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Events and Meetings
Paul Birchall (left) taught students how to properly do a respirator mask check during one of the safety sessionsv
As part of its ongoing support of the collision industry and the skilled trades required for it, Maaco Collision Repair and Auto Painting Canada hosted a pre-apprentice workshop at its Canadian headquarters in Milton, Ontario recently. The event brought together over 20 students with collision and paint repair trainers and specialists for a series of training activities. The students had an opportunity to spend some time in Maaco’s state of the art paint booth learning some of the finer points of vehicle painting as well as bumper repair, body prep and other collision repair related skills.
Taking a break between races with Joe De Stefano, General Motors (centre) were Ket Cole (back row) and Hong Loong (left), Bayer and Joan Porter Knight (right), Easyhome.
General Motors Fleet and Commercial held a customer appreciation event recently at Woodbine Race Track in Toronto, Ontario. Guests enjoyed an opportunity to partake in the sport of kings while networking with other commercial fleet operators and members of GM Fleet and Commercial team.
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(From left) Darlene Spriel, Foss National Leasing Ltd., Andre Mallette, Goodfellow, and Kevin Sambleson, TLS Fleet Management discuss Ford products at the Ford of Canada reception.
The Ford Motor Company invited fleet customers from across North America to join Ford at the company’s 2013 Fleet Preview in Dearborn, Michigan. Guests heard from several Ford executives including Ford’s President of the Americas, Mark Fields. The speakers reiterated Fords’s ONE Plan emphasizing its capacity to address the changing needs of fleet customers and how the plan has been the foundation for Ford’s 'Go Further’ brand promise. Vehicles including Fusion (which will be available with five powertrains), Escape (three powertrains), C-max (hybrid and electric vehicle) and Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility were on display during the presentation.
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Mark Fields, President of the Americas, Ford, speaks to fleet professionals about the ONE Ford Plan and how it is helping fleet.
A ride and drive at Ford’s Dearborn Development Centre was an opportunity to drive Ford and Lincoln vehicles including a ‘ hot lap’ in a Police Interceptor or Mustang, ‘off-roading’ in an F-150 or Explorer or driving an alternative fuel vehicle course.
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(From left) Founding partners Matt Rispin, Frank Panza and Stu Ralph were on the auction floor enjoying the celebratory mood.
North Toronto Auctions held it's ninth anniversary sale celebration May 4 featuring the largest dealer auction in its history. All featured sellers sold 100 per cent including Financialinx, TD Auto Finance, Province of Ontario, and a host of major franchised dealers. Nine lucky auction attendees took home grand prizes including gifts from Canadian Black Book and CarProof.
Ford 2013 Police Interceptor Utility being put through its paces at Ontario Place.
A test drive of the all-new 2013 Police Interceptors was held at Ontario Place in Toronto, Ontario. All-wheel drive versions of Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility were put through their paces on an autocross course. A walk around preceded the driving to delineate vehicle characteristics.
The standard engine on the Police Interceptor Sedan is a 3.5 litre V-6 with over 280 horsepower and 250 foot-pounds of torque; the Utility a 3.7L V-6 with 300 hp and 280 ft-lbs. The Sedan has an optional 3.5L EcoBoost engine outputting over 365 hp and 350 ft-lbs of torque. Police Interceptor Sedans and Utilities can be equipped with either front or all-wheel drive configurations (EcoBoost is only available with AWD).
Ford 2013 Police Interceptor Sedan navigates the slalom part of the course.
A Police Advisory Board made up of Canadian and American law enforcement professionals consulted with Ford to determine effective vehicle specs. Both Sedan and Utility have; front seats minus side bolsters to allow the wearing of utility belts; heavy-duty wheels with police purpose tires; a 220-amp alternator and deflector plates. Both vehicles attain 120 kilometres per hour rear-end crash test standards.
(From left) Ruth Alfson, CAFM, NAFA Vice-President, Pierre Moquin, NAFA Chapter Service Award winner, and Mario Gionet, NAFA Canada Vice-President.
