Chrysler, Ford and General Motors account for 71% of the increased vehicle output in Canada.

January 12, 2011 PRESS RELEASE

As consumer demand for new vehicles rose 6.6 percent in Canada and 11 percent in the United States in 2010, Canadian vehicle production increased by 41.2 percent compared to 2009. For 2010:

• Canadian vehicle production topped 2 million units;
• Vehicle output increased by over 600,000;
• Chrysler, Ford and GM Canadian production increased by over 425,000 units;
• 71 percent of total Canadian production increase;
• Chrysler, Ford and GM produced over 1.3 million vehicles, a 47.5 percent increase;
• GM, Chrysler, and Ford are #1, #2, and #4 respectively in Canadian vehicle production.

“With strong customer demand, Chrysler, Ford and General Motors’ production rose to keep pace,” noted Mark Nantais, president of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association. “This increased production drove economic output across the Canadian economy through extensive supply chains which touch upon virtually every major economic sector, including the diverse parts manufacturing sector.”

Over the past decade, both federal and provincial governments have supported major investments in automotive manufacturing, which has attracted new product mandates, and helped secure the critical automotive manufacturing footprint. Collectively, CVMA members have invested over $8 billion in Canada over the past decade. These investments have gone into more efficient flexible manufacturing processes, ensuring new product mandates, while improving the environmental performance of the facilities and vehicles and engines being produced.

“The investments made to date have been positive for the auto industry as well as the economy as whole,” stated Nantais. “The improved market conditions and the related increase in production are great news for the one in seven Canadians directly and indirectly employed by auto manufacturing across the country.”

“While the rebound in 2010 has been encouraging, we must continue working together to build on our successes and improve our competitiveness in order to win new product mandates as manufacturers move toward the next generation of advanced technology and environmentally friendly vehicles,” added Nantais. “We are working collaboratively with all of our stakeholders, including government, to improve overall competitiveness through strategic investments, along with other important factors such as building and maintaining a smart and efficient regulatory environment, developing and forging supportive international trade policy, and maintaining cost effective labour contracts.”

For further information please contact:

Mark Nantais
President
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association
416.560.4005
mnantais@cvma.ca

About the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association

The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association is the industry association that has represented Canada’s leading manufacturers of light and heavy duty motor vehicles for more than 80 years. Its membership includes Chrysler Canada Inc.; Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited; General Motors of Canada Limited; and Navistar Canada, Inc. Collectively its members directly employ roughly 35,000 Canadians, have over 50,000 retirees, operate 7 vehicle assembly plants, 5 major components plants, and have over 1,000 dealerships.

Light Duty Vehicles Made in Canada by CVMA Members