Canadian Auto Scene: EVs, Dealership Deals, Rare-Earth Supply

David Kennedy leads Automotive News Canada’s Toronto bureau, tracking automakers, electrification, labour relations, battery and parts supply chains, and dealership M&A.
Recent coverage highlights Canada’s shifting vehicle market and industrial networks: One Auto agreed to a roughly $1 billion partial takeover by Australia’s Eagers Automotive, reshaping dealership ownership; hybrid sales have recently overtaken battery-electric vehicles as buyers favor a more practical alternative; and Quebec has reversed a planned 2035 gasoline-vehicle ban amid a review of ZEV mandates.
On supply chains, Neo Performance Materials signed a preliminary supply deal with Bosch as its European rare-earth magnet plant nears commercial production — a significant development for EV motor and generator sourcing and for securing critical materials.
Logistics and autonomy are advancing too: Gatik and Loblaw plan to expand a Toronto-area autonomous truck fleet to 50 units, with about 20 expected on the road this year.
Policy shifts, tariff pressures and OEM production decisions are putting Canadian plant operations and jobs under scrutiny. The industry also marked the passing of long-time dealer Vip Palladino, and recognized leaders named among the 2025 All-Stars.