Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association
FEBRUARY 6, 2007 - 11:27 ET
CVMA Supports Plans to Accelerate Vehicle-Related GHG Reductions
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - Feb. 6, 2007) - Speaking this afternoon at the House of Commons Legislative Committee on Bill C-30, Canada's Clean Air Act, the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA) will call for an integrated plan of action to further reduce vehicle emissions through new vehicle technology, cleaner fuels, fleet strategies, consumer incentives, and research and development in Canada.
"We support an integrated approach to accelerate vehicle emission reductions beyond the industry's 2005 voluntary agreement to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 5.3 million tonnes," said CVMA president Mark Nantais. "This approach will require cleaner Canadian fuels, green fleet strategies, and consumer supports."
"Since new vehicles are safer and smog causing emissions have been virtually eliminated, we encourage proposals to help get older, polluting vehicles off Canada's roads," continued Nantais. "We also support enhanced research and development incentives along with a plan to green the fleet of some 20,000 vehicles bought each year by governments across Canada."
In its submission to the Legislative Committee, the CVMA noted:
- In 2005, Canada's automotive sector agreed to annual GHG reduction targets which will lead to a 5.3 million tonne reduction in GHGs from on-road cars and light duty trucks by 2010. Our industry remains one of the only sectors to sign such an agreement and we are on track to meet this goal.
- On a combined basis, all vehicles on Canada's roads contribute about 12% of Canada's total GHGs. By contrast, all new vehicles sold in any year contribute less than 1% of total Canadian GHGs according to Environment Canada.
- Smog emissions from today's new ultra-clean "Tier 2" vehicles have been virtually eliminated.
- Over 1 million 20-year (or older) vehicles remain on Canada's roads. A 1987 model year vehicle emits more than 37 times the smog-related emissions of today's new vehicles. Retiring these vehicles should be a priority to improve the environmental performance of Canada's vehicle fleet.
- Our industry has a long history of meeting or exceeding 14 voluntary agreements with government.
- The automotive industry has introduced over 70 fuel-saving technologies on several new models of Canadian-sold vehicles including new engine efficiency technologies, cylinder deactivation, hybrids, clean diesel, flex-fuel and advanced transmissions.
- Data provided by Natural Resources Canada estimates that E85 (an 85% ethanol fuel not widely available in Canada) could reduce full life cycle GHG emissions by 45% to 66% compared to traditional unleaded gasoline. Jurisdictions such as Brazil, Sweden and the United States have more aggressive fuel standards and offer drivers cleaner fuel alternatives which reduce GHG emissions.
- Canada's automotive production sector is one of this country's largest employers. Since the Auto Pact was signed in 1965, our industry has fully integrated its vehicle design, testing, certification, sourcing and production between Canada and the US. Harmonized national vehicle standards between our two countries are essential if Canada is to retain the benefits of scale, technology and consumer price while avoiding the severe economic consequences that would follow any significant decoupling of this tightly integrated sector.
- On a combined basis, all levels of government across Canada purchase over 20,000 vehicles annually yet have never developed a coordinated green fleet policy.
The Canadian automotive sector supports technically and economically feasible plans to accelerate ongoing reductions in vehicle emissions through an integrated approach involving vehicle technology, cleaner fuels, consumer incentives and governments working together.
About the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association
The CVMA is the national association representing Canada's leading manufacturers of light and heavy duty vehicles. Our membership includes DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc., Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, General Motors of Canada Limited and International Truck & Engine Corporation Canada.
In partnership with the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, CVMA members have contributed over 80% of almost $10.15 billion in new automotive (parts and assembly) investment announced over the past four years. These investments involve a transition to flexible manufacturing, new advanced skills training programs, significant investments in research and development, and the implementation of leading-edge environmental technologies.
In 2006, our member companies produced over 70% of the 2.55 million light duty vehicles built in Canada and accounted for 54% of all light duty vehicles sold in Canada. Our members purchase over 80% of all automotive parts produced in Canada for vehicle production across North America.
The automotive industry has been the driving force of Canada's economy for over 100 years.
CONTACT INFORMATION
CVMA
Mark A. Nantais
President
(416) 364-9333
Website: www.cvma.ca
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