Editing Bombardier Inc.

{{Short description|Canadian aerospace manufacturer}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=February 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}

{{Infobox company
| name = Bombardier Inc.
| logo = [[File:Bombardier 2024.svg|frameless|class=skin-invert]]
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{Unbulleted list
   | {{Toronto Stock Exchange|BBD.A|BBD.B}}
   | [[S&P/TSX 60]] component
   }}
| industry = [[Aerospace]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1942|07|10|df=y}} in [[Valcourt (city)|Valcourt]], Quebec, Canada
| founder = [[Joseph-Armand Bombardier]]
| location_city = [[Montreal]], Quebec
| location_country = Canada
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{Unbulleted list
   | Pierre Beaudoin ([[Chairperson|Chair]])
   | Eric Martel ([[President (corporate title)|President]] & [[Chief executive officer|CEO]])
   }}
| revenue = {{increase}}&nbsp;{{US$|8.046 billion}}
| revenue_year = 2023
| operating_income = {{increase}}&nbsp;{{US$|0.793 billion}}
| income_year = 2023
| net_income = {{increase}}&nbsp;{{US$|0.445 billion}}
| net_income_year = 2023
| assets = {{increase}}&nbsp;{{US$|12.324 billion}}
| assets_year = 2023
| equity = {{DecreasePositive}}&nbsp;{{US$|{{color|red|(4.095)}} billion}}
| equity_year = 2023
| num_employees = 18,100
| num_employees_year = 2023
| divisions = [[Bombardier Defense]]
| homepage = {{URL|bombardier.com}}
| footnotes = Financials {{as of|2023|12|31|lc=y}}.<br />References:<ref name="2023 Financial Report" />
}}

'''Bombardier Inc.''' ({{IPA|fr|bɔ̃baʁdje|label=}}) is a Canadian [[aerospace manufacturer]] that produces [[business jet]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bombardier {{!}} Aéronautique {{!}} Avions d'affaires {{!}} Contact |url=http://www2.bombardier.com/fr/3_0/3_2/3_2_8/3_2_8.jsp?id=1#federation=archive.wikiwix.com&tab=url |archive-url=https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=http://www2.bombardier.com/fr/3_0/3_2/3_2_8/3_2_8.jsp?id=1#federation=archive.wikiwix.com&tab=url |url-status=dead |archive-date=2007-06-15 |access-date=2023-03-29 |website=archive.wikiwix.com}}</ref> Headquartered in [[Montreal]], the company was founded in 1942 by [[Joseph-Armand Bombardier]] to market his [[snowmobile]]s, and it later became one of the world's biggest producers of aircraft and trains.<ref name="Farnsworth1991">{{Cite web |last=Farnsworth |first=Clyde H. |date=1991-12-28 |title=Company News; Bombardier Returns to Earth |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/12/28/business/company-news-bombardier-returns-to-earth.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=2023-05-31 |url-access=limited}}</ref>

During the 1970s and 1980s, the company diversified into [[rolling stock|public transport vehicles]] and [[airliner|commercial jets]], and it became a [[multinational corporation]]. Bombardier grew particularly fast at the end of the 1980s, when the turnover multiplied sixfold within six years. At that time, it was North America's most important producer of railway vehicles, Canada's most important aerospace manufacturer and the worldwide leading snowmobile maker. The growth came mainly from buying failing government-owned companies at a low price and orchestrating a turnaround.<ref name="Farnsworth1991"/>

However, the launch of the [[CSeries]] aircraft sent Bombardier into deep debt, pushing it to the brink of bankruptcy by 2015. As a result, the company sold nearly all of its operations except business jet manufacturing.

Bombardier manufactures two families of corporate jets, the Global series and the Challenger series. On May 18, 2021, the [[Bombardier Global 7500|Global 7500/8000]] series during testing  became the first business jet to break the sound barrier and the fastest civil aircraft since the [[Concorde]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Global aircraft breaks the sound barrier |url=https://bombardier.com/en/bombardiers-flight-test-vehicle-breaks-sound-barrier |access-date=27 April 2024 |website=Bombardier}}</ref> With deliveries of 138 business jets in 2023, Bombardier was the number one manufacturer of business jets in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bombardier Shipments Reach 138 in 2023, Expected To Jump in 2024 |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-02-08/bombardier-shipments-reach-138-2023-expected-jump-2024 |access-date=27 April 2024 |website=AIN Online}}</ref>

