OTTAWA - The Government of Canada today released the list of 2008 model year vehicles eligible for the ecoAUTO Rebate Program.

Since March 20, 2007, Canadians have been offered rebates from $1,000 to $2,000 on the purchase or lease (12 months or more) in Canada of new fuel-efficient vehicles.

"The ecoAUTO Rebate Program is one example of how this government is encouraging Canadians to make more environmentally friendly transportation choices. It also saves them money and protects their health and the environment," said the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

Model year 2006, 2007 and 2008 vehicles qualifying for the rebate include some hybrid electric vehicles and highly energy-efficient vehicles. The list of eligible vehicles is available on the Transport Canada website and includes:

• new passenger cars with a combined city-highway fuel consumption of 6.5 litres (L)/ 100 kilometres (km) or less;
• new minivans, sport utility vehicles and other light trucks with a combined city-highway fuel consumption of 8.3 L/100 km or less; and
• new flex-fuel vehicles (vehicles equipped by manufacturers to operate on gasoline or a blend of 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent gasoline) with a combined city-highway E85 fuel consumption rating of 13.0 L/100 km or less.

The application form is available on the Internet at www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoauto, at vehicle dealers, by calling the ecoAUTO toll-free number at 1-866-506-6804 or by visiting any Service Canada Centre to download and print the form.

A rebate cheque will be sent if the application meets all eligibility requirements.

The ecoAUTO Rebate Program supports the Government of Canada's ecoTRANSPORT Strategy, which is aimed at:

• improving the health of Canadians and the environment by reducing the environmental impacts of transportation;
• securing Canada's future prosperity and competitiveness by making critical transportation infrastructure sustainable, both economically and environmentally; and
• promoting an efficient transportation system that supports choice and the high quality of life that Canadians expect.

• ecoAUTO Rebate Program - Backgrounder