The Government of Canada has revealed that it’s invested $3 million in funding from the Government of Canada in four projects that meet new fuel efficiency, emission, and safety standards, as well as automated and connected technology for cars.
The funding is part of the Automotive Supplier Innovation Program, and funds small and medium-sized businesses focused on product development. The announcement comes on the heels of the government announcing an $821,445 investment in Markham-based Bluewrist, which develops a scanning inspection system for auto parts manufacturers it says will be five times faster than existing technologies.
“These projects illustrate how Canada’s automotive suppliers are at the forefront of designing and building the super-efficient cars of the future—cars that are more energy-efficient and better for the environment,” said Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
“The made-in-Canada innovations that come from these companies strengthen the skills, knowledge and business expertise that create well-paying jobs for Canadians. These innovations make our country’s automotive sector a global success.”
Other projects funded by the government include Waterloo-based Smarter Alloys, which will receive up to $1.1 million to develop advanced alloys that can retake their shape for use in mechanisms such as grill shutters and door latches; Windsor-based A.P. Plasman, which will receive $366,688 to develop 3D-printed measurement tools to replace its steel-machined fixtures; and Invotek Electronics, which is receiving $412,025 to develop a compact radar system for cars which can be installed in areas of vehicles that were traditionally inaccessible.
“The Automotive Supplier Innovation Program helps Canada’s automotive suppliers gain a competitive global edge through new innovative products and processes and next-generation technologies,” said John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. “Through ASIP, Canadian suppliers can drive ground-breaking technologies and generate jobs, economic growth and prosperity.”
