The Québec light vehicle sector: on the road to making electric vehicles
The light vehicle industry holds an important position in the global manufacturing sector and has a high level of expertise in several technological domains. The Québec automotive industry includes all activities related to the manufacturing and repair of automobiles and light trucks:
They are in two segments:
- OE market - manufacturing of original parts for assembly lines
- Manufacturing of replacement parts and accessories
The Québec Strengths
- Expertise in light metals (production and manufacturing)
- Extensive R&D network in the aluminium sector
- Recognized skills in development and design
- Active involvement in propulsion systems research
Québec aims to become a leading manufacturer of new generation vehicles in North America by focusing on developing, manufacturing and marketing the electric car as it possesses a proven expertise in electrical motorization and in power electronics.
Some figures on the automotive industry in Québec
- There has been no automobile assembly plant since September 2002
- 1,000 companies including world leaders in assembly: Bombardier Transportation, Bell Helicopter, Paccar, Volvo, BRP, etc.
- 20% of SMBs are subsidiaries of foreign companies
- 85% of production is exported outside Québec
- 80% of revenues come from the primary market
- 20% of revenues come from the secondary market
Source: MDEIE — Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, 2010