Why Now Is the Game-Changer Moment for a Canadian Automaker—APMA President Flavio Volpe Drops a Bombshell at CMTS 2025!

Ever stop to wonder why Canada, despite being one of the world’s biggest automakers by output, still hasn’t carved out its own homegrown car brand? It’s kinda like owning all the ingredients for the perfect smoothie but never actually blending them together. Well, Flavio Volpe, the head honcho at the Canadian Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA), believes the time for Canada to finally shift into gear and build a truly Canadian car is now. Sounds ambitious, right? But here’s the kicker — with a powerhouse team of experts spanning AI, private equity, and manufacturing ready to rev the engine, and a multi-million dollar feasibility study in the pipeline, this dream might just be within reach by the early 2030s. And if Mexico, Vietnam, and Turkey can get their wheels rolling, why shouldn’t Canada? This isn’t just about cars — it’s about sparking tens of thousands of jobs, boosting our economy, and reclaiming our spot on the global stage without relying on decisions made thousands of miles away. Buckle up, because the journey to building a Canadian car brand might be the most exciting ride the country’s manufacturing scene has seen in decades. LEARN MORE

Mexico is doing it, Vietnam and Turkey are doing it, and now is the time for Canada to set the wheels in motion to manufacture our own domestic automobile brand too.

It’s a goal that’s within reach, said Flavio Volpe, President of the Canadian Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA), and his team is bringing together some of the country’s brightest minds from a wide range of industry sectors to help make it happen.

In the opening keynote address at the upcoming Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS) 2025, called “The Resilience Playbook: Geopolitics, AI, Auto, Private Equity, and Advanced Manufacturing for Canada’s Future” (September 29, 1:00 p.m.), Volpe will challenge the industry to imagine what it would take for Canada to launch its own car brand – and why a delivery goal of the early 2030s might not be as far off as it seems. Canada’s national industry event, CMTS takes place at the Toronto Congress Centre from September 29 to October 2.

With a multi-million feasibility study by a Big Four accounting firm planned for early 2026, Volpe will share how a steering committee of top Canadian experts in artificial intelligence, machine learning, private equity, government, academia, production, and marketing will come together to strategize how to best “put Canada in the big leagues with a proudly Canadian-made (not just Canadian-produced) car that will protect our country against tariff shocks from Washington.”

Acknowledging public skepticism due to failed past efforts, Chinese competition, and major investment requirements, Volpe pointed to some of the world’s biggest economies that see things differently.

“What do they know that we don’t know?” he asked. “We don’t have a car company, yet we’re the world’s 12th largest automaker producing other people’s cars. We have this incredible globally relevant supply chain in Canada that relies on decisions from Detroit and Tokyo. We’ve done fine by it, but then the White House decides to disrupt the global auto sector. Volkswagen can focus on Europe, Toyota can focus on Asia, but Canada is left hanging in the wind,” he said.

“What we learned during the pandemic was a dignity in making things, but also an advantage to having a strong manufacturing sector, he said, explaining that the steering committee is not only unique in its multi-disciplinary make-up, but is also looking at doing things differently than the past, including partnering with government in non-traditional ways.

Citing Project Arrow, the country’s first zero emissions, all-electric concept vehicle featuring materials and parts from 60 Canadian companies, Volpe explained that Canada knows how to make a car – the challenge is how to make one for profitable sale.

Encouraged by Mexico’s domestic electric car brand Olinia – set to debut next year at a low cost (estimates are in the CDN$15,000 range) thanks to government backing and a university researcher development team – he explained that there are ample Canadian technology applications in artificial intelligence, machine learning and manufacturing process design that have not yet been leveraged in the automotive sector but can be game changers.

As an example, he said using 3D printing to build cars – as was done for the Project Arrow chassis – has the potential to streamline the manufacturing process, which could reduce manufacturing tooling costs by up to 50%. This in turn would boost sales volumes and profitability, and contribute to a strong national economy, he said.

“Beyond shelter, the biggest expense for any human being is transportation, and the number one longest-running market demand is automotive,” Volpe said, arguing that a Canadian car brand would spin off tens of thousands of supply chain jobs and bring together a cluster of industry capabilities to give Canada a competitive advantage. “Why wouldn’t we be in the business?”

About CMTS 2025

Featuring the latest equipment and technology advancements in machine tools, tooling, metalworking, automation, robotics, additive manufacturing, and digital transformation, CMTS 2025 is expected to draw more than 10,000 professionals in all areas of the industry, including automotive, aerospace, energy, government, commercial, industrial, and oil and gas. The show will present 750+ suppliers and OEMs, three major technology showcases and a national cross-section of decision-makers shaping the future of Canadian manufacturing.

CMTS 2025 is presented by non-profit SME, with strategic event partners including Canadian Machine Tool Distributors Association, Canadian Tooling & Machining Association, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, CWB-EWI, and NGen.

Industry supporters include AI4Manufacturing Canada, Automate Canada, Anada-ASEAN Business Council, Canadian Association of Moldmakers, Canada Makes, Dental Industry Association of Canada, Export Development Canada, Italian Trade Agency, Machines Italia, Ontario Centre of Innovation and the VR/AR Association.

For more information and to register for the event, visit www.cmts.ca.