GM Canada to spend $832 million in R&D in Ontario

[July 25, 2012]  OSHAWA, Ontario (AP) -- General Motors Canada says it will invest $850 million Canadian ($832 million) in Canadian research and development at its complex in Ontario as part of its obligations under the 2009 auto industry bailout.

The investment will focus on environmental technologies and reducing vehicle weight, GM said Tuesday.

The federal and Ontario governments invested a total of $10.5 billion Canadian ($10.29 billion) in GM Canada in 2009 as the automaker struggled to survive the economic downturn.

The auto maker says the investment money will be spent between 2009 and 2016.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the commitment represents exciting future implications with ripple effects that will be felt far and wide.

GM's Oshawa, Ontario, plant builds the Impala, Camaro, Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Regal. It employs more than 4,500 people.

[Associated Press]

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