== Corporate affairs ==
The key trends of Bombardier are (as at the financial year ending December 31):
{| class="wikitable float-left" style="text-align: center;"
!Year
!Revenue (US$&nbsp;bn)
!Net income (US$&nbsp;m)
!Employees
!Refs
|-
|2018
|16.2
|318
|40,650
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bombardier Financial Report 2019 |url=https://bombardier.com/en/Bombardier-Financial-Report-2019-en.pdf |access-date=27 March 2024 |website=Bombardier}}</ref>
|-
|2019
|7.4
|–1,607
|24,350
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 Feb 2021 |title=Bombardier Financial Report 2020 |url=https://bombardier.com/en/Bombardier-Financial-Report-2020-en.pdf?attachment |website=Bombardier}}</ref>
|-
|2020
|6.4
|–568
|16,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 Feb 2022 |title=Bombardier Financial Report 2021 |url=https://bombardier.com/en/Bombardier-Financial-Report-2021-en.pdf |website=Bombardier}}</ref>
|-
|2021
|6.0
|5,070
|13,800
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 Feb 2023 |title=Bombardier 2022 Financial Report |url=https://bombardier.com/en/Bombardier-Financial-Report-2022-en.pdf |website=Bombardier}}</ref>
|-
|2022
|6.9
|–148
|15,900
|<ref name="2023 Financial Report" />
|-
|2023
|8.0
|445
|18,100
|<ref name="2023 Financial Report">{{Cite web |date=February 6, 2024 |title=2023 Financial Report |url=https://bombardier.com/system/files/financial-reports/2024-02/Bombardier-2023-Financial-Report-en.pdf |website=Bombardier Inc.}}</ref>
|}

==Divested lines of business==
===Commercial aviation===
{{Main|Bombardier Aviation}}
[[File:Air Nostrum Canadair CRJ1000; EC-LJR@ZRH;26.12.2011 632dq (6581369271).jpg|thumb|[[Bombardier CRJ|Canadair Regional Jet]]]]

In 1986, Bombardier acquired [[Canadair]] for C$120 million from the Government of Canada after it recorded the largest corporate loss in Canadian history.<ref name="canadair">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/08/19/business/company-news-canadair-to-be-sold-to-bombardier-inc.html |title=Company News; Canadair to Be Sold To Bombardier Inc. |first=Agis |last=Salpukas |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=August 19, 1986 |url-access=limited}}</ref>

In 1989, the company acquired [[Short Brothers]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.apnews.com/29e5c67a02119487682e1cc310716f86 |title=Government Announces Sale of Short Brothers to Canada's Bombardier |work=[[Associated Press]] |date=June 7, 1989 |access-date=May 19, 2019 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031071127/https://apnews.com/29e5c67a02119487682e1cc310716f86 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

By 1990, the first product of the company, the Ski-Doo [[snowmobile]], had become its weakest part gaging up deficits and high inventories.<ref  name="Farnsworth1991"/>

In 1990, it acquired [[Learjet]]. In 1992, the company acquired [[de Havilland Canada]] from [[Boeing]].<ref name="Farnsworth1992">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/01/23/business/company-news-bombardier-agrees-to-buy-de-havilland-from-boeing.html |title=Company News; Bombardier Agrees to Buy De Havilland From Boeing |last=Farnsworth |first=Clyde |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=January 12, 1992 |url-access=limited}}</ref>

In 1995, the company founded [[Flexjet]]. In December 2013, the division was sold for $195 million.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://aviationweek.com/awin/bombardier-completes-flexjet-sale |title=Bombardier Completes Flexjet Sale |first=Kerry |last=Lync |magazine=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]] |date=December 5, 2013 |access-date=May 19, 2019 |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028212218/https://aviationweek.com/awin/bombardier-completes-flexjet-sale |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Bombardier_CSeries_CS100_in_Swiss_livery_at_PAS15.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Bombardier CSeries]] ([[Airbus A220]]) in [[Swiss International Air Lines|Swiss]] livery]]
On June 29, 2016, Bombardier delivered the first CSeries CS100 aircraft (now called the [[Airbus A220]]) to [[Swiss International Air Lines]]. [[Air Canada]] placed an order for the aircraft one day earlier.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/business/2016/06/28/air-canada-finalizes-38b-order-for-45-bombardier-cseries-jets.html |title=Air Canada finalizes $3.8B order for 45 Bombardier CSeries jets |newspaper=[[Toronto Star]] |date=June 28, 2016}}</ref>

