Magna Seeking Canadian Federal Funds for EV Work
03 June 2009
Canwest. Frank Stronach, chairman of Canada-based Magna, is seeking Canadian federal funds to support building electric cars. Magna is in the process of acquiring Adam Opel (formerly GM Europe), and views vehicle electrification as a key strategic initiative. (Earlier post.)
“One of the main reasons I’m here today...is that I would like to see that the first electrical car facilities are in Canada. If we could get a loan we know we could speed it up. If we could get a loan, we could make sure it’s in Canada.”
The first stage of that process would involve the production of lithium ion battery systems for electric cars. Mr. Stronach said the company has so far spent $200-million of the $300-million necessary to develop the project, although he refused to specify how much it is seeking from Ottawa.
Any chance that we'll soon see electric Opels in Canada and the US?
Posted by: Peter9909 | 03 June 2009 at 10:00 AM
Well the Opel agreement that Magna signed totally restricts sales of Opel cars to the US. So the US is out no matter what.
Secondly, although I would love if the Cnd gov't would support such a measure, I wouldn't hold my breath. The short sightedness of the present gov't is renowned especially if the words green or ecology are in the mix.
Posted by: aym | 03 June 2009 at 05:04 PM
Well the Opel agreement that Magna signed totally restricts sales of Opel cars to the US. So the US is out no matter what.
Secondly, although I would love if the Cnd gov't would support such a measure, I wouldn't hold my breath. The short sightedness of the present gov't is renowned especially if the words green or ecology are in the mix.
Posted by: aym | 03 June 2009 at 05:04 PM