Latest News from the CVMA

Canadian Auto Manufacturers Support Ontario’s Investment in Green Technology and the Auto Industry.

Toronto, ON – 2007-06-19

The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA) today applauded the Ontario government for the $650-million Next Generation Jobs Fund aimed at helping to ensure Ontario effectively addresses the need to reduce greenhouse gas and smog related emissions, improve energy efficiency, and retain the province’s lead over its competitors in the development and production of green technologies.

"Over the past 5 years, Canada’s auto industry has invested over $10 billion into flexible and enhanced assembly, research and development, and new green technologies. CVMA’s members have accounted for over 80% of this investment at facilities across Ontario due, in large part, to the support of the Ontario government through its Automotive Investment Strategy", stated CVMA President, Mark Nantais in response to Premier McGuinty’s announcement today in Oshawa.

Much of these earlier investments were aimed at the environmental performance of Ontario’s vehicle assembly plants by reducing energy intensity and emissions while increasing flexibility and productivity, as well as significant research and development activity aimed at green technology development.

“CVMA’s members are already at the forefront of green technology research in Canada and this new fund should help maintain this leadership position” said Nantais.

“Our member companies build a broad range of green technology vehicles ranging from hybrids and advanced clean diesel technology, to cylinder deactivation and many model vehicles that can operate on 85 percent ethanol. Today’s announcement allows for the continuous development of new, leading edge and advanced technologies.” stated Nantais.

“The Next Generation Jobs Fund will help Ontario’s overall manufacturing base and it’s economy as a whole. But in more sustainable fashion, the Fund will enable CVMA member companies to expand their leadership position in green technology development and continue to conduct leading edge research and development here in Canada resulting in the production of vehicles that meet and exceed consumers demands,” concluded Nantais.

For further information please contact:

Mark Nantais
President
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association
416.364.9333

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.

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