What Cars Are Made in Canada?

Canada’s automotive industry is one of the most important pillars of its economy, contributing billions of dollars in exports and employing hundreds of thousands of workers. When most people think of car manufacturing, they often picture countries like the United States, Japan, or Germany but Canada is home to some of the world’s leading vehicle production plants.

So, what cars are made in Canada? From Ford and Toyota to General Motors and Honda, Canada produces a wide variety of vehicles ranging from compact sedans to full-size SUVs and electric vehicles (EVs). This article explores the brands, factories, and innovations that make Canada a key player in the global automotive landscape.

1. Overview of Canada’s Automotive Industry

The Canadian auto manufacturing sector dates back to the early 1900s, with its first assembly lines established in Ontario. Today, the majority of automotive production occurs in Ontario and Quebec, where access to skilled labor, modern infrastructure, and trade routes with the United States make it an ideal hub for production.

Key Facts About Canada’s Auto Industry

• Canada produces over 1.2 million vehicles annually.
• The sector supports over 500,000 jobs directly and indirectly.
• Major global automakers operate manufacturing plants in Canada.
• Canada ranks among the top vehicle exporters in North America.

This industry continues to grow, especially with the rising investment in electric vehicle manufacturing and sustainable technologies.

2. Major Car Manufacturers in Canada

Several globally recognized automakers assemble vehicles in Canada. Let’s look at the major players and the cars they produce.

A. Ford Motor Company of Canada

Location: Oakville, Ontario

Ford has been operating in Canada for more than a century and remains one of the largest employers in the Canadian automotive industry.

Current Models Produced in Canada:

• Ford Edge (SUV)
• Lincoln Nautilus (Luxury SUV)

The Oakville Assembly Complex has undergone major transformations to prepare for electric vehicle (EV) production, aligning with Ford’s global sustainability goals. The next generation of electric SUVs will also be made here.

B. General Motors (GM) Canada

Locations: Oshawa, Ingersoll, and St. Catharines, Ontario

GM is one of the largest automakers in North America, and its Canadian operations play a crucial role in producing vehicles and components.

Vehicles Manufactured in Canada:

• Chevrolet Silverado (Full-size pickup truck) – Oshawa Assembly
• BrightDrop Zevo 600 & Zevo 400 (Electric delivery vans) – Ingersoll (CAMI Assembly)

GM Canada is also leading in the EV revolution, with its CAMI plant becoming the first large-scale electric vehicle assembly plant in the country.

C. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC)

Locations: Cambridge and Woodstock, Ontario

Toyota’s presence in Canada is one of the most advanced and respected in the industry. The company’s Canadian operations are known for high-quality production and consistent innovation.

Models Produced:

• Toyota RAV4 (Gas and Hybrid models)
• Lexus RX (Luxury SUV)

Toyota Canada’s facilities are award-winning, often recognized for quality and safety standards. The RAV4, a top-selling SUV in North America, is proudly made in Ontario.

D. Honda of Canada Manufacturing

Location: Alliston, Ontario

Honda has been producing cars in Canada since 1986 and remains one of the most trusted automakers in the country.

Models Produced:

• Honda CR-V (Compact SUV)
• Honda Civic (Sedan and Hatchback)

The Honda Civic, a long-time favorite among Canadians, has been the best-selling car in Canada for over two decades, a testament to its quality and reliability.

E. Stellantis (Formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)

Locations: Windsor and Brampton, Ontario

Stellantis manufactures some of the most popular family and performance vehicles in Canada.

Models Produced:

• Chrysler Pacifica (Minivan) – Windsor Assembly
• Dodge Charger (Sedan) – Brampton Assembly
• Dodge Challenger (Sports Car) – Brampton Assembly

The Windsor Assembly Plant is one of the largest vehicle factories in North America and a hub for future electric minivan production under Stellantis’ new EV strategy.

3. Electric Vehicle (EV) Manufacturing in Canada

The future of car manufacturing in Canada is electric. The Canadian government and automakers are heavily investing in EV technology, battery plants, and green energy solutions.

Key EV Developments:

• GM’s CAMI plant is producing BrightDrop electric delivery vans.
• Ford’s Oakville plant is transitioning to electric SUV production.
• Volkswagen announced plans for a Gigafactory in St. Thomas, Ontario to produce EV batteries by 2027.

Canada’s abundant access to lithium, nickel, and cobalt essential for EV batteries positions it as a global leader in sustainable car production.

4. Auto Parts and Component Manufacturing

Beyond full vehicles, Canada is also a major supplier of automotive parts and technology. Companies such as Magna International, Linamar, and Martinrea supply key components to global automakers, including engines, transmissions, and advanced electronics.

These companies support not only Canadian factories but also supply chains worldwide, strengthening the country’s economic influence in the automotive sector.

5. Why Automakers Choose Canada

Several factors make Canada an attractive location for car manufacturing:

• Skilled Workforce: Canada’s engineers and technicians are among the most highly trained in the world.
• Strategic Trade Access: Proximity to the U.S. market via the USMCA trade agreement.
• Stable Economy: Strong infrastructure and political stability.
• Green Technology Initiatives: Government incentives for EV production and carbon reduction.

These strengths have kept Canada competitive and positioned it as a key hub for next-generation automotive production.

6. List of Cars Made in Canada (Overview)

Manufacturer	Model(s)	Plant Location	Type
Ford	Edge, Lincoln Nautilus	Oakville, ON	SUV
GM	Silverado, BrightDrop Zevo 600/400	Oshawa & Ingersoll, ON	Truck/EV Van
Toyota	RAV4, Lexus RX	Cambridge & Woodstock, ON	SUV
Honda	Civic, CR-V	Alliston, ON	Sedan/SUV
Stellantis	Pacifica, Charger, Challenger	Windsor & Brampton, ON	Minivan/Sedan/Sports Car

Conclusion

So, what cars are made in Canada? The answer includes some of the most popular and reliable vehicles on North American roads. From Honda Civics to Toyota RAV4s and Chevrolet Silverados, Canada’s auto plants are driving the future of global car manufacturing.

With increasing investments in electric vehicle technology and eco-friendly production, the country is set to become an even more significant player in the global automotive transition.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just curious about what rolls off Canadian assembly lines, one thing is clear Canada builds cars that drive the world forward.