Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association applauds Government of Canada on introduction of vehicle GHG standards for 2017 and beyond

Harmonized North American Standard will provide environmental and economic benefit to Canadians

TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA) today commended the Government of Canada on its announcement of new vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards beginning with the 2017 model year.

The CVMA is supporting the federal government's approach which harmonizes this new regulation with the U.S. federal regulation, as it will maintain a single national standard on a North American basis. " It is an approach which will ensure that new more advanced technologies come to market more quickly with greater choice of products at more affordable prices for consumers, by taking advantage of the economies of scale derived from the larger integrated market inherent in the North American automobile industry. And that ensures greater environmental benefits sooner" , said Mark Nantais, President of the CVMA.

Combined with the model years 2011-2016 light duty vehicle GHG standards, today's final program will result in MY 2025 vehicles emitting roughly one-half of the GHG emissions as those from 2010. Nantais added that "this regulation represents the most significant federal action ever taken to reduce vehicle GHG emissions and improve fuel economy. These standards will, in effect, double fuel economy over the time period."

The extent to which industry realizes significant cost reductions and efficiencies through harmonizing vehicle both safety and emission regulations and standards is a factor which will improve industry's competitiveness, help it remain attractive for new investment, and raise the likelihood of more job creation.  Standards harmonization means a product environment that respects certification to one set of regulatory requirements for both Canada and the U.S. that satisfies societal needs efficiently and effectively for both countries. It is an approach which is fully consistent with the objectives of the Regulatory Cooperation Council established under the Perimeter Security and Competitiveness initiative jointly announced by President Obama and Prime Minister Harper in 2011.

About the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association

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; General Motors of Canada Limited; and Navistar Canada, Inc. Collectively its members account for 65% of vehicles produced in Canada, 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)

Mark A. Nantais
President
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association
416.364.9333