Canada’s automotive industry is dominated by a blend of domestic production and international brands that have become household names, like Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Stellantis, and Honda. However, this article will focus exclusively on homegrown Canadian brands.
In 2023, Canada produced 1.54 million light vehicles, a 25.7% increase from 2022. About 85% of vehicles manufactured in Canada are exported, with the United States being the primary destination. [1]
Below, I highlight the top Canadian automotive brands, emphasizing their distinctive strengths and industry contributions. From luxury supercars to groundbreaking electric vehicles and innovative minibusses, these companies set the benchmark for excellence in Canadian automotive engineering.
Did you know?The car and automobile manufacturing industry in Canada employs approximately 12,436 individuals across 94 businesses. [2]
Table of Contents
14. GreenPower
Founded in 2010Headquarters: Vancouver, British Columbia
Popular Models: EV Star, Nano BEAST
Competitive Edge: In-house electric powertrains
GreenPower designs and manufactures battery-electric buses, trucks, and specialty vehicles for the public transit, school bus, and commercial fleet markets. It develops its own EV platforms, ensuring full control over powertrain technology and battery integration.
The EV Star minibus has gained widespread adoption among North American transit agencies due to its impressive range of up to 240 km, low operating costs, and zero-emission design. Another standout model is the BEAST (Battery Electric Automotive School Transportation), a 40-foot, purpose-built electric school bus offering a range of up to 200 km, providing a sustainable solution for student transportation.
GreenPower sells directly to public transit agencies, fleet operators, and school districts, often securing government-backed contracts. Production facilities in Canada and the US allow the company to scale manufacturing efficiently and qualify for regional incentives.
To date, the company has manufactured nearly 900 vehicles, generating over $90 million in revenue from 614 vehicles delivered between 2022 and 2024. [3]
13. Terradyne Armored Vehicles (TAV)
Founded in 2011Headquarters: Newmarket, Ontario
Popular Models: Gurkha MPV, Gurkha CIV
Competitive Edge: Superior ballistic protection
Terradyne has earned a global reputation for engineering some of the toughest armored vehicles available, serving police forces, private security firms, and military units worldwide. It is best known for the Gurkha series, a line of tactical armored vehicles built on the Ford Super Duty chassis.
Gurkha vehicles are developed for hostile environments, including war zones, riot control, and high-threat law enforcement operations. Each model undergoes rigorous ballistic testing to meet the demands of military, SWAT, and high-security operations. Each vehicle is equipped with hardened steel, bulletproof glass, and advanced composite materials for 360-degree ballistic protection.
The company is gradually increasing sales to international defense agencies, including contracts in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. In 2024, Terradyne completed the production of evacuation ambulances, expanding its product offerings to include specialized rescue and evacuation vehicles. [4]
12. Campagna
T-REX RR
Headquarters: Boucherville Quebec
Popular Models: T-REX, V13R
Competitive Edge: Exclusive, high-performance three-wheel design
Campagna has carved a niche in the luxury, performance, and exotic vehicle market. It produces high-performance three-wheeled vehicles that blend the agility of a motorcycle with the stability and comfort of a car.
Their vehicles are handcrafted with high-quality materials, contributing to their premium price range of $60,000 – $85,000. Buyers can customize their vehicles, including paint, interior materials, engine tuning, and performance add-ons.
Campagna’s flagship model, the T-REX RR, is a high-performance, three-wheeled vehicle designed for adrenaline-fueled driving. Powered by a 1,441 cc Kawasaki inline-four engine producing 208 horsepower, it delivers razor-sharp handling, blistering acceleration, and an open-air cockpit for an exhilarating experience reminiscent of a race car. [5]
Looking ahead, Campagna Motors plans to expand its market presence and explore new technological advancements to further enhance the performance and safety of its vehicles.
11. Conquest
Founded in 2008Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario
Popular Model: Knight XV
Competitive Edge: Military-grade protection with luxury craftsmanship
Conquest Vehicles operates in a highly exclusive niche market, catering to government officials, business executives, and high-net-worth individuals seeking maximum security without sacrificing luxury. Unlike many armored vehicle manufacturers that modify existing models, Conquest designs its vehicles from the ground up, ensuring the highest level of security, performance, and exclusivity.
