Automakers’ Association Calls Ottawa’s Tariffs on GM and Stellantis an ‘Unforced Error’

GM workers use human assistance automation to weld vehicle doors at the General Motors assembly plant in Oshawa, Ont., on March 19, 2021. The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette

The industry group representing GM, Ford, and Stellantis says Ottawa’s recent decision to limit the number of vehicles Stellantis and GM can import into Canada from the U.S. tariff-free is a mistake that will undermine the competitiveness of Canada’s auto manufacturing sector.

President of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association Brian Kingston wrote in a statement that his group supports the aim of safeguarding Canada’s automotive industry and workers, but he called decision to reimpose quotas on vehicle imports by GM and Stellantis an “unforced error at the worst possible time.”