General Motors is racing to start building a test track for autonomous- and advanced-vehicle technology on the site of its Oshawa, Ontario, assembly plant. The automaker's Canada unit is "optimistic" that work can begin this fall.
GM Canada spokeswoman Jacqueline Thomson said there is no firm timetable, but the company believes it will receive necessary local approvals in time to start construction then.
News of GM Canada's potential start of construction comes after the automaker secured the necessary zoning changes. The Oshawa Express newspaper last week reported that the city government approved a zoning variance that would allow construction to start, but GM needs permits before moving forward.
GM this year said it would convert 55 acres on the south end of its Oshawa plant site into the test track. It's part of a larger plan for the factory, where vehicle assembly will end this year and a smaller stamping and parts production operation will begin.