GM Canada will hire an additional 100 software and control engineers to focus on connected cars and green technology. Source: CitynewsGM Canada is expanding its engineering center in Oshawa, Ont. The company says it will hire an additional 100 software and controls engineers for its Canadian Engineering Center, which will have focus on the “connected car" and green technologies.

“We are making this investment because we see an opportunity to take advantage of a wealth of talent in mobile technologies, software and advanced automotive engineering available in Canada's leading universities and other partner organizations," says Steve Carlisle, GM Canada president and managing director.

GM will expand its staff at the center to 300 people, and its still continuing research partnerships with Canadian suppliers and universities.

GM hopes the center will be the new innovation hub for the “connected car," technology that includes wireless systems that will help drivers navigate, avoid traffic jams, better gas mileage and provide new entertainment options. GM Canada also will conduct research into alternative fuels, lightweight and advanced materials to improve fuel economy.

Currently, GM Canada spends about $190 million annually on research between its Oshawa engineering center, its cold-weather testing facility in Kapuskasing, Ont., and its collaborations with suppliers and universities.