National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) Institute and Expo in St. Louis, Missouri gave representatives of OEMs, lessors, upfitters, and end-users an opportunity to participate in seminars, a trade show and to network.
Peter Bishop, Associate Professor of Human Sciences at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and Jim Kenzie, Automotive Journalist, delivered keynote speeches.
(From left) Joe LaRosa, NAFA International Vice-President, Rick Sikes, CAFM and Yvan Lupien, City of Ottawa.
Yvan Lupien, Branch Manager, Fleet Services Branch for the City of Ottawa was presented with NAFA’s 2012 Sustainable Fleet Award along with three winners from the United States. There were nine honourable mentions. Another Canadian award winner was Pierre Moquin, presented with the NAFA Chapter Service Award. Moquin has been with the Quebec Chapter since 1966.
(From left) Warren Hambleton, Total Rewards for The Beer Store and Greg Grant, PHH, welcomed a number of sales fleet managers at the PHH Sales Fleet User Group meeting.
A number of sales fleet managers gathered recently for PHH Canada’s Sales Fleet User Group meeting. The meeting was hosted by Warren Hambleton, Director, Total Rewards for The Beer Store at their headquarters (pictured, right with Greg Grant, PHH). Members of the group reviewed their respective fleet selectors and discussed some of the benefits and challenges faced when moving to smaller displacement engine vehicles. The group also had the opportunity to learn more about fleet minded OEM’s 2013 vehicle offerings and got a Canadian used vehicle update from Tim McGee, PHH remarketing.
(From left) Rick DeGraff, Adrian Steel with Ken Jacobs, Ajax Nissan, along side an Adrian Steel upfitted Nissan NV at the ride and drive event.
Ajax Nissan recently held a ride and drive event for the Nissan NV commercial vehicle van at it’s dealership in Ajax, Ontario. Corporate and commercial fleet customers were able to test-drive a variety of NV models. A wide selection of potential suppliers were available to suggest upfitting options for the NV.
Truck World 2012 welcomed 20,000 people involved in the Canadian trucking industry.
Toronto’s International Centre was the scene of Truck World 2012. Some 20,000 people involved with the Canadian trucking industry converged on the centre’s 300,000 square foot exhibit area. Some 350 exhibitors, heavy truck operators, and telematics companies were in attendance. Seminars covered topics such as Fleet Forum Maintenance Software for Fleets Big and Small; and How Social Media Can Work For You.
(From left) Keith McLaughlin, Canadian Automotive Fleet, Dennis DesRosiers, DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, Dina Cover, TD Economics. and Michael Hatch, CADA, discuss the economic analysis and forecast for dealers and the pre-owned industry in Canada during the opening day keynote panel.
Over 500 auto remarketing and pre-owned professionals gathered in Toronto, Ontario for the annual Auto Remarketing Canada Conference recently. The conference included workshops, roundtable discussions and expert panels as well as an exhibitors hall; all focused on the issues affecting Canada's multi billion dollar pre-owned industry.
Keith McLaughlin, Publisher, Canadian Automotive Fleet magazine moderated the opening day keynote panel on “economic analysis and forecast for dealers and the pre-owned industry in Canada.” Of particular interest to fleet operators were discussions centered on opportunities to unlock the equity in their fleets in the face of record low off-lease vehicles volumes in the next 12 to 18 months.
Two Electriphobia Research Institute 'scientists' explain some common misconceptions about electric vehicles including the Mitsubishi iMiEV.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada (MMSCAN) launched a tongue-in-cheek “Electriphobia Research Institute” campaign at the Green Living Show in Toronto, Ontario. The web-based campaign is intended to raise awareness about electric vehicles and to confront associated misconceptions.
“The objective is to raise awareness about electric vehicles and share truths about the game-changing technology in our all-new i-MiEV pure electric vehicle. Through the ‘Institute’ we want to prepare EV consumers for the experience of never again visiting a gas station, having a tailpipe, or changing the oil,” said Peter Renz, director of marketing at MMSCAN.
