Canadian Motor Syndicate; Canadian Motors (Canada) - AllCarIndex

The Canadian Motor Syndicate was established in Toronto, Ontario, in 1897 and operated until 1899. This company was formed by a group of investors to produce vehicles designed by British-born inventor William J. Still, who had begun experimenting with electric vehicles in 1891. His first significant creation was an electric car built in 1893 for a Toronto patent lawyer, Frederick Featherstonhaugh, marking the first electric vehicle in Canada.

In 1897, the Canadian Motor Syndicate produced several models, including a three-wheeled electric delivery tricycle and a three-wheeled car with a wicker seat. The latter was essentially a modified version of the tricycle, featuring a single rear wheel. The company also developed a petrol-powered vehicle known as the dot-a-dot, which utilized a single lever for both acceleration and steering. However, William J. Still soon left the Syndicate to establish the Still Motor Company, which focused exclusively on electric vehicles. The Still Motor Company produced various models, including an improved version of the delivery tricycle, a four-seater dog-cart, and a large delivery van.

By early 1900, the Still Motor Company faced financial difficulties and was subsequently acquired by a British-financed group that formed Canadian Motors Ltd. This new entity continued to produce vehicles based on Still's designs, although it appears that only a limited number of each model were manufactured. Canadian Motors Ltd. introduced additional designs, including a four-seater victoria and a Tally-Ho charabanc for 15 passengers. Despite these efforts, the company struggled with sales in Canada and ultimately ceased operations in 1902. The following year, a new company, Canada Cycle & Motor Co., emerged, aiming to produce a new electric car named the Ivanhoe.