In April 2016, [[Delta Air Lines]] placed an order for the aircraft.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delta-orders-state-of-the-art-fuel-efficient-bombardier-c-series-300259092.html |title=Delta Orders State-of-the-Art, Fuel-Efficient Bombardier C Series |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |date=April 28, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bombardier-delta-1.3556661 |title=Delta buying 75 Bombardier CSeries jets, with options for 50 more |first=Pete |last=Evans |work=[[CBC News]] |date=April 28, 2016}}</ref> On September 26, 2017, after [[Boeing]] complained that Bombardier was selling the CS100 to [[Delta Air Lines]] below cost due to [[Subsidy|subsidies]] from the governments of Canada and Quebec, the [[United States Department of Commerce]] proposed a 219% tariff on the aircraft. [[CSeries dumping petition by Boeing|Boeing's complaint]] stated that the CS100 planes were being sold at US$19.6 million each, below the US$33.2 million production cost.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/boeing-commerce-department-bombardier-tariff-219-trade-war-2017-9 |title=Boeing scored a big victory against its Canadian rival, but it may start a nasty trade war |first=Benjamin |last=Zhang |newspaper=[[Business Insider]] |date=September 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-41397181 |title=Fallon warns Boeing over defence contracts |work=[[BBC News]] |date=27 September 2017}}</ref> The governments of Canada and the [[United Kingdom]] threatened to stop ordering [[Boeing]] aircraft since the company was putting aerospace jobs at risk.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/defence-minister-sajjan-suggests-boeing-wont-be-considered-for-future-fighter-jet-replacement |title=Amid spat with Bombardier, Boeing won't be considered for future fighter jet replacements, Sajjan suggests |newspaper=[[National Post]] |location=Toronto |date=28 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/sep/28/theresa-may-hints-at-boeing-boycott-in-bombardier-us-tariff-row |title=Theresa May hints at Boeing boycott in Bombardier US tariff row |first=Larry |last=Elliott |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |location=London |date=September 28, 2017}}</ref> On January 26, 2018, the [[United States International Trade Commission]] overturned the tariffs.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bombardier wins bid to overturn 292% tariffs at U.S. trade body |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bombardier-boeing-tariffs-1.4505114 |work=[[CBC News]] |date=January 26, 2018}}</ref> Boeing did not appeal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Boeing will not appeal tariff ruling in Bombardier's favour |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/boeing-bombardier-tariffs-1.4589445 |work=[[CBC News]] |date=March 23, 2018}}</ref>

In July 2018, [[Airbus]] acquired a 50.01% stake in the CSeries for one Canadian dollar, with an option to acquire the remaining interest by 2024.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/07/airbus--majority-stake-in-c-series-partnership-with-bombardier-a.html |title=Airbus' majority stake in C Series partnership with Bombardier and Investissement Québec comes into effect |publisher=Airbus |date=July 1, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/europe-s-airbus-to-buy-majority-stake-in-bombardier-cseries-program-1.3634325 |title=Europe's Airbus to buy majority stake in Bombardier CSeries program |first=Amy |last=Luft |work=[[CTV News]] |date=October 16, 2017}}</ref> Airbus built a second CSeries assembly line at its A320 assembly facility in [[Mobile, Alabama]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/airbus-mobile-alabama-factory-tour-a320-american-delta-jetblue-2019-1 |title=Check out the $600 million Alabama factory where Airbus builds jets for American, Delta, and JetBlue |first=Benjamin |last=Zhang |work=[[Business Insider]] |date=February 2, 2019}}</ref>

In November 2018, the company announced the sale of its [[turboprop]] [[De Havilland Canada|passenger aircraft unit]] to an affiliate of [[Viking Air]]. It also announced 5,000 layoffs.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.apnews.com/43bf15be13c643eebb5502b9f2e80ac6 |title=Canada's Bombardier says it will cut 5,000 jobs |website=[[Associated Press]] |date=November 8, 2018}}</ref>

In March 2019, the company sold its Business Aircraft Training business to [[CAE Inc.]] for $645 million. The business included [[flight simulator]]s and training devices for the Bombardier Learjet, Challenger, and Global product lines.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/03/14/1752991/0/en/CAE-concludes-acquisition-of-Bombardier-s-Business-Aircraft-Training-business.html |title=CAE concludes acquisition of Bombardier's Business Aircraft Training business |publisher=[[CAE Inc.]] |via=[[GlobeNewswire]] |date=March 14, 2019}}</ref>

