“Canadian manufacturers are facing a period of significant transformation,” said Abdus. Samad, Vice President of Government Affairs and Strategic Initiatives at the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce. “The summit provided an invaluable platform for sharing best practices and identifying areas for strategic investment.”

Automotive & Auto Tech
Interactive autotech and mobility showcase descends on major urban centre in York Region
On December 2, the Driving Innovation – Automotive Industry Networking and Mobility Technology Demonstration Zone Showcase took place at Assembly Park in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. This unique event aimed to connect trailblazers from innovative start-ups that are leveraging Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Demonstration Zones to industry leaders who are shaping Ontario’s automotive future.
Vaughan-based York Metals receives $631,000 investment from Ontario Government
The Ontario government is welcoming an investment of $4,210,000 by York Metal Products Inc. to boost local manufacturing and create 18 new jobs in Vaughan.
Hanon Systems to build its first EV parts facility in Vaughan, creating 300 new jobs
Global auto parts company Hanon Systems, headquartered in South Korea, is investing $155-million to build a new 284,200 sq. ft. electric vehicle parts manufacturing facility in Vaughan, York Region!
Government of Canada supports six companies boosting EV growth in southern Ontario; includes Vaughan-based Clover Tools Manufacturing
By expanding production capabilities and adopting new equipment, Ontario companies are meeting the growing demand for innovative production capabilities to feed the EV supply chain.
Markham-based taq Automotive Intelligence partners with EV luxury brand Lucid Motors
taq Automotive Intelligence is proud to announce a partnership with California-based Lucid, maker of the world’s most advanced electric vehicles.
York Region named one of ‘Canada’s Best Locations’ to invest by Site Selection Magazine
York Region is a top destination for business, innovation and talent and investing in business supports and services is integral to ensuring businesses and employees in York Region contribute to a strong economy.
Discover the top 5 reasons to join the Canadian delegation at the world’s largest industrial trade fair
Calling all York Region Manufacturers, Suppliers and Tech/Automation Providers! In April 2025, Canada will proudly headline Hannover Messe, the world’s largest showcase of advanced manufacturing and energy solutions. Discover the advantages of participating as an exhibitor and sign up now!
Ontario supports the development of smarter, more sustainable transportation technologies with $1.5M in funding to York Region innovation partner York University through OVIN
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), with support from the Ontario Government, announced $1.5 million in funding to York University and in partnership with Centennial College to support small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in developing and testing innovative automotive technologies and smart mobility solutions.
Partnership between Markham-based MARA and United Chargers built on Canadian quality
MARA Technologies helps United Chargers scale quickly and efficiently to create their high-quality, next-generation product, which is now white labelled for major automotive OEMs, including Volvo®.
Popular Toronto destination becoming test hub for tiny three-wheeled cars built in York Region
Exhibition Place’s sprawling 192-acre site has been selected as the perfect real-world testing ground for the new three-wheeled electric commuter cars, described by SARIT as an “affordable” means of travel that could be used to “ease traffic congestion and solve parking problems” in Toronto.
York Region headquartered Magna International signs partnership with Sanctuary AI
Magna International Inc. has signed a strategic partnership with Sanctuary AI for the development of general purpose AI robots for use in the company’s manufacturing operations.
Vaughan headquartered Martinrea International announces new software company, MiNDCAN
Leading this digital transformation is Ganesh Iyer, Chief Technology Officer, Martinrea International Inc. Through his integrated role of Product Engineering, R&D and IT, at Martinrea, Ganesh brings extensive experience and knowledge to MiNDCAN Inc.
York Region thrives as business hub where talent and opportunity intersect
“Identifying challenges in the business community and taking action to overcome them is the backbone of the 2024 to 2027 Economic Development Action Plan,” said City of Richmond Hill Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola, Chair of the Region’s Planning and Economic Development. “The 2024 to 2027 Action Plan builds on important work already underway to complement our partners’ efforts and drive economic prosperity together.”
