OLDER VEHICLES MAY BE MORE POLLUTING THAN ORIGINALLY THOUGHT

~ Retire Your Ride encourages Canadians to act now and join the 100,000 Canadians who have already permanently retired their older vehicles ~

TORONTO, Oct. 12 /CNW/ - Although previous research indicated that 1995 model year and older vehicles emit 19 times more smog-forming emissions than 2004 and newer vehicles, a recent study of a sample of these older cars retired through the Retire Your Ride program shows that the tested vehicles were actually on average 39 times more polluting than 2004 and newer vehicles - all the more reason for Canadians to join the 100,000 program participants who have already retired their older vehicles in an effort to protect the environment. 

"This truly is a staggering fact," said Carla Kearns, national program director at Summerhill Impact, national delivery agent for Retire Your Ride.  "Our hope is that Canadians will hear this shocking statistic and really take a closer look at the vehicle they are driving and the impact it is having on our environment and health.  If Canadians are driving cars of model year 1995 and earlier, it's time to take advantage of the Retire Your Ride program and get rewarded for making the right choice before the program ends."

The study, conducted by BC AirCare, the organization that performs smog emissions testing for the province of British Columbia, compared 133 older vehicles with newer models and found that these older vehicles produce on average 39 times more hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxides than their newer counterparts. 

For Canadians who are looking to retire their 1995 and older model year vehicles, Retire Your Ride provides an easy way to responsibly recycle their cars and be rewarded for it.  They have to act quickly, however, as the program will end in six months.

"Retire Your Ride will come to an end on March 31, 2011, leaving only six months for Canadians to get rewarded for permanently retiring their 1995 model year and older vehicles," added Kearns.  "On top of rewards, Canadians can be assured that their vehicle will be recycled in the most environmentally responsible manner thanks to the Retire Your Ride National Code of Practice that all participating recyclers must follow."

Retire Your Ride aims to reduce smog-forming emissions, encourage the use of sustainable transportation and ensure vehicles are responsibly recycled.  Since its launch in January 2009, Retire Your Ride has taken more than 100,000 vehicles off the road nationally, reducing smog-forming emissions by more than 5,000 tonnes.

Canadians who own a 1995 model year or older vehicle and choose to take part in Retire Your Ride before the program ends on March 31, 2011 can be rewarded with one of a number of rewards available to program participants, including:

• Bicycles - A discount of $350 to $790 off of a high-end commuter bicycle as well as up to 15 per cent off parts and services
• Transit Passes - Free transit passes in some municipalities
• Manufacturer supported rebates are also available from Chrysler, Hyundai, Ford and GM
• Cash - $300 cash 

About Retire Your Ride - retireyourride.ca
Retire Your Ride is a national program designed to effectively and efficiently retire 1995 model year or older vehicles in an environmentally responsible manner, in an effort to improve air quality and encourage the use of sustainable transportation.  The Retire Your Ride program is delivered nationally by Summerhill Impact, funded by the Government of Canada and supported by a network of experienced regional delivery agents across the country, as well as a national network of automotive recyclers. 

For further information:

Ashley Agueci, Optimum Public Relations, [email protected], 416-306-6717