On June 25, 2019, Bombardier agreed with [[Mitsubishi Heavy Industries]] to sell the [[Bombardier CRJ|CRJ programme]], a deal was expected to close in early 2020 subject to regulatory approval.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to Acquire Canadair Regional Jet Program from Bombardier Inc. |url=https://www.mhi.com/news/story/190625.html |date=25 June 2019 |publisher=Mitsubishi Heavy Industries}}</ref> Bombardier will retain the Mirabel assembly facility and produce the CRJ on behalf of Mitsubishi until the current order backlog is complete.<ref name=leeham20190625>{{cite news |title=Mitsubishi, Bombardier reach agreement to acquire CRJ program |url=https://leehamnews.com/2019/06/25/mitsubishi-bombardier-reach-agreement-to-acquire-crj-program/ |work=Leeham News and Analysis |date=25 June 2019}}</ref>

In October 2019, Bombardier announced the sale agreement of its remaining [[aerostructure]] division to US company [[Spirit AeroSystems]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bombardier-m-a-spirit-aerosystems-idUSKBN27B1HV |title=Spirit cuts purchase price for Bombardier aerostructures unit as COVID-19 hits industry |date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> The division at time of sale involved component manufacture for new and after-market Bombardier group and Airbus group aircraft models, and also operated in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul. Due to how the 2020 pandemic affected the industry, the agreement was renegotiated with the sale to Spirit concluded finally in October 2020.<ref>{{cite web |first=Margaret |last=Canning |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/northern-ireland/bombardier-becomes-spirit-aerosystems-as-the-deal-is-done-on-milestone-day-for-belfast-aerospace-firm-39686607.html |title=Bombardier becomes Spirit AeroSystems as the deal is done on milestone day for Belfast aerospace firm |newspaper=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |date=October 30, 2020}}</ref> Bombardier's former aerostructures division purchased by Spirit consisted at time of sale of operations in [[Belfast]], UK; [[Casablanca]], Morocco; and [[Dallas]], USA.<ref name="globenewswire">{{cite press release |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/10/26/2114272/0/en/Bombardier-Announces-Closing-Date-Amended-Terms-for-Sale-of-Aerostructures-Business-to-Spirit-AeroSystems-Holding-Inc.html |title=Bombardier Announces Closing Date, Amended Terms for Sale of Aerostructures Business to Spirit AeroSystems Holding, Inc. |publisher=Bombardier |via=GlobeNewswire |date=October 26, 2020}}</ref>

The 2019 to 2020 aerostructures division sell-off was described at the time as supporting Bombardier's "strategic decision to reposition itself as a pure-play business aircraft company".<ref name="globenewswire"/>

In February 2020, Airbus acquired an additional 25% stake in the A220 for US$591 million. This transaction was the final step to get Bombardier Aviation out of the commercial jet industry.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bombardier-financial-results-airbus-c-series-1.5462182 |title=Bombardier exits the commercial plane business, sells remaining A220 stake to Airbus |work=CBC News |date=February 13, 2020}}</ref>

===Bombardier Capital===
'''Bombardier Capital''' ('''BC'''), a subsidiary of Bombardier Inc., was formed during 1973 in [[Colchester, Vermont]].
BC was involved in the secured financing of dealer inventories purchased from manufacturers and distributors of recreational and consumer products, especially [[Bombardier Recreational Products]], in the United States, Canada and Europe. Their clients consisted of [[Sea-Doo]] and [[Ski-Doo]] dealers, as well as retailers in multiple industries, primarily [[manufactured housing]], [[Boating#Types of boats|recreational boating]] and [[Recreational vehicle|specialty and recreational vehicles]]. BC also provided a wide variety of domestic/international loans, asset management and leasing services for business aircraft and commercial/industrial products, including technology and telecommunication equipment.<ref name="CGI" />

