Now Hiring, Expanding and Partnering for the Future
New Mandate to focus on the Connected Car and Green Technology
April 28, 2015 – GM Canada president and managing director Steve Carlisle announced today that GM’s Canadian Engineering Centre is growing into an innovation hub for the “connected car” and green technologies, two areas of growing importance for automotive customers and the future of the auto sector.
The Oshawa-based centre is now hiring for the addition of more than 100 software and controls engineers to support a new mandate related to “connected car” systems, environmental and urban mobility solutions.GM Canada manages approximately $190 million research and development work per year with a wide range of leading Canadian suppliers and universities. Work at the GM Canada Engineering Centre in Oshawa and its cold-weather testing facility in Kapuskasing, Ontario is helping to make the automobile more connected and environmentally sustainable.
These activities include the development of new software and active controls that allow customers to take advantage of high-speed data links between automobiles and mobile networks.“Connected car” technologies are enabling an exciting range of new safety, environmental and infotainment applications. Innovation at the Canadian Engineering Centre also focuses on the use of alternative fuels, light- weight and advanced materials which help improve fuel economy and offer customers new and more sustainable technology solutions.
Steve Carlisle, president and managing director, GM Canada said, “We have long been proud of GM Canada’s unique capability in Canada to design and engineer future products for our customers and our solid portfolio of patents and project breakthroughs,” said Carlisle. “We are making this investment because we see an opportunity to take advantage of a wealth of talent in mobile technologies, software and advanced automotive engineering available in Canada’s leading universities and other partner organizations. Canada has the bench strength and, to borrow a famous hockey analogy, this is where the puck is going.”
Mark Reuss, executive vice president, global product development, purchasing and supply chain, General Motors said, “Innovations in connected car and environmental technologies are key elements of how we’re developing great new vehicles with features that customers really want. I recently spent time in Canada with our team and with some of our Canadian university research partners, and it’s clear that they’re ready to take our Oshawa engineering operation to the next level.”
The Hon. Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure said, “It’s fantastic to see GM invest in their Engineering Centre in Oshawa, transforming it into a leading hub for connected vehicle and green technologies. This is a boost to both our automotive and information and communications technology sectors, and a true testament to our highly skilled workforce. Ontario is already a global leader when it comes to the talent and skills of our workforce, which makes us a perfect choice for this investment. We thank GM for this commitment to strengthen their roots in research and innovation, and to invest in technology that will truly drive the future of the auto sector.”
Dr. Colin Carrie, Member of Parliament for Oshawa said, “I am honoured to be here for the expansion of the GM Canada Engineering Centre. Our government is serious about auto manufacturing in Canada, and it is both a testament to the world-class workforce here in Oshawa and a signal to the rest of the world that Canada has much to offer not only in manufacturing, but also in research and development.”
Dr. Amir Khajepour, professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering, University of Waterloo said, “As a long-time partner in research with GM Canada, we are delighted with this new focus on connected car and green technologies at GM Canada’s Engineering Centre. This will provide our students and graduates with even more opportunities to apply their knowledge in an important and growing field of study and commercialization.”
Janet Walden, chief operating officer, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) said, “NSERC is proud to be a supporter of industrial partnerships with Canadian research institutions. Our investments continue to transform innovation within Canada and as this announcement today demonstrates, serve to strengthen Canada’s competitive position in cutting edge research, ultimately leading to new jobs.”
Perrin Beatty, president and chief executive officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce said, “I welcome GM Canada’s new connected car mandate and hiring in Oshawa. This next stage of advanced automotive engineering and manufacturing is just the kind of high value added work Canada needs if we are to ensure we remain competitive for the future.”
Jayson Myers, president and chief executive officer, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters said, “Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters applauds the new connected car mandate for GM in Oshawa. This next generation automotive technology is an example of the advanced manufacturing and innovation networks with our universities that will drive success for our sector in the future.”
To invite Canadians to be part of creating the future with the connected car and green technologies, GM Canada will be using social media to engage students, professors and teachers, and other Canadians with our innovation team. Brian Tossan, director of GM Canada’s Engineering Centre said, “We’re excited to reach out to Canada’s best and brightest minds about the new work and job opportunities opening up with GM Canada. We are creating the future as part of GM’s global development of tomorrow’s automobiles.”
Additional background information on GM Canada’s Engineering Centre, technology leadership and university
partnerships including video:
• www.Media.gm.ca
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5UWrgmuniqKTQ2iZlpDBSe6IPabzQAD4
General Motors in Canada
Headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) employs more than 9,000 people across the country and is a recognized leader in green manufacturing. GMCL markets the full range of fuel-efficient Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles and related services through Canada’s largest automotive dealer network. More information regarding GMCL models can be found at www.gm.ca, or by
following @GMCanada on Twitter.
