CAA and Pollution Probe launch first-of-its-kind primer to help drivers save
fuel

MONTREAL , Nov. 26 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has teamed up with Pollution Probe to launch today a first-of-its-kind primer to help drivers save fuel and reduce their environmental footprint.

The Primer on Automobile Fuel Efficiency and Emissions examines the various driving and technological factors that govern fuel efficiency, and it provides drivers with a clear overview of strategies they can adopt to reduce fuel consumption.

"In polling CAA did a few weeks ago, Canadians told us they want to drive greener and they expect CAA to be a leader in showing them how," says Jeff Walker , Vice-President of Public Affairs and Chief Strategy Officer for CAA. "This was a trend seen all throughout Canada , and especially in Quebec ."

To augment the release of the primer, two brochures were created. The first brochure, entitled What You Can Do to Conserve Fuel and Reduce Emissions, provides motorists with several eco-driving tips they can adopt to save fuel, some of which includes:

    
    - Avoiding aggressive starts and stops which consumes up to 39 per cent
      more fuel than moderate acceleration and stopping;
    - Removing excess weight from vehicles as every 100 pounds of added
      weight burns 2 per cent more fuel; and,
    - Installing a block heater on a vehicle, as car engines burn 50 per cent
      more fuel in cold weather when the engine isn't warmed up.

    The second brochure, entitled Busting Myths About Fuel Efficiency and
Driving, explores the myths associated with fuel efficiency, some of which
includes:

    - The myth that it's more fuel efficient to use air conditioning on the
      highway than leaving the windows down; and,
    - The myth that choosing a fuel efficient vehicle means compromising
      safety.
    

"The public needs more than a fact sheet on fuel efficiency," says Bob Oliver , executive director of Pollution Probe. "We created this Primer to help motorists understand the environmental and economic impacts of the automobile technology innovations that are coming in the next decade. An informed and engaged public is critical to a successful transition to cleaner future."

In addition to the brochures, a new sub-site, www.caa.ca/primer, was launched to provide drivers with an opportunity to quiz themselves on fuel efficiency, to learn more about the science surrounding fuel efficiency, and to learn what governments and automakers are doing to address the issue.

Visitors to the sub-site will also be able to view and download the primer, its associated brochures, and to watch videos about fuel efficiency.

"There are some Canadians that think the only way to really save fuel is to drive a hybrid," says Walker. "Any car can be made more efficient, and if you use our tools, you'll reduce your environmental footprint."

"Quebecers view the environment and driving as very serious issues and it's important to provide pertinent information for them that leads to smarter driving choices," says Paul Pelletier , President and CEO of CAA-Quebec. "We are pleased to be a partner in the primer launch to tell our members and Quebecers that they too can play a role in driving green."

About the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA):

CAA is a federation of nine automobile clubs serving 5.3 million members through 139 offices across Canada . CAA provides a wide range of member services and works to improve travelling and motoring conditions at home and around the world, including national advocacy efforts on the environment, infrastructure, traffic safety, and public policy issues that affect Canadians.

www.caa.ca

About Pollution Probe:

Pollution Probe is a leading Canadian environmental not-for-profit group dedicated to achieving positive, tangible environmental change through its research, education and advocacy programs. One of the organization's recent focuses has been on the implementation of world class fuel efficiency regulations to improve the performance of Canadian motor vehicles, as well as increasing consumer appreciation of (and demand for) fuel efficient technologies. To learn more about Pollution Probe, visit www.pollutionprobe.org.

About CAA-Quebec:

CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1904, provides automotive, travel, residential and financial services and privileges to its one million members.

www.caaquebec.com

For further information: Canadian Automobile Association: Dean Morin, Communications Manager, Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), [phone] ext. 2026, [email protected]; Rebecca Spring, Project Manager, Pollution Probe, [phone] ext. 238, [email protected]; Brigitte Roussy, Public Relations Officer, CAA-Quebec, [phone] ext. 3210, [email protected]; Lamia Charlebois, Public Relations Consultant, [phone], [email protected]