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July 13, 2009
DODGE VIPER CONTINUES
Chrysler announced it would continue production of Dodge Viper, recently the subject of speculation as a possible asset sale. More than 25,000 Vipers have been built since being introduced. “…The ultimate American-built sports car with its world-class performance will live on as the iconic image leader for the Dodge brand,” said Mike Accavitti, president and CEO, Dodge.

July 7, 2009
J.D. POWER SURVEYS VEHICLE QUALITY
Lexus ranked first in the U.S. Initial Quality Survey, Porsche followed, then Cadillac, Hyundai and Honda. Ford and Chevrolet also ranked in the top 10. BMW’s Mini brand ranked last. “Even in the face of unprecedented challenges, the Detroit automakers are keeping their focus on designing and building high-quality vehicles, which is a precondition for long-term success,” said David Sargent, vice-president of automotive research, J.D. Power. Toyota, Lexus and Scion earned 10 segment awards, Ford and Mercury four, Nissan two, Honda two, Chevrolet and GMC two; Chrysler and Hyundai one each.

July 6, 2009
J.D. POWER RANKS CANADIAN PLANTS
General Motors (GM) Oshawa, Ontario car plant got J.D. Power and Associates’ Silver Plant Quality Award for North/South America. Canadian plants in Cambridge, Ont. (Toyota Motor Corporation) and Ingersoll, Ont. (GM) also placed in the top 15. Ford Edge, built at Ford’s Oakville, Ont. plant, and Honda Ridgeline, built in Alliston, Ont.  ranked highest in midsize multi-activity vehicle and midsize pick-up categories. “Canadian automotive plants continue to build some of the highest-quality vehicles in the world,” said Darren Slind, senior director, national practice leader; J.D. Power Canadian operations.

July 6, 2009
FORD TOPS JUNE CANADIAN AUTO SALES
The Ford Motor Company of Canada was the top-selling Canadian automaker in Canada in June for first time in 50 years. Ford sold 27,408 vehicles (6,648 cars, 20,760 trucks) in June 2009, up 24.6 per cent year-over-year. “This is a historic day for Ford in Canada,” said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. Ford has increased its Canadian market share for eight consecutive months. 

July 3, 2009
BC INCREASES FUEL TAX
British Columbia increased tax rates on fuel, including gasoline and diesel, effective July 1, 2009. Gasoline is taxed 3.51 cents per litre and diesel 4.04 cents/litre. Rates are in effect until June 30, 2010.

July 2, 2009
THE NEW CHRYSLER - A STRONGER MORE GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE COMPANY
A letter from Mr. Ken Tuckey, senior manager, national fleet talks about what is happening with Chrysler, especially here in Canada as it relates to Chrysler Canada National Fleet.
Click here to download the letter in PDF.

July 2, 2009
DRIVERS MUST HEED STOPPED SCHOOL BUSSES
In the United States, legislators in Rhode Island, Arkansas and North Carolina recently approved the use of cameras to record and prosecute drivers who pass stopped school busses embarking or disembarking students. The initiative is called Stop Arm Camera Legislation. School districts in these jurisdictions will equip busses with video cameras and other electronic warning devices to reduce and more effectively prosecute such violations.

June 30, 2009
FORD MOVES STRONGLY GREEN
Helped by a U.S. Department of Energy $5.9 billion loan, the Ford Motor Company will pursue additional ‘green’ technologies. The funds will be applied to: conversion of two truck manufacturing plants to building cars, accelerated internal combustion engine technologies and development of electric vehicles. Eleven Ford plants will be involved. “This green partnership between Ford and the U.S. government will help accelerate the development of advanced technologies for even better fuel efficiency and emissions,” said Ford president and CEO, Alan Mulally.

June 30, 2009
ALBERTA BANS ILLEGAL ARMOURED VEHICLES
Alberta has amended Vehicle Equipment Regulations under the Traffic Safety Act, banning illegal armoured vehicles. Armoured vehicles can now be required undergo safety inspections. Failure removes the vehicle from the road and the driver faces a fine of $2,000 as well as a six-month jail term. “This is a significant step in government’s overall approach to gang suppression and safe communities,” said Alberta’s Justice Minister. Police, military and valuable goods transport vehicles are not affected.

June 29, 2009
NISSAN WILL PRODUCE PROPOSED ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLES IN THE U.S.A.
Nissan North America (NNA) will build zero-emissions vehicles and lithium-ion batteries at its Smyrna, Tennessee plant. The U.S. Department of Energy conditionally approved $1.6 billion loan for the project. Construction will begin in 2009; production starts late in 2012. When operational, capacity is estimated at 150,000 vehicles and 200,000 batteries annually.

June 26, 2009
HYDRO-QUEBEC AND FORD JOIN TO TEST ESCAPE PHEVS
The Ford Motor Company’s North American demonstration and research program for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) is now a component of Hydro-Quebec and Electric Power research Institute’s test program. A three-year program involves Ford Escape PHEVs with high voltage lithium-ion batteries using 120V current. “The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that could be achieved through the electrification of transport in Quebec, where 98 per cent of electricity is produced from renewable sources, would be considerable,” said Thierry Vandal, Hydro-Quebec president and CEO.

June 26, 2009
CANADA INVESTS IN BIOFUELS
GreenField Ethanol’s Johnstown, Ontario plant will get up to $110.2 million over seven years through Canada’s Natural Resources ecoENERGY Biofuels program, and an additional $7.3 million in repayable funds through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s ecoAgriculture Biofuels program. “This funding will build market demand for agriculture products and create economic opportunities in our community while contributing to a healthier environment for all Canadians,” said the Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville.

June 19, 2009
CHRYSLER WILL REOPEN PLANTS
Chrysler Group LLC will resume production at seven North American plants, June 29, 2009. Plants to reopen are:

• Brampton Assembly Plant (Brampton, Ontario);
• Windsor Assembly Plant (Windsor, Ontario);
• Toluca Assembly Plant (Toluca, Mexico);
• Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (Sterling Heights, Michigan);
• Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Warren, Michigan);
• St. Louis North Assembly Plant (Fenton, Missouri);
• Toledo Supplier Park (Toledo, Ohio).

Powertrain and Stamping facilities supplying these plants will also open. Production at other plants will be announced at a later date.

June 18, 2009
SHELL STATION IN OTTAWA PUMPS CELLULOSIC ETHANOL
It’s the world’s first to pump a gasoline/biofuel combination using wheat straw. Regular gasoline contains 10 per cent cellulosic ethanol as produced at Iogen Energy’s Corporation demo plant. However, the cellulosic ethanol variant produces up to 90 per cent less CO2 emissions. “While it will be some time before general customers can buy this product at local service stations, we are working with governments to make large-scale production economic,” said Dr. Graeme Sweeney, Shell executive vice-president.

June 17, 2009
NAFA ADVISORY GROUP CREATED
The National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) has created a Canadian Legislative Advisory Group to identify issues with strategic significance to NAFA. “The Canadian Legislative Advisory Group will help prioritize issues and act as a sounding board for ideas and comments on regulations and legislation,” said Kate Vigneau, CAFM. Members can contact NAFA’s legislative team using a new toll-free phone number (866-935-9969) or e-mail (nafa@impactcanada.com).

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