A Winnipeg auto-industry analyst says now that the federal government has helped bailout Canada's "Big 3" automakers, Canadian consumers could also see some money coming their way.
Dr. Barry Prentice from the University of Manitoba says the more than $4 billion in loans to the industry will come with certain stipulations, including using green technology like electric or hybrid-electric vehicles.
"By-and-large these cars, because of the battery technology, are more expensive. So there is a bit of a conflict in trying to get people to buy those kinds of cars without an incentive," he told CTV News Sunday. "So my prediction is we'll see government coming along and offering incentives [to consumers] to buy those cars, which is really the next change that has to come about."
He also says Manitoba's bus manufacturers are doing well despite a drop in demand for other kinds of vehicles.
Prentice believes the North American auto-industry was not prepared for the dramatic economic downturn, and will have to rapidly adapt to changes in consumers means and expectations.
