The Auto Parts Manufacturers Association (APMA) Big Gamble takes place in Las Vegas this week.
Project Arrow, the high-tech concept vehicle built with content from 50 parts suppliers across Canada, was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show, known as CES, on Thursday.
“It turned out exactly the way we wanted it, and we think we’re done with the outer edge, with the technology, the way it works and how all those systems work together, it’s going according to plan — on budget and on time,” Flavio said. Volpe, President of APMA.
There are currently no plans for mass production of the car. The Arrow was created to demonstrate the Canadian automotive industry’s ability to produce electric vehicles.
Being a part of this national and global event really helps companies like mine and many other vendors get our stuff out in front of the public.- Pat Troy, Ettractive Inc. in Oldcastle, Ontario.
Pat Troy, CTO of hardware and software company Ettractive Inc. in Oldcastle, Ont., is one of several Windsor-Essex companies that supply parts for the Arrow.
“Being a part of this national and global event really helps companies like mine and many other vendors get our stuff out in front of the public,” Troy said.
About a third of the 50 suppliers are located or have a presence in the Windsor area.
Troy, who is in Las Vegas for the launch, said exposure like this helps grow his company.
The Arrow is a Level 3 fully electric and autonomous vehicle, meaning it has the same autonomous capabilities currently available in other cars.
The Arrow has been produced over the past three years with an investment of $5 million through FedDev Ontario and $1.8 million through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN).
Both Volpe and Troy said Canada needs to start making more semiconductors so manufacturers don’t rely on overseas manufacturers. Some Arrow components had to be sourced from Asia.
Ninety-seven percent of Arrow’s content is Canadian.
The car will be on display in Las Vegas at the four-day CES trade show, which began on Thursday. It will then be unveiled at the 2023 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto next month.
Volpe said Arrow will be brought to Windsor sometime in the near future.
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