The automotive industry is undergoing a massive transformation. From electrification to advanced in-vehicle technologies, companies are rethinking everything from chassis design to the advanced materials used to enhance safety. But while innovation accelerates, one critical question remains: are you fully capturing the financial incentives available to fuel this innovation?
That’s where the SR&ED (Scientific Research & Experimental Development) tax credit comes in and where Ayming can make a real difference.
R&D Trends Shaping Automotive Innovation
Electrification is the name of the game. Almost every automotive company is reimagining the structural components of their vehicles to accommodate batteries and electric drivetrains. At the same time, vehicles are packed with new technologies, touchscreens, HUDs, advanced comfort features, that place additional demands on materials and design.
This drives R&D in several critical areas:
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Mass reduction in vehicle substructures to compensate for heavy batteries.
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Development of new alloys and materials that are lightweight but meet structural requirements.
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Redesign of existing components to enhance safety and accommodate new technologies.
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Automation in manufacturing to support efficient mass production.
Why SR&ED Matters in Automotive R&D
Many companies miss out on eligible SR&ED opportunities, especially for process improvements and IT-related projects. Smaller operations often struggle to maintain proper documentation, while larger companies with established systems tend to navigate claims more smoothly.
Typical SR&ED-eligible work in the automotive sector includes:
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Automation in manufacturing
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Material and alloy development
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Electrification-related projects, such as chassis redesign, battery trays, or giga castings
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Structural redesigns to accommodate new technologies like screens, HUDs, and comfort features
Even unconventional areas like certain IT projects or plant process improvements can qualify, offering significant boosts to your claims.
Maximizing Your SR&ED Return
Working with a trusted SR&ED consultant like Ayming goes beyond simply filing a claim. Our experts provide year-round support to uncover eligible projects you might think are ineligible, engage with managers across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production, and ensure nothing is missed.
Strategies to maximize your SR&ED returns include:
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Tracking all R&D activities thoroughly throughout the fiscal year.
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Considering even smaller projects that may tie into larger initiatives.
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Pairing SR&ED with other funding programs to cover capital costs or plan for future projects.
Overlooking SR&ED means leaving money on the table. In today’s market, these incentives are essential to innovate in Canada and compete globally.
Ayming Expert, Shantanu Dalwadi
SR&ED Consultant
Fuel Your Automotive Innovation with Ayming
The SR&ED program continues to evolve, and companies that proactively document, track, and plan their R&D will be best positioned to take full advantage of future changes. Partnering with Ayming ensures your company is always ready, compliant, and maximizing your innovation potential.
Whether you’re redesigning a vehicle for electrification, developing cutting-edge materials, or automating your production line, SR&ED can significantly offset your R&D costs. With Ayming’s 35+ years of experience, we help automotive companies capture the full value of their innovation.
Contact Ayming today to see how we can help your R&D projects unlock maximum SR&ED funding and accelerate your growth.
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