(From left) Lawrence Cowie, Enbridge and Paul Martin, Del discuss the merits of fibreglass truck bodies during the plant tour.
PHH’s Service Fleet User Group held its most recent meeting at Del Equipment’s Toronto, Ontario location. The group toured the upfitters fabrication facility and learned about Del’s wide range of commercial truck body applications. The group meets on a regular basis to share and support best practices in their respective fleets.
(From left) Mercedes-Benz corporate sales team: Aditya Jain, Keilan McInnis, Dino Casanova, Dan Snell, Jo-Anne Lamontagne, Geoff Lander, and Yannick Reynaud.
Mercedes-Benz Canada fleet customers recently had the opportunity to test drive the latest 2012 Mercedes-Benz, smart, and Sprinter vehicles on a closed circuit at Ontario Place as part of the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto, Ontario.
Tom Tanner (left) and Paul Wingate (right), TLS Fleet Management, flank Dan Snell, Mercedes-Benz at the ride and drive.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUMMIT
An Electric Vehicle and Infrastructure Summit was held in Toronto, Ontario recently. Many emerging EV features were discussed, including case studies for Stockholm, New York, Toronto, and the state of Oregon; each of which have implemented electric vehicles into fleets. The two-day event featured information sessions on various aspects of the EV world including Key International Electric Vehicles Implementation Strategies, The Challenge: Adoption and Grid Integration, Strategies for Mitigating and Impact of Electric Vehicles to Ensure Grid Quality.
A keynote power panel led off the second day and included Andrew Bowerbank, Magna Closures and Chris Hill, Electric Mobility Canada, discussing the building of a framework for long term collaboration between sectors and how to fully integrate electric vehicles.
Other presentations included: Test Results on Consumer Adoption, Urban Infrastructure Integration, Promoting Electric Mobility, and Charging Infrastructure.
Ford fleet team members including Mike Traub (right) and Randy Jenish were on hand to answer customer questions.
Ford of Canada held a meeting for its fleet customers at the Canadian International Autoshow in Toronto recently. During the event a number of product and technology presentations were featured, including news about the new 2013 Ford Fusion, ecoboost engine technology and others.
(From left) Steve Milette and Joe De Stefano, General Motors, take a break from the meeting in front of the Oshawa-built Cadillac XTS.
General Motors hosted fleet customers at its annual Canadian International Auto Show fleet breakfast meeting held prior to the opening day of the show. The event featured a 2012 product highlight overview as well as news about a diesel version of its popular Chevrolet Cruze compact car coming to North America in 2013.
Photo: Vincenzo Pietropaolo
(From left) Manon Courchesne, Pat Kent, Gail Barnlett, Avon Canada, and Jeff Hartley, Foss National Leasing.
Pat Kent, a Senior Executive Unit Leader for Avon Canada was the proud winner of a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu as a result of her teams sales efforts. On hand to congratulate Pat on her win were Carmine Cipriano, Avon Canada, Jeff Hartley, President, Foss National Leasing and Manon Courchesne, Avon Canada.
(From left) Bruce Tokiwa, Pedro Gutierrez, Wayne James, and Gary Dohring, Maaco, welcomed invited guests to the new Maaco location in Oakville.
Maaco Systems Canada Inc., newest Collision Repair and Auto Painting location is located in Oakville, Ontario. Owner Pedro Gutierrez and staff recently celebrated a grand opening event welcoming customers, suppliers, invited guests, and Gary Dohring, Maaco’s President, Wayne James, Director of Operations and Bruce Tokiwa, Director, Marketing / National Account Sales.
(From left) Reid Bigland and Ken Tuckey, Chrysler Canada Inc., welcomed invited guests to the Chrysler Canada VIP night reception.
Chrysler Canada held a special V.I.P. night reception for its fleet customers at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Ontario recently. Guests had an exclusive opportunity to learn more about Chrysler’s 2012 product offerings at its auto show display. As part of the reception, Reid Bigland, President and CEO Dodge brand, Chrysler Group LLC, Head of U.S. Sales, Chrysler Group LLC and President and CEO, Chrysler Canada, shared with guests some of the successes the organization enjoyed in 2011 and a hint of what’s to come from Chrysler in 2012. That will include the launch of the all-new Dodge Dart into the fiercely competitive Canadian compact car segment.
