Auto Industry Shifts Into High Gear in 2014

Auto makers and parts manufacturers expected to post strong profit growth thanks to rising demand

Ottawa, June 16, 2014 — Booming vehicle sales on both sides of the border are boosting industry profits for Canadian auto makers and motor vehicle parts manufacturers. Pre-tax profits for Canadian auto manufacturers are expected to reach $1.3 billion this year, their highest levels since 2002, according to The Conference Board of Canada’s Spring 2014 Industrial Outlookpublications.

“It was a chilly start to the year for car sales but the spring thaw has brought customers back to the car lots at record-breaking levels,” said Jacqueline Palladini, Senior Economist. “American consumers, in particular, are replacing their older vehicles due to a steady increase in income, jobs, and credit availability.”

Highlights

Canadian auto makers are expected to post pre-tax profits of $1.3 billion in 2014, their highest levels since the recession.

Canada’s auto manufacturing industry is expected to add approximately 2,900 jobs in 2015.

Mexico is expected to surpass Canada in vehicle exports to the U.S. for the first time in 2015.

Retooling at several Canadian plants and increased competition from U.S. and Mexican facilities drove down auto production in Canada by 3.6 per cent in 2013. This year, Canadian production will increase by 3.1 per cent. The revamped auto plants will be better positioned to take on growing demand and the drop in the value of the Canadian dollar will ease competitive pressures somewhat.

Higher production this year and investments at several plants will result in job gains later this year and next. The industry is expected to add 2,900 jobs in 2015.

Similarly, Canada’s motor vehicle parts manufacturing industry is expected to have a strong year in 2014. Robust demand for parts from manufacturers in Canada and the bordering U.S. states will boost industry production by 5.2 per cent this year. Parts producers are expected to generate healthy pre-tax profits of $1.5 billion in 2014.

For more information contact

Brent Dowdall
Associate Director, Communications
613-526-3090 ext.448
dowdall@conferenceboard.ca