TORONTO – At the upcoming Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS) 2025, one of the country’s most prominent industry leaders will make the case for Canada to build its own automobile brand.
In his opening keynote on Monday, September 29 at the Toronto Congress Centre, Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA), will argue that the time has come for Canada to join nations such as Mexico, Vietnam, and Turkey in producing a homegrown automobile brand.
Imagining a Canadian Car Brand
Volpe will deliver his keynote address, “The Resilience Playbook: Geopolitics, AI, Auto, Private Equity, and Advanced Manufacturing for Canada’s Future,” from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the opening day of the event. He is expected to outline why Canada could target the early 2030s for the launch of a domestic brand, supported by a steering committee of experts spanning AI, machine learning, private equity, government, academia, and advanced manufacturing.
A feasibility study led by a Big Four accounting firm is planned for early 2026 to assess the potential.
Barriers and Opportunities
Acknowledging skepticism due to past failed efforts and stiff global competition, Volpe stressed the importance of resilience. “We don’t have a car company, yet we’re the world’s 12th largest automaker producing other people’s cars,” he said in advance of the event. “We’ve done fine by it, but then the White House decides to disrupt the global auto sector. Volkswagen can focus on Europe, Toyota can focus on Asia, but Canada is left hanging in the wind.”
Citing lessons learned during the pandemic, Volpe argued that Canada has both the supply chain and the technology base to take on the challenge. Project Arrow, APMA’s all-electric concept car featuring components from 60 Canadian companies, demonstrated the country’s ability to design and assemble a vehicle. The question now, he said, is how to scale such an effort for profitable sale.
Leveraging Technology
Volpe pointed to 3D printing, which was used in Project Arrow’s chassis, as one example of innovation that could cut tooling costs by up to 50%, streamline production, and boost profitability. He also highlighted the potential role of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and process design in creating a competitive edge.
With Mexico’s upcoming Olinia electric vehicle set to debut at an estimated CAD $15,000, Volpe suggested Canada risks falling behind if it does not act. “Beyond shelter, the biggest expense for any human being is transportation, and the number one longest-running market demand is automotive,” he said. “Why wouldn’t we be in the business?”
About CMTS 2025
CMTS is Canada’s national manufacturing trade event, running from September 29 to October 2 at the Toronto Congress Centre. Organized by non-profit SME, the event will showcase more than 750 suppliers and OEMs across industries including automotive, aerospace, energy, and robotics. Attendance is expected to exceed 10,000 professionals from across the country.
For details and registration, visit www.cmts.ca.
Follow GTA Weekly on social media for more national and industry news. #GTAToday
Leave a Reply