In August 1997 [[CGI Inc.]] and BC announced a strategic agreement to offer their clients value-added services. CGI would offer information technology to BC's clients, and BC would provide project financing to CGI's clients.<ref name="CGI">{{cite web |title=CGI AND BOMBARDIER CAPITAL SIGN A STRATEGIC COOPERATION AGREEMENT |url=https://www.cgi.com/en/cgi-and-bombardier-capital-sign-strategic-cooperation-agreement |website=cgi.com |publisher=CGI, Inc. |access-date=19 February 2025}}</ref>
That same year, BC began transitioning loan origination and servicing to Jacksonville, Florida.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/1997/05/05/daily12.html |title=Bombardier Capital opens retail financing divisions |newspaper=[[American City Business Journals|Jacksonville Business Journal]] |date=May 7, 1997}}</ref>

BC ceased loan originations in 2001,<ref>{{cite news |last=Bennett |first=Jane |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2002/10/07/story5.html |title=Bombardier reduces space |newspaper=Jacksonville Business Journal |date=October 4, 2002}}</ref> then in 2005, BC sold their Inventory Finance Division to [[GE Commercial Finance]]<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.ge.com/news/press-releases/ge-commercial-finance-agrees-acquire-bombardier-capitals-us22-billion-inventory |title=GE Commercial Finance Agrees to Acquire Bombardier Capital's US$2.2 Billion Inventory Finance Division |publisher=[[GE Capital]] |date=April 18, 2005 |access-date=2023-02-01}}</ref> before shutting down operations.

===Military===
The company acquired the rights to the [[Volkswagen Iltis]] in 1981. Production ceased in 1989.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/vehicles-history-considered-controversial/article18432062/ |title=Vehicle's history considered controversial |first=Paul |last=Waldie |newspaper=[[The Globe and Mail]] |location=Toronto |date=October 3, 2003}}</ref>

When [[UTDC]] was acquired by Bombardier in 1991 several military products were added:

UTDC 24M32 - HLVW military trucks based on the [[Steyr 90 series|Steyr 91 (Percheron)]]
* MLVW military trucks based on the [[M35 2-1/2 ton cargo truck]]

In 2003, the company sold its [[arms industry]] division in Canada. Military Aviation Services was sold to [[SPAR Aerospace]]. Land-based [[arms industry]] products made by [[Urban Transportation Development Corporation]] ceased operations.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.bombardier.com/en/media/newsList/details.70-bombardier-announces-sale-of-its-military-aviation-services-unit.bombardiercom.html |title=Bombardier Announces Sale of its Military Aviation Services Unit |publisher=Bombardier |date=June 10, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2003/06/09/daily14.html |title=Bombardier selling military aviation unit for $90M |newspaper=[[American City Business Journals|Pittsburgh Business Times]] |date=June 10, 2003}}</ref>

===Public transport bus in Ireland===
{{main|GAC Ireland}}
In the late 1970s, in the [[Republic of Ireland]], [[CIÉ]] (now [[Bus Éireann]] and [[Dublin Bus]]) commissioned a range of single and [[double-decker bus]]es to be designed and produced.

CIÉ looked for partners to build these buses in Ireland, eventually finding two: [[Bombardier Inc|Bombardier]], and the United States–based General Automotive Corporation (GAC) from [[Ann Arbor]], [[Michigan]].<ref>[http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/22nd-november-1980/25/bombardier-make-a-hit Bombardier make a hit] ''[[Commercial Motor]].'' November 22, 1980.</ref> The two companies formed a new company Bombardier Ireland Limited, 51% owned by Bombardier and 49% owned by GAC. In August 1983, Bombardier sold its shares to GAC, with the company renamed GAC Ireland Limited.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bombardier shares sold |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=P1s_AAAAIBAJ&pg=5248,547445&dq=bombardier+bus+shannon&hl=en |access-date=2012-08-20 |newspaper=[[Windsor Star]] |date=August 4, 1983 |page=11}}</ref><ref>[https://search.cro.ie/company/CompanyDetails.aspx?id=63472&type=C GAC Ireland Limited] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122131001/https://search.cro.ie/company/CompanySearch.aspx |date=2021-01-22 }} Companies Registration Office</ref>

The prototypes were devised in Germany and production of 51 express coaches (KE type) and 366 [[double-decker bus]]es (KD type) were assembled between 1980 and 1983 at a facility in [[Shannon, County Clare]]. They remained in service until 1997 and 2000, respectively. Some surviving examples are now exhibited at the [[National Transport Museum of Ireland]] at [[Howth Castle]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Conway |first=Shane |url=http://www.classicbuses.co.uk/+Bombardier.html |title=The Bombardier buses and coaches of CIE |website=The Classic Irish Buses}}</ref>

===Rail equipment===
{{Main|Bombardier Transportation}}
[[File:A MR-73 on the blue line.jpg|thumb|right|An [[MR-73]] train arriving at [[D'Iberville station]], September 2018]]
The company diversified into rail transport after the [[1970s energy crisis]] reduced demand for snowmobiles.

