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CVMA News Archive
Canada's leading manufacturers of automobiles have taken action on mercury.
Toronto, ON – 2001-06-18Mark Nantais, President of the Canadian Manufacturers' Association announced today that Canada's leading auto manufacturers will phase-out mercury-containing switches by 2004 and provide Canada's auto recycling industry with information on how to properly remove mercury-containing switches to ensure that there are no releases to the environment.
"In 1995, the auto industry committed to systematically phase-out the use of mercury-containing switches in the design of new vehicle components. Efforts have been made to deliver on this commitment and the industry has phased out mercury use in convenience lighting switches and other applications in most models. The 2004 or earlier date underscores our early action and commitment to eliminate mercury," said Mark Nantais.
Vehicles are one of the most recycled products today, with 85% of the vehicle being recycled. Mercury-containing switches in vehicles on the road today are durable and designed to last the life of the vehicle. The automotive recycling industry has an important role in recovering mercury switches prior to vehicle crushing or shredding to avoid the release of mercury into the environment. This is an effective and efficient method of collecting these switches at the end of the useful life of the vehicle, along with other materials such as tires, batteries, and fluids.
To encourage proper disposal efforts, auto manufacturers have produced, and are making available to vehicle dismantlers and recyclers, a brochure explaining the need to remove mercury-containing switches, as well as guidance on how to remove the switches prior to recycling vehicle hulks.
The CVMA has a 75+ year history of representing the Canadian automotive industry's largest manufacturers. The CVMA's members include DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc.; Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited; General Motors of Canada Limited; International Truck and Engine Corporation Canada and Volvo Cars of Canada Limited.
Contacts:
Mark Nantais
President
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association
416.364.9333
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