Canada Diesel Deal Not Near

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Truck diesel engine makers disputed claims by Canadian officials that they were working on a settlement over alleged emissions violations, similar to the one the manufacturers signed with U.S. officials in October.

Two of the diesel makers said they aren’t negotiating, and two others said they are not involved in talks with the Canadians at all. The two other manufacturers refused to return calls seeking comment.

Brian Jonah, director of motor vehicle standards and research for Transport Canada, the country’s transportation ministry, said March 4 that his agency was hoping for a Canadian version of the settlement signed in October by the six major manufacturers of diesel engines in the United States (3-8, p. 3).

A Canadian settlement, which would be patterned on the $1 billion consent agreement reached by engine makers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, could mean more penalties for the companies and possibly drag out the resolution of their alleged violations of the U.S. Clean Air Act.

Canada follows U.S. emissions standards, so engines approved by the EPA are automatically considered legal for use there.

For the full story, see the March 15 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.