The company is best known for its flagship model, the Knight XV, a military-inspired luxury SUV that combines advanced ballistic protection with a premium interior. Designed for maximum security, it features run-flat tire systems, blast-resistant floors, and night vision technology.
The Knight XV is built to withstand assault rifle fire, explosives, and other high-threat scenarios. Additional security features include a built-in oxygen survival kit, an under-vehicle magnetic attachment detection system, and a black box system. Priced at $800,000, fully customized units can exceed $1 million. [6]
Conquest Vehicles aims to expand its presence in emerging markets, particularly in China, where there is a growing appetite for unique luxury vehicles.
10. Edison Motors
Founded in 2021Headquarters: Merritt, British Columbia
Prototypes: Carl, Topsy
Competitive Edge: Practicality over full electrification
Edison Motors is reinventing the heavy trucking industry by developing rugged, powerful, and sustainable electric trucks designed for industrial, forestry, and long-haul applications.
The company’s approach is unique because it is not entirely eliminating diesel engines but rather integrating series-hybrid technology. This means that its trucks feature a diesel generator that charges the batteries, allowing for extended range, lower emissions, and improved efficiency.
The vision is to build a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel-powered trucks while maintaining the power, durability, and range needed for industrial operations. Unlike Tesla, Ford, or Rivian, Edison focuses on industries like logging, mining, construction, and freight transport, where long-range, high torque, and durability are important.
While still in the early stages, Edison Motors has gained significant traction among fleet operators. In 2024, it commenced production with orders for different truck types, including tandem highway snow plows, tri-drive logging trucks, and tri-drive oil field winch tractors. [7]
9. Timmis
Founded in 1970Headquarters: Victoria, British Columbia
Popular Model: Timmis-Ford V8 Roadster
Competitive Edge: Exclusivity and handcrafted craftsmanship
Founded by Bill Timmis in 1970, Timmis Motor Company revived pre-war and early American automotive designs, blending modern engineering with classic aesthetics. Its most popular car, the Timmis-Ford V8 Roadster, is an authentic, handcrafted recreation of a 1928 Ford Model A, but with improved performance, better materials, and more refined engineering.
Unlike other niche manufacturers, Timmis focuses on low-production, high-quality replicas of historic automobiles. It provides full restorations of vintage vehicles, particularly pre-war Ford and other classic North American cars. For instance, the Timmis-Ford V8 Roadster is built from the ground up with authentic 1928-style body panels but features a more powerful 60-horsepower Ford Flathead V8 engine.
Beyond manufacturing, the company also operates as a boutique dealership, offering a selection of collector, import, luxury, sport, domestic, SUV, and truck vehicles. Their services include comprehensive vehicle evaluation and maintenance, as well as facilitating both local and international vehicle deliveries.
8. Roshel
Senator APC
Headquarters: Mississauga, Ontario
Popular Model: Senator Armored Personnel Carrier
Competitive Edge: Advanced, cost-effective armored vehicles
Roshel develops high-tech armored vehicles, specializing in military-grade security, law enforcement, and commercial defense solutions. Founded in 2016, it has quickly become one of the most advanced armored vehicle manufacturers in North America.
Roshel’s flagship Senator APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) is built on a Ford F-550 chassis. It offers advanced ballistic protection and can transport up to 12 personnel. It is widely used by security forces, corporate clients, and international governments, including the Ukrainian military during the Russia-Ukraine war. By the end of 2023, the company had delivered over 1000 APCs to Ukraine. [8]
Roshel plans to continue its growth trajectory by expanding its product line and entering new markets. In 2025, the company opened a new manufacturing facility in Shelby Township, Michigan, to meet the growing demand from US military and law enforcement agencies. [9]
7. Canadian Electric Vehicles (canEV)
Founded in 1995Headquarters: Errington, British Columbia
Popular Models: Might-E Truck, Might-E Tug
Competitive Edge: B2B & municipal partnerships
canEV focuses on electrifying industrial, municipal, and commercial fleets, providing an alternative to traditional gas-powered utility vehicles. While large automakers concentrate on passenger EVs, canEV has carved out a niche in specialized work vehicles, such as the Might-E Truck and Might-E Tug.