In 1974, the company received its first order – to build [[MR-73]] trains for [[Société de transport de Montréal]] for use on the [[Montreal Metro]].
In 1975, the company acquired [[Montreal Locomotive Works]]. It was sold to [[General Electric]] in 1988.

In 1982, the company won a contract from New York's [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] to build 825 [[R62A (New York City Subway car)|R62A]] cars for the [[New York City Subway]] for $663 million.<ref name=canadair/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/12/18/business/company-news-bombardier-inc.html |title=Company News; Bombardier Inc. |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=December 18, 1982 |url-access=limited}}</ref>

In 1985, the company ceased manufacturing locomotives and concentrated on producing passenger train [[rolling stock]]. It acquired a 45% stake in [[La Brugeoise et Nivelles]] (formerly BN Constructions Ferroviaires et Métalliques) based in [[Bruges]] in 1986, the assets of U.S. railcar manufacturers [[Budd Company]] and [[Pullman Company]] in 1987, and [[ANF Industrie]] based in [[Crespin, Nord]], [[France]] in 1989. A series of acquisitions in the [[United Kingdom]], [[Germany]], [[Switzerland]], [[Canada]], and [[Mexico]] further increased operations.

In 1996, the company was selected as the lead developer for the [[Acela Express]] trains, the fastest trains in North America, in a $710 million contract. Problems with the trains resulted in lawsuits between the company and [[Amtrak]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bombardier-blames-amtrak-for-train-problems-1.308822 |title=Bombardier blames Amtrak for train problems |work=CBC News |date=August 7, 2002}}</ref>

In 2001, Bombardier acquired [[Adtranz]] (DaimlerChrysler Rail Systems), a manufacturer of trains which were widely used throughout Germany and [[United Kingdom|Great Britain]], becoming one of the largest manufacturers of railway [[rolling stock]] in the world.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4461015/Daimler-sells-rail-business-to-Bombardier-of-Canada.html |title=Daimler sells rail business to Bombardier of Canada |first=Benjamin |last=Wootliff |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |location=London |date=August 5, 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bombardier.com/en/transportation/about-transportation/history?docID=0901260d8001dffa |title=History of Bombardier – Planes and Trains |website=Bombardier}}</ref> This division produced the [[Bombardier Turbostar]].

In 2005, it launched the [[Bombardier Zefiro]] [[high-speed rail]], with speeds of 200–380 [[kilometres per hour]], for the [[Ministry of Railways (China)]].

On February 13, 2020, [[Alstom]] agreed to buy the Bombardier Transportation division for €7 billion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-17/alstom-to-buy-bombardier-train-unit-for-up-to-6-7-billion?leadSource=uverify%20wall |title=Alstom to Buy Bombardier Train Unit for Up to $6.7 Billion |first1=Myriam |last1=Balezou |first2=Aaron |last2=Kirchfeld |website=[[Bloomberg News]] |date=February 12, 2020}}</ref> The acquisition deal was completed on January 29, 2021.<ref name="Intrado">{{cite press release |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/01/29/2166509/0/en/Alstom-SA-A-transformational-step-for-Alstom-completion-of-the-acquisition-of-Bombardier-Transportation.html |title=Alstom SA: A transformational step for Alstom: completion of the acquisition of Bombardier Transportation |website=[[Intrado]] |date=January 29, 2021}}</ref>

===Bombardier Recreational Products===
[[File:1951B12a.jpg|thumb|right|1951 Bombardier B12 Snow Bus Snowmobile]]
{{Main|Bombardier Recreational Products}}

In January 1934, a blizzard prevented [[Joseph-Armand Bombardier]] from reaching the nearest hospital in time to save his two-year-old son, Yvon, who died from [[appendicitis]] complicated by [[peritonitis]].<ref name="skidoo">{{cite journal |last=Skorupa |first=Joe |date=January 1992 |title=Ski-doo: 50 years on snow |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=seMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA94 |journal=[[Popular Mechanics]] |volume=169 |issue=1 |pages=94, 95 |issn=0032-4558}}</ref><ref name="legacy">{{cite web |title=Bombardier: The Snowmobile Legacy |url=https://www.cbc.ca/archives/topic/bombardier-the-snowmobile-legacy |website=[[CBC News]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160218232335/https://www.cbc.ca/archives/topic/bombardier-the-snowmobile-legacy |archive-date=February 18, 2016}}</ref>

