last updated 26th May 05
by 4ecotips.com

Country seeks help to meet Kyoto

Motor manufacturers such as General Motors and Toyota have agreed to make vehicles that use cleaner-burning fuels to help the Canadian government cut pollution to levels set under the Kyoto Protocol.

The companies plan to build more cars that use diesel fuel and electricity but haven’t said what percentage of their cars would be affected. The measures aim to reduce emissions from new vehicles by 17% or 5.3 million metric tons per year by 2010.

Cars account for a quarter of Canada's greenhouse emissions and companies export about 90% of their products to the US, which didn't sign the Kyoto Treaty. The new agreement isn't legally binding and companies won't face penalties if they miss targets. But new pollution laws may still be passed.

Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association (CVMA) president, Mark Natais, said: “We don't think there is any need for regulation. This is a very aggressive target that reaches Canada's industry goal two years sooner than an earlier proposal.

“We remain committed to doing our fair share to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while contributing to economic growth,” said Joe Hinrichs, President of Ford Motor Co.'s Canadian unit and head of the CVMA.