Ford commits to R&D investment in Canada, as well as growing the company’s connectivity team and opening a new Research and Engineering Centre in Ottawa.

Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has announced an investment of $102.4 million in Ford Motor Company of Canada, while the Government of Ontario will contribute an additional $102.4 million.

The funds will go towards research and development spending, which is anticipated to “create and maintenance” jobs for Canadian workers.

The investment will help Ford prepare its Windsor Operations for an all-new global engine program, as well as strengthen the company’s research and development capacity at existing facilities.

It will also help establish a new Research and Engineering Centre in Ottawa, with additional locations in Waterloo and Oakville, which will focus on connectivity research and development across infotainment, in-vehicle modems, gateway modules, driver-assist features, and self-driving cars.

“This investment demonstrates how Ford is transforming to be both an auto and mobility company,” said Mark Buzzell, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada. “With strategic partnerships, Canada can compete and win in the global auto industry.”