Canadian vehicle production 2017-2022

The Canadian auto industry produced some 1.2 million motor vehicles in 2022. This figure represents a decline of approximately 19 percent year-on-year. As assembly appears to be shifting south, Canada's auto industry seems to be increasing its focus on high-tech and research and development activities.

Pandemic affects Canadian vehicle production

Production dropped by over 25 percent in 2020 in comparison with the almost 2 million units that were built in 2019. Though already on a downwards trend, the industry was particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, which, among other consequences, caused issues in the supply chain. Jobs in Canada's auto industry nosedived between February and June 2020.

A shift towards electric vehicles

Attitudes towards mobility among Canadians have become subject to change recently. The research into electric and self-driving vehicles and batteries appears to be growing in Canada, resulting in rising manufacturing activity. General Motors has completed a new test track in Ontario, using it to develop advanced tech for electric and self-driving vehicles. In addition to this, Unifor (Canada's largest private-sector union) has reached separate deals with industry Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis each committing to invest in new electric vehicle plants in Canada and, as a result, generating at least hundreds of jobs.