Funding to support automotive engineering Continued from page 1 5 · Wednesday, January 9, 2013 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com vation investments in Canada's auto sector. "The reason we are investing in this fund is it has been a very big success," said the Prime Minister from a podium whose backdrop was a large Canadian flag and surrounded by Ford employees. "Our government remains focused on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity and to keeping Canada's automotive manufacturing sector globally competitive and innovative. The AIF has a proven track record of generating results for Canadians in terms of jobs, prosperity and foreign investment." Some projects the fund would support include: leading-edge engineering and design and prototype development; creation of advanced emissions technologies, energy-efficient engines and transmissions; and the introduction of advanced product testing with a view to ensure cleaner, more efficient automotive performance and reduced greenhouse gases. Harper said the AIF has been used to find efficiencies within the automotive sector and pay for changes, which have allowed it to survive the country's economic turmoil. Some of the repayable contributions provided by this fund have included: · An $80-million investment to help Ford establish a flexible engine assembly plant and create an advanced powertrain research centre in Windsor · A $54.8-million investment as Linamar Corporation develops and commercializes advanced components and modules within three product areas · A $70.8-million investment for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. to maximize production efficiency, reduce emissions and upgrade equipment to permit the production of more fuel-efficient vehicles · A $21.7-million investment to assist Magna International develop energy-efficient components for vehicles and powertrain components for next-generation vehicles "And so we have a happy story to tell," said Harper. "Instead of layoffs, we've seen jobs saved. Instead of seeing assembly plants close their doors, we've seen shifts added. Canada's auto sector once collapsing is (now) more innovative, agile and more competitive than ever before. In fact, it looks as if we have almost gone through a record year in vehicle sales. The rebound of the auto sector in this country is one of Canada's biggest industrial and economic success stories of the last five years." Joe Hinrichs, executive vice-president and president of the Americas for Ford, said the Oakville Assembly Plant was proof of how government investment can pay off over the long term. He said an investment by the Province and Ottawa only a few short years ago allowed the plant to shift to its flexible assembly line. "Today, this plant employs more than 2,800 people and in just the next few weeks, we'll be adding another 300 jobs when the third shift starts," Hinrichs said. "Ford Motor Company applauds the Government of Canada's vision in supporting innovation and technological advancement within the auto industry." Hinrichs said investing in the auto industry has far-reaching benefits as every auto plant job creates 10 jobs among suppliers. Ken Lewenza, head of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union, also praised the government's continued support of the AIF. "This, quite frankly, is a beneficial opportu- nity to send a message out to all automobile companies that the federal government is prepared to be a partner in future investment in Canada," he said. "We may argue about the amount, we may argue about the role they play, but just that they've recognized the importance of the automobile industry is of significant importance to the Canadian economy." A press release from the Prime Minister's Office called Canada's automotive industry a key economic driver, directly employing 111,000 Canadians and another 338,000 indirectly. 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