TORONTO - U.S. officials and politicians are still assembling the rescue package for their auto industry.
But some analysts predict Ontario's auto sector could lose up to 20,000 jobs -- with an aid package from the federal and provincial governments factored in.
Carlos Gomes, with Scotiabank, says the main problem is slumping demand for new vehicles in the U.S., which a bailout package is not going to solve.
Gomes estimates the Ontario auto industry -- including assembly and parts plants -- will lose up to 15,000 jobs next year, on top of the 13,000 lost in 2008.
But Bill Pochiluk, with AutomotiveCompass, expects the fallout here to be less severe then predicted.
He says the new Toyota plant in Woodstock and a new Honda engine plant in Alliston will help offset some of the jobs losses at Detroit Three plants.
He predicts they auto parts companies that supply the Detroit Three could lose up to 10,000 jobs.