Bombardier was a mechanic who dreamed of building a vehicle that could "float on snow".<ref name="legacy" /> In 1935, in a repair shop in [[Valcourt (city)|Valcourt]], [[Quebec]], he designed and produced the first [[snowmobile]] using a drive system he developed that revolutionized travel in snow and swampy conditions.

In 1937, he patented and sold 12 of the 7-passenger "B7" [[snow coach]]es.<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Scott S. |date=October 10, 2014 |title=Bombardier Conquered Winter With Snowmobile |work=[[Investor's Business Daily]] |url=https://www.investors.com/news/management/leaders-and-success/josepharmand-bombardier-created-the-snowmobile/}}</ref> They were used in rural Quebec to take children to school, carry freight, deliver mail, and as ambulances. In 1941, Bombardier opened a factory in Valcourt.<ref name="workhorse">{{cite web |date=January 1, 1950 |title=The Bombardier winter workhorse is born |url=https://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/the-bombardier-winter-workhorse-is-born |website=CBC News}}</ref>

In 1942, ''L'Auto-Neige Bombardier Limitée'' ("Bombardier Snow Car Limited") was founded in [[Valcourt (city)|Valcourt]].<ref name="timeline">{{cite news |date=February 17, 2016 |title=Aerospace company Bombardier: A timeline |work=[[CTV News]] |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/aerospace-company-bombardier-a-timeline-1.2781982}}</ref>

During [[World War II]], the [[Government of Canada]] issued wartime [[rationing]] regulations. Bombardier customers had to prove that snowmobiles were essential to their livelihood in order to buy one. The company then shifted its focus to the [[arms industry]].<ref name="workhorse" />

In 1947, during a blizzard in [[Saskatchewan]], the company received positive press coverage when army snowmobiles resupplied isolated radio communication towers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rescue by snowmobile |url=https://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/rescue-by-snowmobile |website=CBC News}}</ref>

In 1948, the [[Government of Quebec]] passed a law requiring all roads to be cleared of snow; Bombardier's sales fell by nearly half in one year. Armand Bombardier therefore decided to diversify his business, first by producing tracked [[snowplow]]s sized specifically for use on municipal sidewalks, replacing [[horse-drawn vehicle]]s, then by making [[all-terrain vehicle]]s for the [[mining]], petroleum, and [[forestry]] industries.<ref name="workhorse" />

The machines had removable front skis that could be replaced with front wheels for use on paved or hard surfaces, thus providing greater utility to his large snowmobiles. In 1951, the wooden bodies were replaced with sheet steel, and these vehicles were powered by [[Chrysler]] flathead six-cylinder engines and 3-speed manual transmissions.
[[File:2007 Bombardier XRS 800.jpg|thumb|Ski-Doo snowmobile]]
In the early 1950s, Bombardier focused on developing a snowmobile for 1 or 2 passengers. A breakthrough occurred in 1957 when Bombardier developed a one-piece molded rubber [[continuous track]] with enough durability to provide snow-gripping [[Traction (engineering)|traction]] for lightweight vehicles. The vehicle was called the "Ski-Dog" because it was meant to replace the [[dog sled]] for hunters and trappers. However, in 1958, "[[Ski-Doo]]" was accidentally painted on the first prototype, and immediately became the popular name.<ref name="skidoo" />

The public soon discovered the great fun of speedy vehicles zooming over snow, and a new winter sport was born, centered in Quebec. In the first year, Bombardier sold 225 Ski-Doos; four years later, 8,210 were sold. Bombardier slowed promotion of the Ski-Doo line to prevent it from crowding out other company products, while still dominating the snowmobile industry<ref>{{cite web |date=March 15, 1962 |title=Snowmobiling just for the fun of it |url=https://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/bombardier-just-for-the-fun-of-it |website=CBC News}}</ref> against competitors [[Polaris Industries]] and [[Arctic Cat]].

In 1963, [[Roski]] was created in [[Roxton Falls, Quebec]] as a manufacturer of composite parts for the Ski-Doo. In the 1960s, [[V-8 engine]]s were added.