(From left) Rob Dubois, EMKAY and John Nunn, Pillar’s Fine Foods take a moment to catch up during a break between sessions.
EMKAY Canada held a series of client symposiums recently. The events were held in Toronto, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta and brought together a number of EMKAY Canada’s fleet customers to learn more about the challenges and changes facing fleets today, and the technology, products and processes EMKAY has to effectively address them.
(From left) Dave McQuilkin, Brian Davis and John Betto.
Landscape Ontario held its Annual Congress recently. The show attracts landscape professionals from across the province who come to learn more about the tools, techniques and trades central to the success of their businesses. Taking a moment from answering questions about the 2012 Ford F-150 and its available Ecoboost engine at the WhiteOak Ford Lincoln booth were (From left) Dave McQuilkin, Brian Davis and John Betto.
(From left) Chris Buckley, CAW Local 222, Ken Lewenza, CAW, Dan Hermer, Oshawa Assembly Plant, Kevin Williams, GM, Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, and Brad Duguid, Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Innovation, helped to announce a $68 million inventment by GM in the Oshawa Assembly Plant.
General Motors will invest $68 million in the Oshawa Assembly Plant in Oshawa, Ontario to build the next generation Chevrolet Impala. The investment will secure 350 jobs at the plant.
“With the investments for the Chevrolet Impala and Cadillac XTS, we are taking big steps forward to ensure we maximize the flexible manufacturing facility and high-quality workforce that exist in Oshawa,” said Kevin Williams, President and Managing Director, General Motors of Canada.
(From left) Kevin Williams, GM, announces next generation Chevrolet Impala will be build in Oshawa, as Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, Brad Duguid, Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Innovation, and Ken Lewenza, CAW look on.
“The Government of Canada made an important decision back in December 2008 to provide significant support to GM,” said the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance. “Since then it has become clear this was the right decision. Our support has helped preserve Canada’s place in the automotive industry.”
“Today’s announcement shows that GM and Ontario’s auto sector are on the right track, GM is securing hundreds of jobs for Ontario families, and Ontario continues to be the top auto manufacturing jurisdiction in North America,” said Brad Duguid, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development and Innovation.
Bruce Davisson, Manager, Light Duty Training, Center For Transportation Safety (CTS), sampled the topics discussed during driver training classes provided by CTS.
PHH Arval hosted a Fleet Management Symposium in Calgary, recently focussing on risk and safety in fleet. Many aspects of driver safety were discussed, including the benefits of driver training and avoiding distractions as presented by Tony Vinciguerra and Bruce Davisson from Center for Transportation Safety. To help curtail distracted driving, Vinciguerra recommended classroom or internet-based driver training; behind-the-wheel training to reinforce skills; and a driver rewards program for safe, accident-free driving.
“Driver attitude and behaviour behind the wheel contribute to more than 90 percent of crashes,” said Tony Vinciguerra, Vice-President and General Manager, Center for Transportation Safety, PHH. “Preventing them requires maximum concentration – it is the most important thing a driver can do.” PHH iNmotion software, which can directly enforce a company’s cell phone policy and PHH OnBoard, vehicle telematics technology, were also discussed. “Driver behaviour is one of the most controllable aspects that can influence a fleet company’s risk and safety,” said Jim Halliday, President, PHH Canada.
BMW’s fleet team helped to introduce the new sixth-generation 3 Series sedan to its corporate customers at the Living Arts Centre.
BMW Group Canada invited its corporate fleet customers to the RBC Theatre inside the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Ontario to preview the sixth-generation BMW 3 Series sedan. These fleet customers were the first in Canada to see and experience the new sedan. Allison Scarangella, National Manager, Corporate Fleet Sales and Stephen McDonnell, Director of Sales for BMW Canada introduced the 3 Series and answered any questions attendees had. Frederic Dorais, Canadian Product Planner, did a vehicle walk around and discussed facts and features about the new vehicle.
