CAMBRIDGE, Ont. – The City of Cambridge played host to a key gathering of automotive and municipal leaders this week, as Mayor Jan Liggett welcomed more than 100 delegates to the 2025 Ontario Auto Mayors Roundtable, held at Tapestry Hall on Friday, November 7. The event brought together policymakers, industry executives, and government representatives to discuss the future of Ontario’s rapidly evolving automotive sector.
The annual forum, known as Auto Mayors, serves as a collaborative platform for municipal leaders to jointly advocate for the growth and sustainability of Ontario’s auto industry—a sector that contributes billions to the provincial economy and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs. This year’s discussions focused heavily on innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital transformation as key drivers shaping the next phase of automotive manufacturing and supply chain development.
Cambridge at the Heart of Ontario’s Automotive Network
“Cambridge is proud to be at the forefront of Ontario’s automotive and manufacturing sectors,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “Bringing together mayors, industry leaders, and partners allows us to speak with a united voice on the future of the auto industry. These conversations will help shape the policies, partnerships, innovation, and investments needed to ensure Ontario remains a global leader in automotive innovation and production.”
Cambridge’s role as host city underscores its importance within Canada’s manufacturing landscape. The city is home to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC), one of the largest automotive manufacturing facilities in the country and a cornerstone of Ontario’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. The region’s long-standing industrial expertise and skilled workforce have positioned it as a strategic hub for the development of new technologies and sustainable mobility solutions.
This year’s roundtable drew more than 115 leaders, including mayors from across Ontario, senior municipal officials, and executives from leading automotive companies. Attendees also included keynote speakers representing federal and provincial governments, as well as local business leaders involved in supply chain innovation, workforce training, and clean technology.
A Focus on Innovation and Competitiveness
Key themes emerging from the 2025 Auto Mayors discussions included strengthening supply chain resilience, investing in workforce development for emerging technologies, and advancing digital and AI-driven manufacturing. Participants emphasized the need for continued collaboration among municipalities, industry, and government to maintain Ontario’s global competitiveness in the face of rapid change and international market pressures.
As electric vehicles (EVs), automation, and data-driven production redefine the global auto landscape, Ontario’s leaders are focused on ensuring that the province remains a magnet for investment and talent. The roundtable highlighted opportunities to leverage local expertise in AI, robotics, and materials science to enhance production efficiency and sustainability.
“The Auto Mayors Caucus keeps growing in size, focus and impact,” said Rob Burton, Mayor of Oakville and Chair of the Auto Mayors Caucus. “Thank you to the City of Cambridge for hosting us and bringing mayors, industry and government together to protect and grow auto jobs and investment in Ontario.”
Strengthening Municipal Advocacy and Collaboration
Established as a nonpartisan initiative, Auto Mayors provides a unified municipal voice on automotive and manufacturing issues. The group plays a vital role in advocating with both federal and provincial governments to ensure that policies and funding programs align with the sector’s needs.
This year’s roundtable reinforced the importance of municipal leadership in shaping Ontario’s economic future. Local governments are increasingly viewed as critical partners in developing the infrastructure, workforce, and investment frameworks that support next-generation manufacturing.
For Cambridge, hosting the event aligns with the city’s ongoing economic development priorities—particularly its focus on attracting advanced manufacturing investment and promoting innovation-driven growth. Mayor Liggett noted that forums like Auto Mayors are essential for ensuring that municipalities remain engaged and influential in the policy discussions that affect their local economies.
“The automotive industry is not just a pillar of our economy—it’s a source of innovation, opportunity, and community prosperity,” she said. “Collaboration at every level of government and industry is how we will ensure Ontario continues to lead in automotive excellence.”
A Platform for the Future
Ontario’s auto sector, anchored by global manufacturers and a strong network of suppliers, continues to evolve amid the transition to electric and connected vehicles. The Auto Mayors Roundtable provided a timely forum for addressing the challenges and opportunities arising from this transformation.
In addition to the focus on advanced technologies, discussions at the event also touched on strategies to attract investment, diversify the talent pipeline, and expand the province’s capacity for research and development in sustainable mobility.
As the automotive industry navigates this period of unprecedented change, the Ontario Auto Mayors Caucus has emerged as a key voice in shaping the province’s economic direction—ensuring that cities like Cambridge remain at the centre of innovation and job creation.
For more information about the Auto Mayors initiative and future events, visit automayors.ca.
