the Oshawa Tech Centre above its maximum capacity, resulting in GM opening a brand new Automotive Software Development Centre in the local area. Though the project has not yet been completed, the necessary hiring for the new positions has already commenced, and GM plans on releasing more details about their operations in the coming weeks. In addition to these major changes, GM is also planning on investing 10 million into a Cold Weather testing facility, where the brand will begin major developments to assist drivers with local driving conditions. The brand will focus on conducting vital testing for a massive range of new technologies and GM systems to provide their clients with new ways to enjoy comfort during their drive.
The company's Executive Vice President stated that GM selected Canada for the necessary expansion because of the region's capacity for innovation and proven talent. The strong academic environment and innovative suppliers can all chip in to create a powerful testing environment. In such a way, GM Canada can play a critical role in its evolution towards all types of vehicular advancements, ranging from the shared to the electric. The major manufacturer has said that it looks forward to working with the country's leaders and entrepreneurs to develop new, key technologies in order to change the world for the better.
Canada's Prime Minister has also commented on the meeting, saying that the investment opportunities can provide Canadians with job advancement opportunities, growing the middle class and ensuring that all Canadians benefit through the developments. He recently made the case to several investors and though negotiations are still underway, the local atmosphere is optimistic and many fans of the brand are looking forward to seeing what types of developments await them in the future. The two parties stand to benefit from the agreements, and Canada's best and brightest are already working to transform innovative ideas into the cutting-edge technology necessary to keep up with an actively changing market.