General Motors announced the impending closure of its Oshawa, Ontario plant yesterday, a move that will eliminate almost 3,000 jobs. In explaining its decision, the company said it was refocusing on the future of the automobile, looking at electric, self-driving and connected options. So, what does that future look like? We’ve seen glimpses so far, and big promises, but nothing like the pivot that requires a massive change of direction from traditional automakers.
We’ve been hearing about self-driving vehicles for years, but they’re not on streets yet, except as tests that sometimes go horribly wrong. Electric cars are here already, but haven’t exactly achieved critical mass or a price point that works. And everything is connected now, so of course cars will be. What, then, is the car of the future, exactly? What sells it? And more importantly, who builds it? How does the industry change in the decade to come? Is GM’s move a sign of a shift away from Southern Ontario by car makers, or is GM just behind its peers and hoping to catch up?
GUEST: Tim Dimopoulos, Automotive Specialist