David Kennedy Toronto Bureau Chief for Automotive News Canada [email protected] (416) 712-1378 Toronto Bureau Chief See All Staff Page Recent Stories 'Basic economic issues,' pensions key as Unifor preps for talks with Detroit 3 Union President Lana Payne said cost-of-living adjustments and income security protections are likely to be among the top issues for Unifor members. Canada mine to start lithium output in first half of 2023 A Quebec lithium mine poised to become the only Canadian site actively producing the key battery metal has received the final government permit required to start up operations, according to the developer. 4-wheeled mobile wallets carry security risks Connected vehicles are trendy, but the auto sector needs to catch up on cybersecurity basics. Dodge Charger, Challenger output could move to Windsor, Canada; Jeep EV slated for Brampton, forecaster says Dodge Charger and Challenger production at Ontario’s Brampton Assembly Plant is scheduled to end in 2024, but AutoForecast Solutions predicts both muscle car programs will stay in the province, while an electrified product from Jeep will take over floorspace at Brampton. Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen sign EV battery supply deal with Canada The automakers aim to shorten supply chains for their U.S. operations and avoid difficulties linked to tariffs and tax regulations. Canada's Unifor union elects Lana Payne president Lana Payne has been elected as the new national president of Unifor, taking over the role five months after longtime leader Jerry Dias abruptly retired as head of Canada’s largest private sector union. Canada's Dilawri Group buys Ferrari-Maserati dealership in suburban Washington, D.C. Dilawri's purchase of Ferrari of Washington and Maserati of Washington for an undisclosed price, marks its "first strategic expansion" outside Canada Magna makes transmission transition to EVs — carefully Magna says about 70 percent of the engineering projects under way at the supplier are now geared toward EVs or hybrids, and the company’s powertrain division is no exception. It is a considerable mismatch when compared with the 15 percent of Magna’s production currently devoted to EV programs. A brighter business outlook in the States is one reason Canadian dealer groups are buying U.S. stores It's not just warmer U.S. weather, but also the promise of a brighter outlook for business that is drawing interest from Canadian dealer groups. LFP batteries offer cheaper alternative with less range Most EVs have nickel manganese cobalt batteries, but lithium iron phosphate, known as LFP, batteries provide a cheaper alternative, although they trade some range. 3 leaders offer own paths for Unifor after Jerry Dias Given the unusual circumstances surrounding former Unifor President Jerry Dias' departure, the union's National Executive Board will abstain from endorsing a candidate for the first time in its history. GM supplier Glencore to invest $200M in GM battery recycling partner Li-Cycle Li-Cycle says Glencore's investment will improve cash position, giving it reserves to finish construction on the series of projects. Both companies have key EV-related dealings with General Motors. Canada expands eligibility for ZEV sales incentives, but max rebate remains $5,000 Some pricier cars and bigger zero-emissions pickups and SUVs — retailing for as much as $70,000 — will soon be eligible for a rebate under Canada's expanded incentive program for zero-emission vehicles. AutoCanada hires two top managers from AutoNation Jeffrey Thorpe, who was most recently a market president at Florida-based AutoNation, will take over oversight of AutoCanada’s 60 Canadian dealerships as head of operations. GM says light-duty Silverado will be added to new 3rd shift in Oshawa; more R&D slated for Canada General Motors Canada said it will add a third shift and begin building the light-duty Chevrolet Silverado at its Oshawa Assembly Plant as it firms up more than $1.6 billion in spending across its Canadian operations. Load More
David Kennedy Toronto Bureau Chief for Automotive News Canada [email protected] (416) 712-1378 Toronto Bureau Chief See All Staff Page