Global Automakers in Canada Want an Industry Impact Assessment Before Shifting to a Single North American Emission Standard

June 27, 2019

William Kucinski

Image courtesy: Kichigin/Shutterstock.com

Global Automakers of Canada (GAC) – which represents the Canadian interests of its 15 member companies from Europe, Japan, and Korea – stated concerns with a new “ memorandum of understanding ” (MOU) between Canada and California to pursue policy and regulatory measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and air pollutant emission from vehicles, engines, and fuels. The agreement is seen as a response to the current administration’s reversal of established fuel-economy and emissions standards.

Some of GAC’s member companies have led the industry in introducing alternative propulsion technologies (e.g., hybrid-electric and electric vehicles) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and – in general – the GAC supports “de-carbonizing” transportation. However, the GAC is arguing that there has been no modelling done to gauge the impact on the Canadian automotive sector, consumer impacts, or the potential to achieve GHG reduction targets in regard to aligning under U.S. regulation.

“Our concern is that today's announcement appears to be putting the cart before the horse,” says David Adams, president of GAC. “The situation with respect to emission standards for light duty cars and trucks through 2025 in the United States has not been settled yet, and Canada's current regulations incorporate by reference those same standards.”

William Kucinski is content editor at SAE International, Aerospace Products Group in Warrendale, Pa. Previously, he worked as a writer at the NASA Safety Center in Cleveland, Ohio and was responsible for writing the agency’s System Failure Case Studies. His interests include literally anything that has to do with space, past and present military aircraft, and propulsion technology.

Contact him regarding any article or collaboration ideas by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..