Natural Resources Canada
2003/105
November 26, 2003

FUEL CONSUMPTION GUIDE HELPS CANADIANS SAVE MONEY, FUEL AND THE ENVIRONMENT

OTTAWA — Once you decide on the colour of your next vehicle, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) can provide the best reference for you on its fuel efficiency. The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, today announced the release of the 2004 Fuel Consumption Guide and the winners of the 2004 EnerGuide Awards for the most fuel-efficient new vehicles sold in Canada.

“The 2004 Fuel Consumption Guide is the tool you need to select the most fuel-efficient new vehicle to meet your everyday transportation needs,” said Minister Dhaliwal. “By using the Guide, you can save fuel, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.”

Readers can compare fuel consumption ratings and carbon dioxide emissions, find tips on vehicle maintenance, learn about driving smarter and get the latest facts on alternative-fuel vehicles. The Guide includes estimates of annual fuel cost, fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions based on how much fuel each vehicle consumes travelling 20,000 kilometres, with a mix of 55-percent city and 45-percent highway driving. Information on fuel consumption and annual fuel use also appears on the EnerGuide label affixed to all new cars and light-duty trucks sold in Canada.

The annual EnerGuide Awards, managed by NRCan's Office of Energy Efficiency, are presented to the manufacturers of the most fuel-efficient new vehicles in each of nine classes. The winners by vehicle class for 2004 are as follows:

• Two-seater : Honda Insight
  
  
• Subcompact (diesel) : Volkswagen New Beetle TDI
  
  
• Subcompact : Toyota Echo
  
  
• Compact : Honda Civic Hybrid
  
  
• Mid-size : Toyota Prius
  
  
• Full-size : Chevrolet Impala
  
  
• Station wagon (Diesel) : Volkswagen Jetta TDI Wagon
  
  
• Station wagon (Gasoline) : Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Corolla Matrix (co-winners)
  
  
• Pickup truck : Ford Ranger and Mazda B2300 (co-winners)
  
  
• Special purpose : Chrysler PT Cruiser
  
  
• Van : Chevrolet Venture, Oldsmobile Silhouette and Pontiac Montana (co-winners)

Canadians who choose fuel-efficient new vehicles and drive them smarter will not only reduce their fuel use and save money, but will also be participating in the One Tonne Challenge. This nationwide effort to conserve Canada's energy resources asks all Canadians to reduce personal greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent. Transportation accounts for a significant portion of the five tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions produced on average annually by each Canadian.

NRCan produces the Guide in collaboration with Transport Canada, the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association and the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada. Manufacturers of motor vehicles sold in Canada are committed to continuing the development of clean, fuel-efficient cars, trucks and vans and want to ensure that Canadians get the full benefit of the fuel efficiency, performance, and environmental improvements that are designed into their vehicles.

Consumers can obtain the 2004 Fuel Consumption Guide by calling 1 800 387-2000 or by writing to Energy Publications c/o DLS, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0S9. The Guide is also available from new car dealerships, most local, provincial and territorial vehicle-licencing agencies, Credit Union offices and participating Caisses populaires et d'économie Desjardins in Quebec.

More information on fuel consumption ratings for new and used vehicles is available on NRCan's Web site at oee.nrcan.gc.ca/vehicles.

For more information, media may contact:

The following backgrounder is also available:

1. Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles For The 2004 Model Year