General Motors (GM) of Canada is investing $850m in its research and development (R&D) activities at the Canadian Engineering Centre in Oshawa, Ontario between 2009 and 2016.
According to the GM, the investment will offer long-term sustainable benefits to the company and the Canadian automotive sector through 2016.
Most of the investment will be made on environmental technologies and developing light-weighting initiatives for the next generation of vehicles, as well as towards enhancing the innovation and competitiveness of Canadian automotive suppliers.
The company will also fund start-ups and invest in new types of automotive technology during the period.
GM's current plan follows its commitment in 2009 after receiving nearly $10bn funding from the Canadian and Ontario governments as part of the the company's bailout, of which $1bn would be spent on R&D in Canada.
GM's commitments also include continuing to develop formal technology relations with Canadian universities, institutes, supplier and manufacturers in main technology streams which are in line with Canadian R&D clusters and the company's main concerns.
The company's plans through 2016 include the launch of five new models, new hybrid production at its CAMI and Oshawa facilities and addition of transmission production at St. Catharines powertrain plant.
GM will continue to manufacture V-6 and V-8 engines at St. Catharines facility and will not shutdown the facilities in Canada until 2016, as per the commitment with the Canada government.
