The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Canadian light vehicle production in April, but the recovery was fast even though the industry is still down 31 per cent on the year, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants (DAC).
In a news release regarding Canadian light vehicle production for Q3 2020, DAC said production was impacted by a combination of lockdowns and the lack of production from GM Oshawa in 2020. This may change when Unifor and General Motors finalize a deal, in which the OEM will invest in the idled plant to build pickup trucks — based on Global News.
So far this year Toyota leads the Canadian industry in assembly volume with an estimated 295,000 units produced at the end of the third quarter, followed by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) with an estimated 265,000 units.
Longer term, Canada has been losing its share of North American light vehicle production, down from the 13 per cent range in 2014 to just above 11 per cent this year. However DAC said the recent investment announcements from this summer’s bargaining are “positive news.”
“The recent investments are testament to what can be achieved when local Canadian management, the union, and the federal government actively work together on an agreed strategy,” said Andrew King, Managing Partner, DAC. “All three parties deserve credit for the investments.”
King said the investments represent a big step forward, and that it will “solidify the foundations of the Canadian auto industry for the coming decade.”