The new sixth-generation 3 Series sedan offers fleet customers a wider track and a 93 millimetre increase in length giving the vehicle 15 millimetres of additional knee room behind the front seats and eight millimetres more head room. Even with the added size, the 3 Series is 40 kilograms lighter, offers better fuel economy (328i, 6.8L/100km combined; 335 8.0L/100km combined), and is faster. A revised BMW kidney grille is Standard with three equipment lines: Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line, each with an array interior/exterior design elements and unique 18” wheels options so each individual fleet customers can find a perfect fit.
Allison Scarangella and Stephen McDonnell, BMW Canada introduced the 3 Series sedan.
Two engine choices are available: 328i models offer a 2.0 litre TwinPower turbo four-cylinder offering 245 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and 335 is a straight-six engine with TwinPower turbo providing 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Each model is available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Taking a break from the test track by a Vito E-CELL all electric drive van is Miki Velemirovich, Marketing Manager, Sprinter Canada.
Mercedes-Benz recently held a commercial truck event in Stuttgart, Germany. Canadian automotive journalists had the opportunity to learn more about Mercedes-Benz full line of commercial vans and trucks; ranging from its Freightliner and Western Star brand heavy duty class 5 to 8 trucks in the NAFTA region to its commercial vans the Vito, Viano, Sprinter and Vario available in over 160 countries across the globe. In addition to touring both the heavy duty and Sprinter truck plants event attendees paid a visit to the Stuttgart test facility where a variety of Mercedes-Benz commercial products were put through their paces.
Dennis DesRosiers presented his Outlook for the Used Vehicle Market in Canada to those in attendance.
Canadian Black Book hosted a Residual and Wholesale Value Discussion at the Donalda Golf Club in Toronto, Ontario. Representative from OEMs , lessors, and others in the fleet industry were on hand to network and get up to speed on the used vehicle market in Canada. Dennis DesRosiers from DesRosiers Automotive Consultants presented research on the used vehicle sector in Canada. Brian Murphy from JD Power discussed the Power Information Network and gave an overview of the Canadian vehicle market spanning the past four years. Josh Bailey from Canadian Black Book presented an aggregate snap shot of recent wholesale value and residual value trends, and what to expect in the near future.
(From left) Bill Rowe, Ford of Canada presented Ming Tsang, Mary Kay, with the keys to the new Ford Edge, while Ray Patrick, Mary Kay looked on.
Ford of Canada delivered a pink Ford Edge to Mary Kay Cosmetics in Mississauga, to inaugurate a new partnership. Ford representatives, invited guests and employees of Mary Kay watched as Ming Tsang, Independent Sales Director, was presented with keys to the Edge. The vehicle is part of the Mary Kay Career Car program, intended to recognize employee business achievements.
“I’m excited to have reached this milestone in my Mary Kay business,” said Ming. “Earning a Mary Kay Career Car is the ultimate symbol of success, and for the company to recognize my hard work and dedication to enriching women’s lives with a new Ford Edge, in pink nonetheless, is truly remarkable. This car really fits my needs as a driver and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and paint the town pink.”
This is the first of six Fords that will enter Mary Kay’s fleet of vehicles, which will include both Edge and Taurus.
“Working together on this project with the Mary Kay team has been a pleasure, which further solidifies our strong partnership. We are just as excited to see these vehicles coming to fruition,” said Barb Cooper, Business Development Manager, Fleet Sales, Ford of Canada.
(From left) Ronnie Adams and Paul Lescisin, Mertin GM, with the new Chevolet Caprice police vehicle.
Mertin GMC hosted an event at the RCMP Pacific Region Training Facility in Chilliwack, British Columbia this week showcasing the Chevrolet Caprice PPV. Law enforcement officials were on hand to test drive the Caprice. Paul Lescisin and Ronnie Adams from Mertin GMC Fleet and Commercial Sales department were on hand to answer any questions.
