Vehicle Manufacturers Applaud Progress Toward New Detroit River International
Crossing

TORONTO, May 27 /CNW/ - The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association (CVMA) commends the decision by the Michigan House of Representatives to pass the legislation needed to ensure that a new international crossing that will link Windsor and Detroit will proceed without delay. The legislation will now be considered by the Michigan Senate.

CVMA President Mark Nantais stated: "We have long supported additional international infrastructure capacity in the Windsor-Detroit gateway because it is a critical trade corridor that supports automotive manufacturing and jobs in both Canada and the US."

The highly integrated automotive industry between Canada and the United States accounts for two-way trade worth roughly $100 Billion annually. The majority of production parts and finished vehicles flow through the Windsor-Detroit gateway.

Nantais added that "this new crossing will finish a much needed uninterrupted link between Ontario's 400 series highways and Michigan's interstate and provide the redundancy we believe necessary in such a critical trade corridor. We are hopeful that the Senate will pass the necessary legislation allowing all governments involved to proceed toward final design and construction without delay."

The CVMA and its member companies have also applauded the recent offer made by the Government of Canada to fund up to an additional $550 million towards the construction of the additional international crossing between Windsor and Detroit.

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 80 years. Its membership includes Chrysler Canada Inc.; Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited; General Motors of Canada Limited; and Navistar Canada, Inc.

For further information: Mark Nantais, President, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, [phone], [email protected], www.cvma.ca