News
For Immediate Release
Oshawa
06/13/2011
Driving the Future Of Automotive Research: McGuinty Government Helping To Develop The Vehicles Of Tomorrow
NEWS
Ontario’s industry leaders, top researchers and some of the best and brightest students now have a state-of-the-art facility to create and test the newest automotive innovations.
The General Motors of Canada Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology officially opened today in Oshawa. The 16,300 square-meter facility provides a full range of test rooms and research space, including:
- A five storey climatic wind tunnel that tests products in extreme weather conditions ranging from – 40C to 60C, and features a solar array to replicate the sun’s effects on products;
- A four-poster shaker that can simulate potholes or a drive along a specific road; and
- A five-floor integrated research and training facility with space dedicated for advanced research, education and training.
"Beyond standard automotive testing, the ACE will also be used to test cleaner and alternative fuels as well as hybrid and electric vehicles. The facility is also suitable for testing any products that are subject to severe wind, humidity, snow, ice or extreme heat.
Strengthening Ontario’s auto sector, which supports more than 400,000 jobs in the province, is part of the Open Ontario Plan to create new jobs and promote economic growth.
QUOTES
“Ontario’s auto sector has turned an important corner with all five of the province’s vehicle manufacturers recently announcing production, employment and investments increases. Through this partnership, we are creating a unique testing facility that will ensure world-class research continues to be done in Ontario.”
— Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade
“In today’s knowledge-based economy, it is vital that Ontario continues to put students first by supporting advanced research and developing a highly educated and skilled workforce. The investments we make today in innovative, advanced automotive research, will lead to a stronger, more competitive auto sector for years to come.”
— John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities
“This state-of-the-art research facility is another concrete example of our continued efforts to build a more competitive, innovative auto sector that will create good-paying jobs within the Oshawa and surrounding community.”
— Joe Dickson, MPP for Ajax-Pickering
“ACE is a welcome addition to our university as it will reinforce the UOIT’s recognized role as an influential leader in automotive engineering, design, testing and validation. It will also help foster greater collaboration between leading-edge industries and top researchers, and train our students for the jobs of tomorrow.”
— Dr. Ronald Bordessa, President of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
QUICK FACTS
- The ACE was developed in partnership with the University of Ontario Institute Of Technology, General Motors of Canada, the Partners for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education, the Government of Ontario, and the Government of Canada.
- As part of GM’s Beacon Project, Ontario supported ACE’s construction with a total of $66 million investment.
- In 2010, Ontario produced over 2 million vehicles, a 39 per cent increase over 2009.
- In 2010, Ontario attracted a total of 127 Foreign Direct Investment projects worth an estimated $6.1 billion (US) capital investment and the creation of more than 11,200 jobs
- Over the last couple of months, Ontario had an increase of 38,000 jobs and the unemployment rate declined to 7.9 per cent.
LEARN MORE
- Read about Open Ontario, the government's five-year plan for the economy.
- See how Ontario's Budget 2011 is supporting job creation and helping the province's economy to turn the corner.
- Find out more about Ontario’s colleges and universities
- Learn more about Ontario’s world-renowned auto sector.
For more information:
Tim Weber
Minister Pupatello's Office
416-325-4520
Patrick Imlay
MEDT Communications Branch
416 325-6998
Annette Phillips
Minister Milloy’s Office
416-326-5748
Tanya Blazina
TCU Communications Branch
416-325-2746
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