MNI BRIEF: Canada's 2020 Auto Production Was Lowest Since 1982

Canada's light vehicle production fell to the lowest since 1982 last year, dropping to 1.4 million from 2 million in 2019, DesRosiers Automotive Consultants reported Wednesday, a sign of long-term weakness in one of the nation's major export industries.

Canada has been losing North American market share to Mexico and the U.S., with the measure declining to 11% last year from a peak of 17% in 1999, the report said. More than half of domestic production now comes from just two brands, Toyota and Honda.

But there are positive signs that some of the lost investment is returning, such as GM re-opening a factory while Ford and Stellantis expand work on zero emissions vehicles, DesRosiers Managing Partner Andrew King said.