Automobility News: March 2024

We are thrilled to share with you the most recent announcements and developments in the Windsor-Essex region for the month of March. See below to read our top highlights.

Dodge announces next generation of muscle cars to be built in Windsor

© Photo by Stellantis /The Windsor Star 

Get ready to power up with the next generation of electric, all-wheel drive Dodge Chargers. Stellantis has announced its plan to start production this summer on the two-door Daytona R/T and Scat Pack models at its Windsor Assembly Plant. This exciting development marks a new chapter for Dodge, with the introduction of its all-new Dodge Charger Daytona— the world’s first all-electric muscle car. 

Features will include sounds reminiscent of a V8 engine with ranges of 418km for the 670-horsepower Scat Pack and up to 510 km for the 496-horsepower Dodge Charger Daytona R/T on a single charge. The Dodge Charger Daytona two-door models are scheduled to be available in late 2024, with the four-door models set to arrive in early 2025. READ MORE

2023 Canadian ZEV registrations surpassed 10 per cent for first time

The unveiling of the new Dodge Chargers to be produced in Windsor is an important step forward in the EV sector towards a cleaner and greener future. This positive news has the potential to contribute to the growing trend of Canada’s zero-emissions vehicles. For the first time, Canada’s ZEV has achieved a milestone in 2023, surpassing the 10 per cent threshold on an annual basis with more than one out of every 10 new cars and trucks registered, according to the latest Statistics Canada data. READ MORE   
 
With a rise in ZEV vehicles, Electric Vehicle Availability Standard in Canada will require ZEV vehicles to consist of 20 per cent of an automaker’s new car sales in 2026, before increasing that number to at least 60 per cent by 2030 according to Environment and Climate Change Canada

Ontario to invest millions on Highway 3 widening and Banwell Road interchange

Premier Doug Ford in Kingsville, March 11, 2024. (Photo by Maureen Revait)

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie, Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and MTO Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria joined Ford for a special announcement.  

As the region’s economy expands, Premier Doug Ford made an infrastructure announcement for Windsor-Essex, which comes at an important time when growth is imminent. The final phase to widen the 15.6 kilometres of Highway 3 will commence construction from two to four lanes between Essex and Leamington. The province also announced $50 million to build a new interchange at E.C. Row Expressway and Banwell Road in Windsor.  

The province of Ontario is investing to help build the infrastructure needed to tackle gridlock and support the region’s growing economy. Both projects will improve commute times, better connect our communities and aid with job creation. The new interchange will provide better access to the NextStar Energy electric vehicle battery plant, Windsor-Essex’s new hospital and to the region’s highways. READ MORE

Record-breaking Gordie-Howe Bridge to soon link two nations

The new Gordie Howe International Bridge will soon link not only Ontario and Michigan over the Detroit River but two countries. The gap between is narrowing with an anticipated completion of the bridge deck for the summer of 2024, while the bridge’s opening date is slated for fall 2025. Watch Video 

This past month, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and Trans Canada Trail proudly announced the Gordie Howe International Bridge will join the Trans Canada Trail and become the first international bridge border crossing within the 28,000 km trail network. This milestone will provide an opportunity for trail users to cross the bridge, make use of a multi-use path for recreation and active transportation, while acting as a catalyst for tourism and economic development to the region. READ MORE

EV Charging Expo 2024 comes to Toronto

Transitioning to zero-emissions vehicles may be one of the biggest challenges that organizations will face in the coming years. Electric Autonomy’s EV & Charging Expo held on May 1-2 in Toronto, is the place to learn about and experience everything EV-related, from installing charging infrastructure to fleet electrification, all under one roof. Take advantage of this premier B2B event to meet and network with experts, vendors and industry peers. Here’s your opportunity to test drive commercial EVs and discover innovative charging solutions. Meet best-in-class suppliers to enable your organization’s EV transition and experience the latest in electric vehicle infrastructure. REGISTER TO ATTEND OR EXHIBIT