Might-E Truck is a fully electric, mid-sized utility vehicle, while Might-E Tug is an electric towing unit capable of moving loads up to 7,000 pounds. These vehicles are used in factories, airports, municipalities, and commercial sites where short-range, heavy-duty transport is needed.
The company also offers custom EV conversion kits, allowing businesses and individuals to transition their existing gasoline vehicles into electric-powered machines, making sustainable transportation more accessible.
canEV primarily sells to businesses and government institutions, enabling it to secure long-term contracts and stable demand. As Canadian cities strive for net-zero fleet emissions, canEV is actively pursuing additional municipal contracts to expand its impact.
6. Magnum Cars
Founded in 1968Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec
Popular Model: Magnum MK5
Competitive Edge: Deep-rooted motorsport heritage
Magnum Cars is a Canadian specialty automotive company known for producing high-performance, lightweight sports cars. It focuses on precision engineering, aerodynamics, and motorsport-inspired performance.
The company is best known for the Magnum MK5, a high-performance roadster that blends Formula 1 technology with road-legal usability. Powered by a mid-mounted 250 hp engine, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 240 km/h.
Magnum maintains exclusivity by producing only around 20 units per year, ensuring each car is unique and highly coveted. Every vehicle is custom-built to suit the buyer’s preferences, offering personalized setups for both track and road use. As a producer of track-forced supercars, Magnum competes with global performance brands like Ariel, BAC, KTM, and Radical. [10]
5. Lion Electric Company
Headquarters: Saint-Jérôme, Quebec
Popular Models: LionC, Lion8
Competitive Edge: In-house battery production
Lion Electric Company manufactures all-electric buses and trucks. Its electric school buses (LionC, LionA, LionD) are designed to replace traditional diesel-powered school buses, while Lion6 and Lion8 electric trucks are positioned to compete in medium- and heavy-duty transportation.
The company focuses entirely on electric mobility, manufacturing batteries, drivetrains, and full vehicle platforms in-house. In fact, it is one of the largest suppliers of electric school buses in North America, with a growing footprint in the electric commercial truck industry. It benefits from government subsidies, as many Canadian and U.S. provinces/states provide funding for school districts to adopt electric buses.
In FY 2024, Lion Electric Company reported approximately $170 million in revenue, with over 2,200 vehicles on the road covering more than 32 million miles. [11]
The company continues to expand its manufacturing capabilities, including the launch of a new battery production facility, positioning itself as a fully integrated electric vehicle manufacturer. Plus, Lion Electric is exploring ways to leverage its battery manufacturing expertise to develop new revenue streams and enhance its market position in the EV industry.
4. Girardin Minibus
Founded in 1935Headquarters: Drummondville, Quebec
Popular Models: Micro Bird G5, MB-II
Competitive Edge: Strong reputation & brand recognition
Girardin is one of Canada’s leading manufacturers of small and mid-sized buses that creates and distributes school buses, commercial transport, and EV solutions. With a robust dealer and distribution network spanning Canada and the United States, the company ensures its buses are widely accessible and well-supported with reliable maintenance services.
Girardin has been a key player in Canada’s shift toward electric buses, introducing fully electric school buses to help reduce carbon emissions in public transportation. The company partners with Lion Electric and other EV technology providers to ensure long-range battery capabilities and low operating costs.
Their buses can be adapted to various client needs, including specialized school buses, wheelchair-accessible models, and fully electric variants for zero-emission operations. In recent years, Girardin has intensified its efforts toward electrification. It anticipates that electric models will constitute 20% to 25% of its sales by 2027. [12]
3. Nova Bus
Founded in 1993Headquarters: Saint-Eustache, Quebec
Popular Models: LFSe+, LFS Artic
Competitive Edge: Strong backing from Volvo Group
Nova Bus manufactures heavy-duty transit buses, specializing in sustainable and eco-friendly public transportation solutions. Since its a subsidiary of Volvo Group, it benefits from Volvo’s extensive expertise in electric, hybrid, and diesel bus technology.
The Low Floor Series (LFS) is Nova Bus’s flagship model. Over the years, the LFS platform has evolved to include various propulsion options, including clean diesel, CNG, hybrid-electric, and fully electric buses.
