Feds to study Canadian commercial vehicle manufacturing sector

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OTTAWA, Ont. — Industry Minister Tony Clement announced yesterday that the feds will commission a study of Canada’s medium- and heavy-duty truck manufacturing sector.

The report is expected to be delivered in the spring of 2011 and will seek out opportunities to broaden Canada’s role in the manufacturing of commercial vehiles.

“The study will analyze the Canadian truck manufacturing sector and its suppliers and highlight the industry’s strengths, weaknesses and capacity,” said Clement. “Going forward, this information will support Industry Canada’s work related to transportation manufacturing industries in this country.”

The report will provide valuable insight into the sector and its key suppliers, Clement said, particularly in terms of output and employment. It will also identify and track trends in the industry over time.

The report was greeted with skepticism by the Canadian Auto Workers, who represent workers at the idle Navistar truck plant in Chatham.

“What’s to study?” Bob Chernecki, assistant to CAW president Ken Lewenza told the Chatham Daily News. “There is little left.”

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  • Western Star @ Kelowna, Sterling @ St Thomas both gone, (both plants having a great production reputation BTW)and Navistar @ Chatham idle, like bolting the door once the horse has gone…

  • Better late than never!

    First question, haven’t they been monitorange the industry for some time now? Seems it would be an opportune time in the current economic climate to take some financial and political initiative to make investment in the industry and make trucks suited to our harsh North American and more specifically Canadian climate. There’s enough money being wasted in enough useless endeavorS, let’s put some to practical use and get people working.