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Latest News from the CVMA
Automakers Take One Tonne Challenge to Their Employees on Earth Day.
Toronto, ON – 2004-04-21Canada's largest automakers are leading by example and are each encouraging their thousands of employees' on Earth Day to step up to Canada's one tonne challenge and make an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using their vehicles wisely and conserving energy at home.
DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors are communicating with their employees on the important role they play in reducing emissions from personal transportation. Vehicle manufacturers are doing their part when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from their manufacturing processes and by bringing to market a wide-variety of clean, fuel efficient passenger cars and light trucks, to allow consumers to balance life-style needs with the need to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
The message is simple – the more we drive, the more fuel is consumed and that means more greenhouse gases. Simple and practical steps we all can take include not idling vehicles as idling wastes fuel and increases CO2 emissions and keeping vehicles, including tires, properly maintained. A poorly maintained vehicle can use up to 50% more fuel which means 50% more CO2 emissions and improperly inflated tires can increase fuel use CO2 emissions by an eighth of a tonne. When available use other means of transportation such as walking, riding a bike, taking the bus or subway; carpool, consolidate trips and drive the speed limit. Learn a lot about new vehicle fuel consumption by consulting the EnerGuide Label on new vehicles or the Fuel Consumption Guide available at dealerships.
"We all have a role to play in reducing transportation emissions and on Earth Day CVMA member companies are encouraging their 50,000 employees and all drivers to focus on practical things they can do to reduce fuel consumption and make a difference," said Mark Nantais, President of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association.
Vehicle manufacturers already supply vehicles that meet the most stringent national emissions standards in the world. With the full adoption of the Tier 2 regulations introduced in January 2004, automakers will have reduced smog causing tailpipe emissions by 99% and for the first time the same emission standards will apply to both cars and light trucks, including sport utility vehicles. Having made significant progress in reducing smog causing emissions, the auto industry is focused on addressing greenhouse gases like CO2, by reducing the amount of fuel we consume – new technology is helping – but we are all part of the solution.
Vehicle manufacturers already offer alternative fueled vehicles which run on ethanol, propane and natural gas. They are also applying advanced technology to ensure that the current gasoline engines operate as efficiently as possible and hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles are entering the market in increasing numbers. For the longer-term, fuel cell powered vehicles are now being developed and tested for the market.
"DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors take their corporate responsibility to the environment very seriously" said Ford of Canada President Alain Batty, Chair of the CVMA. "Every one of our employees has an important role in this effort and sharing this type of information will help every one do their part".
Other tips of how they can make a difference are being shared. Employees are being encouraged to consult the One Tonne challenge guide, www.climatechange.gc.ca/onetonne/ to find out what else they can do.
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA) is the national association for 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. Our member companies are the leaders in an industry that employs over 330,000 Ontarians and accounts for nearly 20% of Ontario's manufacturing GDP. Over the past decade, our member companies have invested over $21 billion in new technology and facilities into Ontario.
For further information please contact:
Mark Nantais
President
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association
416.364.9333
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