Greg Layson

Stellantis and LG Energy ceased some construction of its planned EV battery factory in Windsor, Ontario, as it continues to spar with the federal government over financial assistance.

Québec-based Uni-Select, Canada’s largest supplier of automotive refinish, industrial paint and more than two million replacement parts in the auto industry, is being purchased by U.S.-based LKQ Corporation for about $2.1 billion in cash.

Stellantis said in October 2021 that it would eliminate the second shift in early spring of 2022, but it has since extended the life of the shift three times.

Stellantis owns 49 percent of the joint venture while South Korea-based LG Energy Solution owns the remaining 51 percent. 

The automaker plans to retool its plants in Windsor and Brampton and build two new R&D centers in Canada focusing on EVs and battery technology.

Stellantis will retool its plants in Windsor and Brampton, converting them to what the company described in a statement as “flexible, multi-energy vehicle assembly facilities ready to produce the electric vehicles of the future.”

Unifor says it has turned over to the Toronto Police Service the money the union says was given by a third party to its former president Jerry Dias and led to an investigation into his conduct.

Canadian automotive supply giant Magna International is building a $40-million factory in Chatham, Ont., to better serve Ford Motor Co. with much-needed battery enclosures for the new Ford F-150 Lighting electric pickup.

Unifor President Jerry Dias has retired, citing ongoing health issues. He made the announcement Sunday. Dias, 63, has been on medical leave from his position since Feb. 6.

Flavio Volpe, head of the Canadian Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, issued the call in a tweet posted Thursday morning, telling refugees seeking security to reach out to his organization.

The automaker said on Thursday it will now knock the Windsor Assembly Plant down to a single shift at the end of June 2022 as opposed to the original plan, which called for an end to the second shift in "early spring."

Police in Canada say they stopped a convoy of transport trucks they suspect planned to cause havoc in Windsor, Ontario, once again.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens has declared a state of emergency in an effort to keep trade flowing freely at the U.S.-Canada border.

Nearly every Canadian automotive supplier has ceased building parts for the time being due to the ongoing blockade at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ont., according to the association that represents the sector.

Automakers have cut U.S. and Canadian output and warn new-vehicle shipments will be delayed due to an ongoing blockade at one of North America's busiest border crossings.