Environment Minister's emissions and fuels regulatory announcements offer much-needed certainty for Canada's automakers: Global Automakers of Canada

TORONTO, Sept. 22, 2014 /CNW/ - On behalf of its 14 member companies, the Global Automakers of Canada acknowledged Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq's announcement regarding expected amendments to Canada's greenhouse gas (GHG) and "Tier 3" emissions regulations for new light duty vehicles.

"Today's announcement offers much-needed regulatory certainty as automakers develop their medium- and long-term product plans," said David Adams, president of Global Automakers.

"The forthcoming greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions regulations for light duty vehicles covering the 2017-25 period, along with the anticipated introduction of draft "Tier 3" amendments to Canada's vehicle emissions and sulphur in gasoline regulations underscores the reality that vehicles and fuels operate as a tightly integrated system."

For several years, Global Automakers has urged the federal government to introduce regulations to require cleaner fuels including ultra-low sulphur gasoline. The availability of lower sulphur fuels will be critical to the successful introduction of several advanced engine and emissions technologies required to meet the government's 2017-25 GHG emissions regulations. Global Automakers' members are international leaders in highly fuel efficient gasoline and diesel engines, hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, hydrogen fuel cells – all of which will be required to meet Canada's stringent 2017-25 GHG standards.

"The consistent availability of ultra-low suphur gasoline across Canada is essential to support our members' introduction of cutting-edge emissions reduction and fuel-saving technologies. Working together, cleaner fuels and more efficient engines will deliver improved fuel efficiency and markedly improved air quality for all Canadians," added Adams.

About Global Automakers of Canada
Global Automakers represents the Canadian interests of 14 of the world's most respected automakers including: BMW Canada Inc., Honda Canada Inc., Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., Jaguar Land Rover Canada ULC., Kia Canada Inc., Mazda Canada Inc., Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc., Nissan Canada Inc., Porsche Cars Canada Ltd., Subaru Canada Inc., Toyota Canada Inc., Volkswagen Group Canada Inc., and Volvo Cars of Canada Corp.

In 2013, our members sold over 55% of Canada's new passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs. On a collective basis, our companies directly or indirectly employ over 77,000 Canadians and support 60% of Canada's 3,300 new vehicle dealers. We advocate for sound public policy to support a competitive and sustainable automotive market in Canada. Our members are committed to meeting the mobility needs of Canadians by providing greater consumer choice in new products, offering leading edge safety and environmental technologies, and eliminating unnecessary trade or regulatory barriers.

SOURCE: Global Automakers of Canada

David C. Adams, President, T 416.595.8251 ext 1222. M 416.333.2873, E [email protected]