TORONTO, Feb. 15, 2019­ /CNW/ - From February 15-24 2019, the Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN), administered by Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), is partnering with the 2019 Canadian International AutoShow to bring content to AutoShow Live, presented at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in the Toronto Star booth.

AutoShow Live is a talk-show format interview series taking place on the show floor, and features Norris McDonald, award-winning journalist and former editor of Toronto Star Wheels, in conversation with current and future leaders of the automotive sector. AVIN worked with the AutoShow Live team and the Toronto Star to bring in experts to discuss what's next in Ontario and around the globe related to automotive and transportation technology.

"Technology is blurring the line between a car company and a tech company. Ontario is home to over 200 companies developing connected and autonomous vehicle technologies – this places us at a major advantage when it comes to designing and building the next generation of vehicles," said Todd Smith, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. "By cutting red tape, reducing business costs and setting out a 10-year plan for the auto sector, our government is sending the message that Ontario is open for business."

"By cutting red tape with the recent changes we made to Ontario's Automated Vehicle pilot, we opened the door to opportunities for both local business interests and international sector investments, unlocked potential economic benefits and positioned Ontario to be a leader in connected and automated vehicle technology," said Jeff Yurek, Minister of Transportation who will be onstage for AutoShow Live on Thursday, February 21 at 4pm.

Raed Kadri is the Director of Automotive Technology and Mobility Innovation at OCE and also heads AVIN. He will be featured in conversation with McDonald on Wednesday February 20 at 4pm, discussing Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, including new business models, the future of safety features and more.

"The Canadian International AutoShow is a great fit for AVIN, and our participation in AutoShow Live is the perfect way to spread the word on Ontario's unique position to lead in automotive and transportation technologies such as connected and autonomous vehicles," said Raed Kadri. "The expertise and talent we have in our small- and medium- sized enterprises, colleges and universities is one of our strengths and AVIN is proud to act as a connector to drive and support the technologies and solutions of tomorrow."

AVIN capitalizes on the economic potential of connected and autonomous vehicles and helps the province's transportation systems and infrastructure adapt to new technologies. AVIN is delivered by OCE on behalf of the Government of Ontario. AVIN works to build upon Ontario's position as a globally-leading automotive manufacturing and supply jurisdiction and the large cluster of information and communication technology (ICT) companies operating in the province, allowing Ontario to reinforce its position as a North American leader in automotive technologies, as well as transportation systems and supporting infrastructure.

"The Ontario government's recent action in updating AV regulations, working to reduce the burden of red tape, and their Driving Prosperity plan to foster competitiveness, innovation and talent is great news for companies with projects supported by OCE through our automotive technology programs like AVIN," said Tom Corr, President and CEO of OCE. "OCE looks forward to participating in AutoShow Live and seeing some great conversations on the future of our thriving automotive and mobility technology sectors."

Other guests at AutoShow Live include:

• Sunday, February 17, 12pm – Flavio Volpe, President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association (APMA)
• Monday, February 18, 7pm – Stuart Sherman, CEO, IMC BA and Karim Ali, CEO, Invision AI
• Tuesday, February 19, 12pm – Martin Mazza, Vice-President, External Affairs at The Woodbridge Group
• Wednesday, February 20, 7pm – Grant Courville, Vice-President, Products and Strategy, BlackBerry QNX
• Friday, February 22, 7pm – Remi Desa, CEO, Pantonium

For more information on AVIN, please visit: www.avinhub.ca

About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc.
OCE drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research across key market sectors to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario's global competitiveness with a focus on job creation and economic development. In doing this, OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario's industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, investors and governments. A champion of leading-edge technologies, best practices and research, OCE invests in sectors such as advanced health, digital media and information communications, advanced manufacturing and materials, and cleantech including energy, environment and water. OCE is a member of the province's Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE). Funded by the Government of Ontario, the ONE is made up of regional and sector-focused organizations and helps Ontario-based entrepreneurs rapidly grow their company and create jobs. 

SOURCE Ontario Centres of Excellence Inc.

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