GM Canada Donates New Vehicles To Niagara College

General Motors Canada donated three vehicles to Niagara College’s Motive Power Lab.

The vehicles, a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, a 2018 Chevrolet Suburban and a 2018 Cadillac XTS, were donated to Niagara College to increase the hands-on learning opportunities offered to students. The three vehicles are equipped with the most current automotive technologies in consumer cars, and will allow students to gain real-world experience diagnosing, fixing, and replacing these technologies.

In addition, General Motors donated $50,000 to support the purchase of instructional equipment in the College’s recently opened Green Automotive Technology Lab. The 3,600-sq.-ft. lab features electric vehicle charging stations, hybrid and electric motor diagnostic and simulation tools, and alternative fuels technology. The Green Automotive Technology Lab will also be a hub for research activities into the future of automotive technology, working in concert with the College’s Research and Innovation division.

“General Motors Canada is proud to support Niagara College with this gift,” said Carolyne Watts, plant manager at General Motors Canada’s St. Catharines Propulsion Plant. “The new Green Automotive Technology Lab and its innovative curriculum will no doubt further Niagara College’s leadership in automotive education and training, and help support the changing needs of an evolving auto industry.”

General Motors Canada has long been a strong supporter of Niagara College’s Motive Power programs. The company works closely with Niagara College’s school of trades to provide guidance and input on program and curriculum development.

“Niagara College is incredibly thankful to GM Canada for this generous gift, and for their ongoing support of our School of Trades,” said Niagara College president Dan Patterson. “We pride ourselves on offering students a unique formula of hands-on, experiential training with the tools and technologies being used in industry, both now and in the future. This donation will allow our Motive Power students to train on the latest and greatest technologies in the automotive industry. As graduates, they’ll be well-prepared to enter this constantly evolving market.”