Representatives from Ford, PHH and others took part in a tour of Ford's Oakville Assembly complex which showed Ford's flexible manufacturing process.
Ford Motor Company played host to PHH’s Service Fleet User Group recently. In addition to sharing best practices, the group learned more about Ford’s current and upcoming product and technology line up. Scott Cauvel, Vice-President of Sales for Ford of Canada shared some of the company’s commercial truck strategy and fielded questions from the attendees.
The event concluded with a special tour of Ford’s Oakville Assembly complex, where user group members witnessed Ford’s flexible and lean manufacturing processes.
(From left) Joe Werb, Ontario Power Generation and Huw Williams, Impact Public Affairs, discuss the legislative update presented by Williams.
Fleet professionals attended a State of the Automotive Industry panel discussion with OEM participants, a legislative updates, a fleet exposition, and a ride 'n drive all as part of NAFA Fleet Management Association's Canadian Fleet Conference at Doubletree International Plaza Hotel in Toronto, Ontario and Canada's Wonderland in Vaughan, Ont.
Jean-Marie De Koninck, professor and researcher at Laval University gave the keynote speech. Other seminars presented included: Inventory Management, Green Fleet Management: Using Data to Make Informed Decisions, Driver Training, an Introduction to NAFA education and a study on Outsourcing.
Nissan LEAF electric vehicle makes a stop at a local vegatable market.
Nissan LEAF, one of a small handful of electric offerings available in Canada currently, officially launched in Montreal, Quebec last week. The five-door mid-size hatchback has already found a home with a number of fleet customers. The first LEAF delivered in Canada was to PowerStream, a municipally owned electricity distribution company in Ontario; more are on order with utilities in Quebec and British Columbia.
The LEAF can carry five adults with a top speed of 140 kilometres per hour, powered by a Lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged up to 80 per cent of its full capacity in approximately 26 minutes when equipped with a quick charge port and using a DC fast charger. The battery pack carries a warranty of eight years or 160,000 km. The LEAF has a range of 160 km.
Through the Nissan CARWINGS telematics system, which is connected to a global data center, (subscription required, no charge for 36 months), LEAF drivers are able to use mobile phones to turn on air conditioning and set charging functions remotely, even when the vehicle is powered down. The system also displays “reachable area,” as well as showing a selection of nearby charging stations. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be programmed to recharge the batteries.
The 2011 Nissan LEAF is scheduled to commence sales in select Canadian markets beginning in Fall 2011, followed by the rest of Canada in 2012. LEAFs purchased in Quebec and Ontario qualify for green incentives of up to $8,500.
(From left) Reg Furoy, Michelle Ariztegui, Richard Pasta, and George Lykopoulos, from Kia Canada Inc., hosted Kia Canada's fleet event at the Taboo Resort in Gravenhurst, Ontario.
Kia Canada held its fourth annual fleet event at the Taboo Resort in Gravenhurst, Ontario. The 2012 Kia Rio5 and Soul were unveiled during a short presentation. Information seminars were also part of the event and included such topics as residuals (Josh Bailey, Canadian Black Book); technology reviewing GDI engine technology, ECO dynamics, vehicle stability management; and the new UVO entertainment system. In addition, a brief history of Kia was presented, an overview of the 2012 product line, introduction to Kia Fleet teams newsletter and a look at future products.
“This year’s fleet event not only showcased our product through a ride and drive but through the information presented in the seminars as well,” said Richard Pasta, Fleet Manager, Kia Canada Inc. We also launched our online fleet newsletter called “The Fleet Guide” which gives our clients access to information at their fingertips.”
A ride and drive provided an opportunity for fleet professionals to drive Kia’s product line.
Attendees to ARI's fleet seminars in western Canada learned about a new business intelligence technology available from ARI.
Automotive Resources International (ARI) recently showed its new business intelligence technology to nearly 70 clients and industry professionals who attended their fleet seminars in Vancouver, British Columbia, Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta. The technology is used by fewer than 30 companies worldwide and is the latest in data management and reporting.