Shaping Tomorrow: ventureLAB Unveils Innovative TechEdge Program
ventureLAB is thrilled to unveil the TechEdge program that propels startups by equipping them with the resources, insights and networks.
York Region creates new plan to boost business, economy, workforce
York Region business and research leaders are welcoming a new strategy to help develop the regional economy and businesses.
York Region headquartered Magna Awarded Specialized eDrive System Business With North America-Based OEM
Magna is growing its electrification customer base with a newly awarded contract from a North America-based OEM to supply a specialized primary rear eDrive system for one of the company’s high-end niche vehicle platforms. The award reinforces Magna’s commitment to supporting the automotive industry’s short and long-term transformational needs.
Announcing the 7th Cohort of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative
The selection process for cohort 7 was highly competitive, including a rigorous bootcamp to ensure the selected companies were primed for success in the hardware industry, which is notoriously known for long lead times for product validation and securing investment.
Announcing the third cohort of ventureLAB’s Accelerate AI
ventureLAB is proud to announce the 3rd cohort of the Accelerate AI program. This transformative 6-month program is designed to champion the growth and scaling of AI startups, empowering them to deliver cutting-edge solutions and applications that tackle the challenges in the modern industry!
Government of Canada supports expansion of services at ventureLAB
$4.5 million for the next phase of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative, supporting 30 technology companies while creating and maintaining over 170 jobs in southern Ontario.
Smart mobility innovators here’s your chance! OVIN Demonstration Zone challenges launch in Markham and Vaughan
It is no secret that the way people and goods move is changing. From the transition to hybrid or fully-electric cars to better the environment or drone delivery to support hospital capacity, there is no shortage of examples of ways innovation is propelling sustainability in our communities and moving us forward.
OVIN demonstration zones in Markham, and Vaughan now open for applications
The City of Markham and City of Vaughan, with funding from the Ontario Government through Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), officially launched the Demonstration Zone and are now inviting businesses to apply to demonstrate their mobility technologies. The first round of selected businesses will pilot their technologies in early 2024.
Innovative York Region-based AI company powers car shopping experiences
Most of the team members call York Region home. “This allowed us to centrally serve customers across GTA and beyond, enabling consumers to buy and sell cars with just a click,” Ng explains. “Carity introduced an industry-first profit-sharing car selling program, which allows consumers to share in the profits when Carity resells their vehicle, while also guaranteeing a selling price and offering upfront payments.”
Vaughan headquartered Martinrea International announces strategic relationship with Yamada Manufacturing
Martinrea and Yamada have signed a memorandum of understanding allowing the two entities to work together in the Japanese market.
York Region Headquartered Magna develops 100% melt recyclable foam and trim seating product
The finished seats have the look and feel of seating materials that meet industry standards, while significantly reducing the environmental impact, Magna officials said.
19 York Region-based companies make Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies 2023
There were 19 York Region-based business to make the list.
inTEST upgrades Markham facility for electronic circuit and electric vehicle battery testing operations
The new space provides 25,000 square feet of contiguous space with superior utility infrastructure and a modern office complex that is expected to improve operational efficiencies and enhance custom service.
York Region’s auto parts and autotech sector revs up with the APMA Conference and OVIN Demonstration Zones
York Region Economic Development was out in full force at the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) 71st Annual Conference on September 26th as title sponsor, alongside the City of Vaughan to promote our thriving auto sector.
OVIN to launch demonstration sites for automotive and mobility technologies in Markham and Vaughan
The OVIN Demonstration Zone will give Ontario small and medium-sized businesses real-world environments to pilot and demonstrate innovative automotive and mobility solutions, including electric vehicle technologies, shared and integrated mobility solutions, robotics, and connected and autonomous vehicle technologies.
2023 Autotech Detroit Conference was an incredible success for the York Region Delegation!
York Region is a leading jurisdiction in Canada’s automotive technology industry. Among others it is home to 250+ sector related companies, Canada’s largest independent auto parts and electronics manufacturing cluster, global headquarters of 3 of the 5 largest Canadian auto parts companies and location of the largest corporate automotive innovation hub in the country.