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This release is available in French.
TORONTO — The Government of Canada recognized the manufacturers of the most fuel-efficient cars and light trucks for 2008 through the ecoENERGY for Vehicles Awards. The awards were presented today at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto by Mike Wallace, MP for Burlington, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources.
“The ecoENERGY for Vehicles Awards will help Canadians choose the most fuel-efficient model when they buy a new vehicle so they can save money on fuel and help the environment too,” said Mr. Wallace. “They also recognize the leadership of motor vehicle manufacturers for making more fuel-efficient vehicles.”
Since about half of the greenhouse gas emissions generated by individual Canadians come from driving, the use of fuel-efficient vehicles is an effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The ecoENERGY for Vehicles Awards are a part of the Government of Canada's ecoENERGY initiative — a $3.6-billion package of focused measures to help Canadians use energy more efficiently, boost renewable energy supplies and develop cleaner energy technologies.
The winners of the 2008 Awards in each of the ten vehicle classes are:
Two-seater car: smart fortwo
Subcompact car: MINI Cooper/Cooper Clubman and Toyota Yaris (co-winners)
Compact car: Honda Civic Hybrid
Mid-size car: Toyota Prius
Full-size car: Honda Accord Sedan
Station wagon: Honda Fit
Pickup truck: Ford Ranger and Mazda B2300 (co-winners)
Special purpose vehicle: Ford Escape Hybrid
Minivan: Mazda5
Large van: Chevrolet Express Cargo/GMC Savana Cargo
Natural Resources Canada has also released the 2008 Fuel Consumption Guide, which allows consumers to compare fuel consumption ratings and check carbon dioxide emissions of passenger cars and light-duty vehicles sold in Canada. More details about the 2008 ecoENERGY for Vehicles Awards and the 2008 Fuel Consumption Guide are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Shopping for a new vehicle that will save you fuel and money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions" Natural Resources Canada's 2008 ecoENERGY for Vehicles Award winners were announced today at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. The list of winners and the 2008 Fuel Consumption Guide are available at the Web site www.ecoaction.gc.ca.
Media may contact:
Louise Girouard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007
The general public may contact:
Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST
Telephone: 613-995-0947
TTY: 613-996-4397
(teletype for the hearing-impaired)
E-mail: questions@nrcan.gc.ca
NRCan’s news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.