Toyota Canada and Transition Énergétique Québec agree to study market requirements for hydrogen infrastructure in Québec

TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Toyota is investing in initiatives that are part of Québec's 2030 Energy Policy, including a pilot network of multi-fuel service stations which include hydrogen fuel, and collaboration with groups like Transition Énergétique Québec (TEQ), the new public body established by the Ministry of Energy to support, encourage and promote energy transition, innovation and efficiency in the province.

Following the recent meeting between Québec's Energy Minister, Pierre Arcand and Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman, Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota Canada and TEQ announced today their intention to enter into an MOU to study the market requirements for hydrogen infrastructure to support the introduction of fuel cell vehicles to Quebec.

The announcement was made during the Japanese component of a mission to Asia led by Pierre Arcand, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister responsible for the Plan Nord, and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region. The two-part mission to Japan (September 17 to 20) and China (September 20 to 25) is aimed at positioning Québec as a major player in the field of natural resources, renewable energy, and transportation electrification.

"We're happy to be working with Transition Énergétique Québec to determine the requirements for the introduction of hydrogen infrastructure," said Stephen Beatty, Vice President, Toyota Canada Inc.  "Our ultimate goal is to offer hydrogen fuel cell technology to Québec drivers, making a significant contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions."

Toyota and the Québec Government share a common goal - to reduce the carbon emissions of vehicles driven by Québec drivers - and they are collaborating to make this a reality.

"Québec has everything to gain by collaborating with partners like Toyota, a major player in the hydrogen-powered vehicle sector, which will enable us to use different means to ensure Québec's energy transition," added TEQ President, Johanne Gélinas.

At an event in Brossard two weeks ago, Toyota's Chairman, Takeshi Uchiyamada, announced that Toyota Canada's first hydrogen fueling and service facility will be built at its Québec zone office as a first step in the development of hydrogen fueling infrastructure in the province. Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles offer emissions-free driving without interrupting driver habits, like quick refueling and driving long distances free of range anxiety.

Toyota has already been working hard to promote greenhouse-gas-friendly technology in the province, including the recent exclusive Québec introduction of the new Toyota Prius Prime, the company's plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

"The energy transition in Québec is definitely under way," added Minister Arcand. "We are being proactive to offer the choice to consumers just as we committed to do in our 2030 energy policy. I am delighted that such a major player as Toyota has chosen Québec as the site for setting up facilities for new technologies that will help us achieve our objectives in reducing petroleum-product consumption as well as greenhouse-gas emissions."

About Toyota Canada Inc.
Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles.  Toyota has sold over five million vehicles in Canada through a national network of 287 Toyota and Lexus dealerships.  Toyota is dedicated to bringing safety, quality, dependability and reliability in the vehicles Canadians drive and the service they receive.  TCI's head office is located in Toronto, with regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Halifax and parts distribution centres in Toronto and Vancouver.  Toyota operates two manufacturing facilities in Canada. Having produced more than seven million vehicles, popular Canadian models built at these facilities include Toyota RAV4, Toyota Corolla, Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid.

About the 2030 Energy Policy
 The 2030 Energy Policy sets out a vision that has been designed to rally opinions. It presents a number of ambitious targets that consumers of all types, from individual citizens to corporate enterprises, are either asked to achieve, or from which they will derive direct benefits. It also describes how the Government will support consumers through the steps of the energy transition. It is a form of energy pact, put forward by the Government to bring about a major change in Québec's energy profile by the year 2030. For further information, please see politiqueenergetique.gouv.qc.ca.

Media Contacts:
Michael Bouliane
Corporate Communications Manager
Toyota Canada Inc.
[email protected]  

Véronique Normandin
Press Officer
Office of the Minister of Energy and
Natural Resources and Minister
Responsible for the Plan Nord
418-643-7295

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles

Media Contacts: Michael Bouliane, Corporate Communications Manager, Toyota Canada Inc., [email protected]; Véronique Normandin, Press Officer, Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Plan Nord, 418-643-7295

Related Links

http://www.mern.gouv.qc.ca