Automakers support Canada's continued action to reduce vehicle greenhouse gases and smog causing emissions

TORONTO, Sept. 22, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA) supports the government of Canada's announcement today of several new regulatory initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from both light duty and heavy duty vehicles,  as well as new regulations to further reduce vehicle related smog causing emissions to improve air quality.

First are the challenging new greenhouse gas emissions regulations for passenger automobiles and light duty trucks for the 2017- 2025 MY vehicles. These regulations, soon to be published in Canada Gazette, will align vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards for the 2017-2025 model years with those in United States over the same period. The proposed new regulations will see vehicles in the 2025 model year use 50% less fuel than those of the 2008 model year vehicles.

"The proposed regulations set a very challenging objective for Canada's vehicle manufacturers," said Mark Nantais, president of the CVMA. He further commented that "by being part of a robust, aligned standard, new more advanced technologies come to market more quickly with greater choice of products that are more affordable for consumers as manufacturers are to able take advantage of the economies of scale derived from the larger integrated market inherent in the North American automobile industry."

Canada also introduced new Tier 3 criteria air containment (smog causing) emission standards for new vehicles that will further reduce those emissions by 80 % from the existing Tier 2 emissions standards, which are the most stringent standards in the world. The environment benefit is further maximized as the regulation takes a total systems approach where new emission control technologies necessary for meeting the requirements are supported by improved fuel quality. "These new regulations will further help reduce the impact of vehicles on regional air quality. In this regard, the on-road light duty vehicle fleet is the only sector to demonstrate continuous year over year reduction in smog-causing emissions since 1985", said Nantais.

Lastly, the government of Canada announced its intention to further align to the more stringent U.S. greenhouse gas emissions regulations for heavy duty vehicles and engines for the 2018 model year and beyond, reducing truck emissions by up to 23%.

About the CVMA
The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association is the industry association that has represented Canada's leading manufacturers of light and heavy duty motor vehicles for more than 85 years. Its membership includes Chrysler Canada Inc.; Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited and General Motors of Canada Limited. Collectively, its members sell 48% of all vehicles in Canada and account for 65% of total vehicle production, operate 5 vehicle assembly plants as well as engine and components plants, and have over 1,300 dealerships. 125,000 jobs are directly tied to vehicle assembly in Canada. Direct and indirect jobs associated with vehicle manufacturing are estimated at over 500,000 across Canada. Please visit www.cvma.ca.

SOURCE: Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA)

CVMA, Mark Nantais, President, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, 416.364.9333/416.560.4005, [email protected]