Why Students at Automotive Schools in Canada Are Talking About ‘Project Arrow’
When Justin Trudeau announced that the Canadian government was committing to achieving zero emissions by 2050, many industries across the country pledged their support. The Canadian automotive industry, in particular, responded to the declaration in the form of ‘Project Arrow’: a zero-emissions, Canadian-made vehicle.
Aimed to be completed by 2022, ‘Project Arrow’ is innovative both in its environmental awareness as well as its manufacturing and production. It will be the first vehicle built using only Canadian parts, materials, engineering, and design. As such, the purpose of Project Arrow is to highlight both the expertise of the Canadian automotive industry and to show off its commitment to sustainability.
Care to learn more about this exciting endeavor? Read on to find out all about Project Arrow!
The Who, What, and Why of Project Arrow
With an ambiguous name like ‘Project Arrow,’ you may be wondering what this mystery vehicle is all about.
If you’re interested in automotive technology of all sorts, you may have heard of the Arvo Arrow jet plane, which was developed by Canadians in the 1950s. Project Arrow pays homage to this Canadian-made aircraft and hopes to capture the capabilities of Canadian technology, just as the Arvo Arrow did.
From start to finish, Project Arrow is a Canadian-made vehicle that will showcase “the best of the best of Canada’s electric-drive, alternative-fuel, connected and autonomous, lightweight technology,” according to the Automotive Parts Manufacturer’s Association (APMA), which is spearheading the project.
How Will Project Arrow Influence Automotive Schools in Canada?
Ever since Project Arrow was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2019, those in the Canadian automotive industry have been anxiously awaiting the details.
Interestingly for those in automotive schools in Canada, the first step of Project Arrow is a design contest whereby students at Canadian universities and colleges submit their vehicle ideas. This phase of the project will kick off in Summer 2020, so be sure to mark it on your calendar if you’re interested!
In Fall 2020, suppliers will then bid on the project, and a virtual concept vehicle will be released the following year. Finally, in 2022, the completed concept vehicle will be released and begin its national tour. What, exactly, this will tour look like, we don’t yet know – but it’s expected that APMA will release further details as the deadline draws near.
The Impact of Project Arrow on Careers in the Auto Industry
Those in careers in the auto industry will be excited to know that Project Arrow is expected to have a significant impact on the Canadian economy. By showcasing the advancements within the country’s automotive sector, APMA hopes that international investors will recognize the power and prestige of the industry.
In addition, APMA plans to obtain advice and materials from Canadian auto tech startups as well as traditional suppliers. This would provide a boost to local manufacturers, big and small.
Although this vehicle isn’t intended for consumer use, it’s nonetheless exciting for those in the Canadian automotive industry, and could have a lasting impact on our economy, the environment, and Canadian innovation.
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