TORONTO, June 7, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA) supports today's announcement that Environment Canada intends adopt Tier 3 emissions standards, harmonized with those developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These new emissions standards, when combined with Tier 3 ultra-low sulphur (10 ppm) gasoline, will build on the significant reductions achieved to date by the automotive industry, most recently through Tier 2 standards harmonized across North America. In fact, for the past 26 years, light duty on-road transportation is the only sector in Canada to demonstrate a continuous and sustained year-over-year reduction in smog causing emissions.
"Canada's commitment to Tier 3 emissions standards confirms that Canadians will continue to benefit from the most stringent emissions standards in the world," said Mark Nantais, president of the CVMA. "Since smog-related emissions are not constrained by international borders, harmonized Tier 3 emission regulations are an important first step, as Tier 3 ultra-low sulphur gasoline requirements will be needed to ensure these advanced emission control technologies will provide Canadians, like their U.S. counterparts, the same air quality improvements."
Harmonized standards with the EPA also ensure advanced vehicle technologies can be offered to Canadian customers at more affordable prices by leveraging North American economies of scale. The Tier 3 standards are being introduced at the same time as vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards over the period of 2017- 2025, which will also be harmonized with the U.S., consistent with the objectives of the Canada-U.S. Regulatory Cooperation Council's action plan.
"These are very stringent requirements, and manufacturers are committed to doing their part," added Nantais.
As a result of the continuous improvements made to vehicle emissions since 1985, light duty vehicles today account for just 9% of the total emission inventory across all sectors in Canada, according to the latest Environment Canada emissions inventory (see graph).
About the CVMA
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 85 years. Its membership includes Chrysler Canada Inc.; Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited and General Motors of Canada Limited. Collectively, its members sell 48% of all vehicles in Canada and account for 65% of total vehicle production, operate 5 vehicle assembly plants as well as engine and components plants, and have over 1,300 dealerships. 125,000 jobs are directly tied to vehicle assembly in Canada. Direct and indirect jobs associated with vehicle manufacturing are estimated at over 500,000 across Canada. Please visit www.cvma.ca.
Image with caption: "Vehicle Related Smog Emissions1985 - 2010 (CNW Group/Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130607_C6302_PHOTO_EN_27694.jpg
SOURCE: Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA)
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