Quebec zero emission vehicle regulation needs more work

TORONTO, Dec. 27 2017 /CNW/ - Today the Québec Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment, and the Fight Against Climate Change Isabelle Melançon issued the final regulations in support of Bill 104 ? An Act to increase the number of zero-emission motor vehicles in Québec in order to reduce greenhouse gas and other pollutant emissions. 

Demand-focused policies, such as well-located, high-speed re-fueling infrastructure for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV), the maintenance of sales incentives, and increased levels of education regarding ZEVs are pivotal to achieving sustainable market demand in the ZEV segment which still represents only 1% of vehicle sales in Québec.

"Our members have been working collaboratively to educate and inform the Ministry on the best ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty vehicle transportation, an objective which we entirely support. The final regulation released today incorporates only some minor changes to the regulation from the draft released last summer.  There are still many aspects of the regulation that will continue to be very problematic for manufacturers, dealers and ultimately consumers.  These challenges will require additional consultations, and we look forward to engaging with the Minister early in the new year," said David Adams, President of the Global Automakers of Canada.  "It is important that the regulated parties ? the manufacturers ? are also part of the Minister's advisory council that was announced on December 18th," added Adams.  "Through discussion and collaboration come solutions."

An important consideration is the fact that Québec has adopted regulations ? even after consultation ? that remain more stringent than California's regulations, with both a narrower compliance window and fewer compliance pathways.  "Our members will do their part to meet the requirements of the regulation.  Unfortunately, as currently structured the regulations will result in the government collecting charge payments as opposed to significantly increasing the number of ZEVs on the road ? which was the stated objective of the legislation. Ultimately, consumers will decide which vehicle is best suited to their needs," added Mr. Adams.

ABOUT GLOBAL AUTOMAKERS OF CANADA

We are the national industry association representing the Canadian interests of 15 leading international automakers. Our members directly and indirectly employ more than 77,000 Canadians in vehicle manufacturing, sales, distribution, parts, service, finance and head office operations from coast to coast. In 2016, our member companies sold 1,099,668 vehicles or 56.4% of all new vehicles in the Canadian market, supporting over 60% of Canada's 3500 new vehicle dealerships. Over 60% of our members' 2015 new vehicle sales were manufactured in Canada or the NAFTA region.

Global Automakers advocates for sound public policy to support a competitive and sustainable Canadian automotive market. Our members are committed to meeting the mobility needs of Canadians by providing greater consumer choice, offering leading-edge safety and environmental technologies, while eliminating unnecessary regulatory and trade barriers. Visit us at globalautomakers.ca.

SOURCE Global Automakers of Canada