STORIED SWEDISH BRANDS JOIN THE ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOBILE
MANUFACTURERS OF CANADA (AIAMC)

TORONTO, Nov. 10 /CNW/ - Two of Sweden's most famous automotive brands have become the 15^th and 16^th members of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada (AIAMC)

SAAB vehicle distribution and sales will resume in Canada in December after a 16 month absence as the company transitioned from ownership by General Motors to an independent car company owned by Spyker Cars.  IFS Vehicle Distributors ULC is the new distributor for SAAB vehicles in Canada and is a new member of the AIAMC.   Volvo Cars of Canada Corp. has also recently joined the AIAMC after the purchase of Volvo Car Corporation by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited from the Ford Motor Company last August, left Volvo Cars of Canada without an industry association home.

"As SAAB returns to the Canadian market it is important for us to be a part of the key industry association for vehicle manufacturers, importers and distributors," said James Steinhagen, CEO of IFS Vehicle Distributors ULC.  "We look forward to working with our colleagues in the other member companies and the staff at the AIAMC on the myriad of issues that are currently impacting the industry," added Steinhagen.

"Having assembled vehicles in Canada for a number of years in our more than fifty year history in Canada, we understand and appreciate the value of a strong and prominent industry association," said Jeff Pugliese, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of Canada Corp.  "Membership in the AIAMC will provide us with support and assistance to more effectively address the issues our organization faces on a daily basis," noted Pugliese.

"I am extremely proud and honoured to have both SAAB and Volvo participating as members in the association," said David Adams, President.  "Both companies have a history of bringing innovative and stylish vehicles to the market as well as a proud history in Canada."

About the AIAMC

The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada is the national industry association representing the interests of sixteen member companies engaged in the manufacture, importation, distribution and servicing of light duty vehicles in Canada. AIAMC membership includes BMW Canada Inc., Honda Canada Inc., Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., IFS Vehicle Distributors ULC, Jaguar Land Rover Canada Inc., 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., Suzuki Canada Inc., Toyota Canada Inc., Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. and Volvo Cars of Canada Corp

In 2009, the members of the AIAMC were responsible for 55.7% of light duty vehicle sales in the Canadian automotive market.   More than 50% of the vehicles AIAMC members sell in Canada are built in the NAFTA region.   Collectively the AIAMC's members employ more than 77,000 Canadians both directly and indirectly.

For further information:

David C. Adams
President
Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada
Office:  [phone] x1222
Cell:     [phone]
Email:   [email protected]