Ontario Leads Virtual Auto-Tech Trade Mission to Silicon Valley

Province promotes thriving auto-tech ecosystem to create skilled jobs across North American supply chain

THE VOICE OF CANADA – TORONTO — The Ontario government is leading 18 of the province’s most innovative auto-technology companies on a joint virtual trade mission to Silicon Valley. During the mission, the government will join delegates in showcasing the “Ontario Made” advantage as a world leader in both automotive manufacturing and leading-edge technology to potential investors, customers and strategic partners in the San Francisco Bay area.

“With our world-class tech start-ups, manufacturing plants, and critical mineral resources, Ontario is uniquely positioned to lead the development of the next generation of automotive technology,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “With NAFTA 2.0 ushering in new levels of economic cooperation and billions of dollars of investment flowing into the province, now is the ideal time to create new opportunities, and more jobs, along the entire supply chain.”

During the mission, Minister Fedeli will promote Ontario’s thriving auto-tech ecosystem through meetings with senior executives from the automotive, auto parts, and technology industries. In North America, Ontario uniquely ranks as both the second-largest vehicle producer after Michigan and the second-largest IT cluster after California. Ontario has more than 300 companies and organizations pioneering connected and autonomous vehicle technologies.

Recent proposed investments of almost $6 billion over the last several months in Ontario assembly operations will make the province a hub for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, while Northern Ontario has an abundance of the critical minerals required for electric vehicle batteries. The Ontario delegation includes companies with expertise in fast-charging batteries, connected charging infrastructure, battery recycling, EV powertrains, artificial intelligence, sensors, data encryption, robotics, vehicle diagnostics, mobility technologies and more.

“The auto-tech mission is the latest venture spurred by Ontario’s Driving Prosperity auto plan, a comprehensive and strategic partnership that is boosting competitiveness, innovation and talent across the industry,” said Minister Fedeli. “Our sector is among the best in the world and always seeking out new opportunities to collaborate and attract further investment.”

QUICK FACTS

• Delegates for the 2021 Silicon Valley Trade Mission include Chillwall AI, Cyberworks, Darwin AI, Deeplite, Elocity, GBatteries, Geotab, iNAGO, Inmotive, Invision AI, Li-Cycle, Lorica Systems, Lucid, Mercku, PeakPower, Pitstop, Preteckt and RideShark.
• Ontario is the only place in North America where five major automakers build vehicles — Stellantis, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Toyota — as well as truck manufacturer Hino. Ontario’s auto supply chain comprises over 700 parts firms and over 500 tool, die and mold makers.
• Ontario’s Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN) connects the province’s world-leading automotive and technology sectors, high-quality post-secondary institutions, first-class talent and regional infrastructure to support entrepreneurship and create jobs.
• In partnership with Global Affairs Canada, the auto-tech mission to Silicon Valley is organized by Ontario’s Trade and Investment Office in San Francisco. The office is part of an international network, co-located in Canadian diplomatic missions, that works to promote Ontario exports, attract new companies and foster international research and innovation partnerships.