The company supplies buses to major municipal transit agencies, government transportation departments, and private shuttle operators across Canada. In 2023, it decided to exit the US market to concentrate on its strong position in Canada. In response to the growing demand for zero-emission fleets, the company has ramped up production of the LFSe+, its battery-electric bus. [13]
2. New Flyer
Founded in 1930Headquarters: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Popular Models: Xcelsior Charge, Xcelsior AV
Competitive Edge: Leader in zero-emission public transport
New Flyer produces heavy-duty transit buses for public transportation systems across Canada and the US. It’s a subsidiary of NFI Group, one of the largest global bus manufacturers, with a strong presence in battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and hybrid bus technology.
The company operates as a business-to-government (B2G) and business-to-business (B2B) transit bus manufacturer supplying municipal, state, and federal transit agencies across North America.
In 2025, it secured a contract with New York’s Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) to supply 265 zero-emission buses, supporting MTA’s goal to transition its 5,800-bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2040. It was also awarded a contract by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to deliver up to 500 low- and zero-emission Xcelsior® buses, including 75 hybrid-electric and 25 battery-electric units, with options for an additional 400 buses. [14][15]
New Flyer is targeting more US state and federal transit contracts to grow its American business. It is developing advanced data analytics for fleet management and exploring AI-based predictive maintenance and real-time tracking systems. By 2030, the company aims to make all its transit buses either battery-electric or hydrogen-powered.
1. Prevost
Headquarters: Sainte-Claire, Quebec
Popular Models: Prevost H3-45, X3-45
Competitive Edge: Exclusive motorhome & RV market
Prevost is Canada’s leading manufacturer of luxury motorcoaches, intercity buses, and high-end motorhome platforms. Acquired by Volvo Bus Corporation in 1995, the company became part of the global Volvo Group while preserving its distinct brand identity.
Prevost produces some of the most sought-after vehicles for VIP travel, entertainer coaches, and long-distance passenger transport. The H3-45 and X3-45 models, for example, dominate the tourism, charter, and commuter transport industries. These buses are used by high-end travel companies, private fleet operators, and city transit agencies.
Notably, Greyhound Lines, the largest intercity bus service in North America, operates a fleet that includes Prevost X3-45 coaches. Prevost has supplied vehicles for high-profile clients; for instance, the US Secret Service utilizes heavily modified Prevost X3-45 coaches, known as “Ground Force One,” for presidential transport.
In 2023, Prevost secured its largest-ever contract with New York State’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to manufacture 381 coaches. The deal includes the delivery of 250 coaches between 2025 and 2026, with an option for an additional 131 units. [16]
The company is also collaborating with Volvo to improve battery range and charging efficiency. As part of its electrification strategy, Prevost plans to launch fully electric motorcoaches by 2027.
Read More
- 13 Flying Car Companies At The Forefront
- 15 Coolest And Latest Military Gadgets
- 14 Top American Car Brands
- Andrew Foran, Canadian automotive outlook, TD Economics
- Manufacturing, Car & automobile manufacturing in Canada industry analysis, IBIS World
- News, GreenPower’s exclusive live investor webinar, Stock Titan
- News, Ukraine receives last Canadian-made Terradyne Gurkha mine protected vehicles, Army Recognition
- T-REX RR, A 3-wheeled street legal breed, Campagna Motors
- Knight XV, Only 100 of the vehicles will initially be available, Uncrate
- Edison Motors, Worlds First Diesel Electric SnowPlow, YouTube
- Dylan Malyasov, Roshel delivers 1,000th Senator armored vehicle to Ukraine, Defence Blog
- Kurt Nagl, Fast-growing armored-vehicle maker opens Shelby Township plant, Crain Communications
- Peter Cheney, Quebec company to build street legal race cars, The Globe and Mail
- News, Lion Electric announces Q4 2024 results, Lion Electric
- Tyler Choi, Girardin’s decades-long road to build electric buses, Sustainable Business News
- News, Nova Bus ends bus production in the US, Volvo Group
- Press Releases, New York’s MTA orders 265 battery-electric buses from New Flyer, New Flyer
- Press Releases, New Flyer awarded Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority contract, New Flyer
- Orders & deliveries, Historic contract for Prevost, Volvo Buses