On February 18, 1964, J. Armand Bombardier died of [[cancer]] at age 56. Until then, he oversaw all areas of operation and controlled the research department, making all the drawings himself. The younger generation took over, led by Armand's sons and sons-in-law, reorganizing and decentralizing the company. The company adopted computer inventory, accounting, and billing. Distribution networks were improved and increased, and an [[incentive program]] was developed for sales staff.<ref name="younger">{{cite web |date=April 12, 1967 |title=Younger generation takes over Bombardier |url=https://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/younger-generation-takes-over-bombardier |website=CBC News}}</ref> That year, a survey was mailed to Ski-Doo owners to find out how the product was being used.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 29, 1969 |title=Look What's Behind the Snowmobile King |newspaper=[[Montreal Gazette]] |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=oK8tAAAAIBAJ&hl=fr&pg=866%2C6884565}}</ref> Germain Bombardier, who had been groomed by his father, took over the company upon his father's death in 1964. However, he quit and sold his shares in 1966 after a disagreement with other family members. [[Laurent Beaudoin]], the son-in-law of the founder, then became president, a position he held until 1999.<ref name="younger" /> He had joined the company as controller in 1963 and was president for 25 years.<ref name="Farnsworth1991"/>

In 1967, the company was renamed ''Bombardier Limited''. By that time, the snowmobiles were very useful for the [[Inuit]].<ref>{{cite web |date=August 7, 1967 |title=Inuit embrace the snowmobile |url=https://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/inuit-embrace-the-snowmobile |website=CBC News}}</ref>
[[File:SeaDoo XP Generation 1.jpg|thumb|SeaDoo personal watercraft]]
In 1968, [[Clayton Jacobson II]] invented the [[Personal watercraft|jet ski]] and the company licensed his patents to create the [[Sea-Doo]] [[personal watercraft]].<ref name="guided">{{cite news |date=November 20, 2007 |title=Guided Enterprise |newspaper=[[Manawatu Standard]] |url=https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/manawatu-standard/20071120/284352605187066}}</ref>

On January 23, 1969, the company became a [[public company]], listing on the [[Montreal Exchange]] and the [[Toronto Stock Exchange]].<ref name="timeline" />

In 1969 to 1970, the standard round windows reminiscent of [[porthole]]s were replaced with larger rectangular windows that provided more interior light. A change was made to the [[Chrysler]] Industrial 318 engines with the automatic Loadflite transmissions.<ref name="guided" />

In 1970, the company acquired [[Rotax]], an engine manufacturer based in [[Gunskirchen]], [[Austria]].

In 1971, Bombardier acquired [[Moto-Ski]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Pinz |first=Les |date=March 6, 2009 |title=1971 Moto-Ski Bullet |work=American Snowmobiler |url=http://amsnow.com/news/vintage/2009/03/1971-moto-ski-bullet}}</ref> Also in 1971, Bombardier launched Operation SnoPlan, a program to promote snowmobile safety after a mounting death toll due to snowmobile accidents.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 9, 1972 |title=Ski-Doo backlash |url=https://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/ski-doo-backlash |website=CBC News}}</ref>

In the 1970s, the company began producing [[Can-Am motorcycles]], which included [[Rotax]] engines.<ref name="guided" />

In 2003, the company sold [[Bombardier Recreational Products]] to a group of investors: [[Bain Capital]] (50%), Bombardier Family (35%) and [[Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec]] (15%) for $875 million.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chipello |first=Christopher J. |date=August 27, 2003 |title=Bombardier to Sell Subsidiary To Group Led by Bain Capital |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB106198653325581800 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Hadekel, Peter. ''Silent Partners: Taxpayers and the Bankrolling of Bombardier''. Toronto: Key Porter Books Limited, 2004. {{ISBN|978-1-5526-3626-8}}.
* MacDonald, Larry.''The Bombardier Story: Planes, Trains and Snowmobiles''. Toronto: J. Wiley & Sons, 2001. {{ISBN|978-0-4708-3196-0}}.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Bombardier}}
{{Wiktionary|Bombardier}}
* {{Official website|https://www.bombardier.com}}
* [http://digital.library.mcgill.ca/hrcorpreports/search/detail.php?ID=390 Bombardier Inc. Corporate Reports] – McGill University Library & Archives

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