What Cars Are Made in Canada? Everything You Need to Know

*This article is updated from its original version published on Feb 27, 2025

Buying a car manufactured in Canada is important to Canadian drivers, particularly over the last year, when tariffs were introduced. The auto industry has taken a significant hit, and leaders are concerned that what was once thought to be a temporary measure is taking longer to resolve. 

To make matters worse, ongoing disputes and threats of additional tariffs have created a genuine sense of instability within the industry. 

This is why buying products that are crafted, produced or manufactured right here in Canada is a way for people to feel good about their purchases. 

 Unfortunately, when it comes to vehicles, this is becoming  harder to do. In recent years, many vehicle manufacturers have shut down their Canadian assembly plants and moved them to foreign countries.  

However, this doesn't mean that you can't buy a vehicle that was made in Canada; there are still a number of operational assembly plants throughout the country (primarily in Ontario). 

What cars are made in Canada? — A guide for Canadian motorists 

Although many of the cars that we see on the road are imported from other parts of the world, some of them are still manufactured in our great nation. However, it's not always clear which ones are manufactured in Canada, and which ones are made elsewhere. 

You may be surprised to learn that the following models are produced not too far away from home: 

Nearly all Canadian-built cars are manufactured in Ontario. Toyota, Canada's leading automotive manufacturer, has built a strong presence, especially in the Waterloo Region. Other major facilities in the country are operated by Honda, Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis.   

*Some Ontario plants are currently actively transitioning to produce electric vehicles such as the BrightDrop EV van and Dodge Charger Daytona muscle car. 

Where are the vehicle assembly plants located in Canada?

Canadian-built cars are primarily manufactured in vehicle assembly plants in the province of Ontario. You can find vehicle assembly plants in the following towns and cities: 

• Brampton, ON (Stellantis)  
• Windsor, ON (Stellantis) 
• Ingersoll, ON (General Motors)  
• Oakville, ON (Ford)  
• Alliston, ON (Honda) 
• Cambridge, ON (Toyota) 
• Woodstock, ON (Toyota)  
• Oshawa, ON (General Motors) 

What electric cars are manufactured in Canada?

Several popular hybrid vehicles are also assembled in Canada, primarily in Ontario, by major manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, and Stellantis. Key models made in Canada include: 

• Dodge Charger Daytona EV 
• Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid 
• BrightDrop EV  
• Lexus NX Hybrid 
• Lexus RX Hybrid 
• Toyota Rav-4 Hybrid

Upcoming/Future Production: Ford is retooling its Oakville facility for future EV production for the Ford Super Duty trucks, slated to begin production in 2026. 

Project Arrow: The first full-build, zero-emissions concept car designed and manufactured entirely in Canada. (An all-Canadian EV concept car.) 

While the current lineup of electric cars manufactured in Canada is limited, there are significant developments underway. As automakers continue to invest in electric technology, we can expect to see a substantial increase in Canadian-made models in the coming years. 

What is Project Arrow?

In January 2023, the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association officially debuted Project Arrow at CES 2023. 

Project Arrow is Canada’s first homegrown zero-emissions vehicle program. Spearheaded by the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA), the program serves as a collaborative technology platform for the nation’s automotive suppliers, post-secondary institutions, and innovation partners. 

Project Arrow is an extremely innovative electric vehicle designed by university students from Ottawa, ON. Aside from the fact that Project Arrow features 25 brand-new types of automotive technology, it's also the first-ever electric car to be manufactured in Canada. 

The project was designed to demonstrate that Canada can produce a full, sustainable electric vehicle, aligning with the goal of a zero-emissions future by 2050.  

It is currently in Phase 2.0, which advances from proof of concept to next-generation technology deployment. Project Arrow Vector (2030) and Project Arrow Borealis (2040) are the first physical outcomes of that evolution. 

Electric vehicle enthusiasts will be happy to hear that Project Arrow is set to produce roughly 50,000 units per year.  

Hybrid vs Plug-In Hybrid: What’s the Difference? 

Hybrid Vehicle: 

• Uses both gas and electric power 
• No charging required 
• Uses regenerative braking to capture energy while slowing down 
• The stored energy powers the electric motor, reducing fuel use in city driving 

A hybrid vehicle is a practical choice for Canadian drivers who want simplicity and reliability.

Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV): 

• Can be plugged in and charged at home 
• Drives short distances using electric power only 
• Ideal for short daily commutes and urban driving 

If you drive mostly in the city and can charge at home, a plug-in hybrid vehicle may be a good option to help lower your fuel costs. 

Are there Canadian car companies?

Yes, there are a handful of car companies that are based out of Canada. Although many of these companies are relatively small or niche, they are gradually starting to make an impact on the Canadian automotive industry.  

Here's a brief list of some of the better-known Canadian car companies, known for developing specialized vehicles:  

• Felino: Develops high-performance cars and is the creator of the cB7 supercar prototype. 
  
• Conquest Vehicles: Manufactures armoured sport utility vehicles and the creator of the Conquest Knight XV.
  
• Magnum Cars: Creator of the Magnum MK5, Ariel Atom and BAC Mono.
• Edison Motors: Built Canada’s first production hybrid truck. 
  
• GreenPower Motor Company: Manufactures electric buses and trucks. 
  
• Project Arrow: The first full-build, zero-emissions concept car designed and manufactured entirely in Canada. 

In the past, there were a number of other Canadian car brands, like Bricklin Motorcars Ltd., HTT Automobile and McLaughlin Motor Car Company; however, these manufacturers have since gone out of business.

Why Buying Canadian-Made Matters 

Buying a car in Canada is beneficial because you know that you're supporting hard-working Canadians and contributing to the local economy. 

Here are a few more things to consider when purchasing your next vehicle: 

✅ Avoid Substantial Price Increases: Tariffs essentially act as a tax on foreign goods, inflating the sticker price of imported vehicles and replacement parts. Purchasing cars manufactured in Canada avoids the ~25% tariff on American-built cars. 

✅ Price Stability and Availability: Because Canadian-made vehicles are exempt from many tariff-related costs, they offer more predictable pricing. Additionally, domestic production ensures more reliable inventory levels at local dealerships, reducing the wait times often associated with imported models. 

✅ Cost Savings: Because Canadian-assembled vehicles do not face the same import fees, they are often much more affordable than their foreign counterparts. Choosing a domestic model allows buyers to avoid the projected 10.9% price surge currently affecting imported vehicles and replacement parts. 

✅ Faster Delivery Times: Tariff-related supply chain disruptions frequently result in extended wait times for imported models. Canadian-made vehicles offer a much faster turnaround because they are built and shipped right here at home. 

✅ Environmental Benefits: Choosing a Canadian-built car significantly reduces transportation-related emissions. For example, moving a car from an Ontario plant to a Canadian dealership creates a much smaller carbon footprint than shipping a vehicle across an ocean from Europe or Asia. 

✅ Quality and Reliability: Ontario plants have consistently won top J.D. Power quality awards for brands like Toyota and Honda.  

✅ Built for Local Conditions: Canadian-assembled vehicles are engineered with local conditions in mind, often resulting in superior performance during harsh winters.  

✅ Supporting Local Economy: Buying Canadian directly supports domestic manufacturing jobs. 

Buying a vehicle assembled in Canada is about more than just national pride—it has a direct impact on the local economy, your wallet, and the environment. Be sure to keep these factors in mind while shopping for your next vehicle.