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:

• Vans
• Trucks
• SUVs

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