“Our Government is ensuring that Canadians have the tools to help them choose a fuel-efficient vehicle that will reduce fuel costs and lower their vehicle’s impact on the environment,” said Minister Cannon.

Consumers can use the 2008 Fuel Consumption Guide to compare the fuel consumption ratings and carbon dioxide emissions of passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in Canada. The guide is available from most participating new vehicle dealerships, motor vehicle licence agency offices, participating Credit Union offices across Canada, participating Caisses populaires et d’économie Desjardins in Quebec, participating Canadian Automobile Association offices across Canada or on the Web at www.ecoaction.gc.ca/vehicles" target="_blank">http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/vehicles">www.ecoaction.gc.ca/vehicles.

The ecoENERGY for Vehicles Awards are a part of the Government of Canada’s ecoENERGY initiative — a $3.6-billion set of focused measures to help Canadians use energy more efficiently, boost renewable energy supplies and develop cleaner energy technologies. The winners of the 2008 Awards in each of the ten vehicle classes are as follows:

-- Two-seater car: smart fortwo
-- Subcompact car: MINI Cooper/Cooper Clubman and Toyota Yaris (co-winners)
-- Compact car: Honda Civic Hybrid
-- Mid-size car: Toyota Prius
-- Full-size car: Honda Accord Sedan
-- Station wagon: Honda Fit
-- Pickup truck: Ford Ranger and Mazda B2300 (co-winners)
-- Special purpose vehicle: Ford Escape Hybrid
-- Minivan: Mazda5
-- Large van: Chevrolet Express Cargo/GMC Savana Cargo.

Source: Natural Resources Canada