The Honorable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, has announced the Government of Canada’s 2012 ecoENERGY for Vehicles Awards, which recognize the most fuel-efficient new vehicles sold in Canada in ten different classes.

These vehicles will help Canadians save on fuel costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For all 2012 model year vehicles, fuel consumption ratings are available at vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca. As highlighted by Minister Oliver, these ratings will provide Canadians with the right tools to make informed decisions to lower their fuel costs while helping the environment.

Through this website, consumers can compare the fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions of new cars and light-duty trucks sold in Canada.

In Canada, as part of the overall transportation sector, personal vehicles account for over half of the energy use which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The ecoENERGY Efficiency for Vehicles program is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions by seventeen percent by 2020. This goal is aligned with the United States.

The award winners in each of the classes are:

• Two-seater car: Honda CR-Z (co-winner)
• Two-seater car: Smart ForTwo (co-winner)
• Subcompact car: Mitsubishi i-MiEV
• Compact car: Chevrolet Volt
• Mid-size car: Nissan LEAF
• Full-size car: Hyundai Sonata
• Station wagon: Toyota Prius v
• Pickup truck: Toyota Tacoma
• Special purpose vehicle: Ford Escape Hybrid
• Minivan: Mazda5
• Large van: Ford Transit Connect Van