Natural Resources Canada
98/03
February 12, 1998
ENERGUIDE FUEL CONSUMPTION LABEL FOR VEHICLES TO HELP
CANADIANS SAVE MONEY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
TORONTO — Canadians shopping for a new vehicle will soon find
it much easier to decide which one is the most fuel efficient and
environmentally friendly.
The new EnerGuide fuel consumption label for vehicles will allow Canadians
to compare the average city and highway fuel consumption ratings of all new
cars, vans and light-duty trucks. In addition, the label will feature the
estimated annual fuel cost of the vehicle.
"By referring to the label," said Ralph Goodale, Minister of
Natural Resources Canada. "Canadians will be able to quickly and easily
assess the potential economic and environmental savings that can be realized by
purchasing one vehicle over another."
The Government of Canada developed the EnerGuide label along with the
Canadian Motor Vehicle Association and the Association of International
Automobile Manufacturers of Canada, with the support of the Canadian Automobile
Dealers Association. "The assistance offered by our partners was
invaluable," said Goodale.
"Technology improvement is only part of the solution," said Mark
Nantais, President of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association. "Consumers
also have a role to play through their vehicle choice and their maintenance and
driving habits. Our work with Natural Resources Canada on the new EnerGuide
label for vehicles will help consumers make an informed decision when purchasing
fuel efficient new vehicles appropriate for their needs."
Bob Armstrong, President of the Association of International Automobile
Manufacturers of Canada said, "Manufacturers have produced and continue to
develop more fuel-efficient vehicles, and want to ensure that consumers get the
full benefit of the fuel efficiency designed into their vehicles."
"Canadian car dealers are pleased to work with the federal government
and other interested stakeholders to promote fuel efficiency and to help car
buyers make informed environmental decisions. Together, we can leave a cleaner
and healthier environment to future generations," said Huw Williams,
Director of Public Affairs with the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association.
This year, using the estimated annual fuel consumption, the most
fuel-efficient cars are the Chevrolet Metro and Pontiac Firefly. Tied as the
most fuel-efficient pickup trucks are the Chevrolet S-100, GMC S-15 Sonoma and
the Isuzu Hombre. The Honda Odyssey is the most fuel-efficient van and the
Toyota RAV 4 is the most fuel-efficient sport utility vehicle.
To learn more about the EnerGuide label, and to do a search for the most fuel-efficient
vehicle by make and model, engine type and type of fuel used, consumers
can visit the interactive Auto$mart website at http://autosmart.nrcan.gc.ca
or call 1-800-387-200 for an Auto$mart Kit and a copy of the 1998
Fuel Consumption Guide.
Backgrounders describing the Auto$mart program and providing details on the
EnerGuide Label for Vehicles are available.
Photo: 1998 Toronto Car Show Energuide.
For further information:
John Embury,
Press Secretary
Natural
Resources Canada
(613) 996-2007
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