ZEV regulations won’t help Quebec dealers or consumers, says GAC

Regulations to support Bill 104, an act to increase the number of zero-emissions motor vehicles (ZEVs) in Québec in order to reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions, may do more harm than good, according to David Adams, president of the Global Automakers of Canada (GAC).

While the group supports the ultimate intent of the legislation and accompanying regulations which were issued last week, they disagree with the premise that Bil 104 will dramatically increase the introduction of ZEVs in Quebec.

“Rather, in the face of limited demand for ZEVs in Quebec, Bill 104 will distort the market in ways that may not only harm Quebec consumers and automobile dealers, but also set back the goal of achieving the larger objectives of significant carbon emissions reductions in Quebec,”said Adams.

He said the group is concerned that Quebec will not be able to meet its objectives without dramatically amping up investment in, and deployment of, new and expanded charging and refueling infrastructure.

“Further, it is absolutely essential that the government maintain competitive incentives for the long-term to spur consumer demand,” said Adams.

Recommendations from the auto industry in the pre-consultations leading up to the release of the regulations, were not reflected, according to GAC.

“It is one thing for the government to have disregarded the advice and recommendations provided by the industry, but it is completely disingenuous to then make the regulations that much more stringent than originally contemplated by the government,” said Adams.

Without significant changes, the legislation could become “nothing more than a tax on new vehicles,” he added.

The regulations supporting Bill 104 are out for consultation for a 45-day period. Currently, the demand for zero-emission vehicles represents just one percent of vehicle sales in Quebec.

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