(From left) Monte Kwinter, MPP, Frank Scarpitti, PowerStream and Mayor Town of Markham, Allen Childs, Nissan Canada and Brian Bentz, PowerStream were on hand to witness Nissan Canada make its first Canadian delivery of the all-electric Nissan LEAF at PowerStream in Vaughan, Ontario.
Nissan Canada, Inc. (NCI) delivered LEAF all-electric vehicles to PowerStream, a municipally- owned Ontario electricity distribution company; the vehicles were the first Canadian delivery of the LEAF.
“Electricity is the new fuel for cars and drivers have the freedom to choose a future with no tailpipe emissions or dependence on fossil fuels,” said Allen Childs, President, NCI. “This Nissan LEAF delivery is just the beginning of the sustainable mobility movement in Canada.”
(From left) John Mulrooney, PowerStream Inc., with David Kennedy, Nissan Canada Inc., welcome the first Canadian delivery of the Nissan LEAF to PowerStream.
"As leaders in our respective industries who share a common commitment to protecting the environment, it's fitting that PowerStream and Nissan are joining forces here today to officially introduce this new and exciting vehicle into the Canadian marketplace," said Scarpitti. "The Nissan LEAF is a testament to the new frontier beginning to unfold in automotive transportation. We commend Nissan for its foresight and look forward to using our new LEAFs as a means of testing the impact of electric vehicles on our distribution grid."
New Ford Focus Electric was on display, it will use lithium-ion liquid cooled/heated batteries with a 23-kWhr capacity.
The Ford Motor Company hosted a "Drive Green Ontario" event at the Allstream Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Chad D’Arcy, Focus Electric Marketing Manager for Ford reviewed the company's green technology aims, its sustainable materials strategy and its fuel efficient vehicles. Including: using post-consumer plastics, post-industrial yarns, soy-based polyurethane and engineering wood technology to help create seats, doors, batteries and tires. Ford's strategy to improve fuel economy is a step-by-step process that includes: weight reduction (fuel economy saving of seven per cent), energy management (four per cent), mechanical improvement (10 per cent), aerodynamics refinement (7.8 per cent), system optimization (4.5 per cent) and electrification. The last Objective includes producing five full electric or hybrid vehicles by 2012.
D’Arcy also spoke briefly about the new Ford Focus Electric on display. The vehicle will use lithium-ion liquid cooled/heated batteries with a 23-kWhr capacity. Some other components specific to the Focus Electric are: motor controller, high-voltage electric HVAC compressor (designed for electric applications), electric water pumps, traction motor, electric power steering, a single-speed transmission, modular powertrain cradle, electric vehicle pump, high-voltage electric coolant heater and controller, AC charger, and DC-AC converter.
Following the presentation attendees participated in a fuel economy challenge drive with the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and Ford Explorer. Other vehicles available were: Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, and Ford Transit Connect Electric.
Law enforcement officials took part in various modules including a maneuverability module which allowed for drives on the Ontario Police College's street track.
Chrysler Canada invited law enforcement professionals to experience the new Dodge Charger Enforcer police vehicle at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario. A presentation described Chrysler’s Law Enforcement Plan, which includes changes to the Enforcer as recommended by the Police Advisory Board. Dodge Enforcer; a vehicle designed specifically for law enforcement comes equipped with either a 3.6 litre V-6 Pentastar (292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque) or a 5.7L V-8 HEMI (370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque), and rear-wheel drive with ESC. Chrysler is offering a factory upfit program on Enforcer that will be installed by Crown North America and warranted by Chrysler.
Chrysler Charger Enforcer police vehicle was put through its paces at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario.
Unique police features on the Enforcer are: 220amp alternator, 800CCA HD battery, P225/60R18 Goodyear or Firestone tires, hydro-electric power steering, dedicated fused circuits and vehicle systems interface module.
Police officials attending were organized in four groups and took part in a reverse handling module; maneuverability module, which allowed drives on the Ontario Police College’s street track; a vehicle walk around module; and an Enforcer upfitting module.
The Dodge Enforcer will be built at the Brampton Assembly Plant.
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