News Release

International Automakers Dominate AJAC and ecoENERGY Awards

TORONTO (February 11, 2009) – The member companies of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada (AIAMC) took home ecoENERGY awards in an impressive 8 of 10 categories and also captured 3 of 4 Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) awards handed out today, including the coveted “Canadian ” for the , at the 2009 Canadian International Autoshow.

“AIAMC member companies have again been recognized for their commitment to deliver leading edge technology vehicles to the Canadian marketplace,” said David Adams, President of AIAMC. “I congratulate each of our member companies that have won awards today, it is a testament to their determination to ensure Canadian consumers have access to the highest quality and most fuel efficient vehicles,” added Adams.

The Canadian Car of the Year Award is handed out on an annual basis by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Vehicles in a variety of categories are tested and rated by journalists from across Canada. "Winning the Canadian Car of the Year award with the Genesis is absolutely terrific news," said Steve Kelleher, president and CEO, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. won the AJAC award for “Best New Technology” for its Super All Wheel Control system used on the Lancer Evolution. “We are honoured to receive such a prestigious AJAC award, and the consumer recognition that comes with it,” commented Mr. Koji Soga, President and CEO.

Honda Canada Inc. won AJAC’s “Best New Design” award for the new 2009 . "We thank the AJAC members for this design award," said Jerry Chenkin, Executive Vice President of Honda Canada Inc. "We built the Fit to meet the needs of our customers, and their response has been overwhelmingly positive.

The ecoENERGY awards are determined by Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency and are awarded to vehicles in 10 different vehicle classes.

“Year after year AIAMC member companies lead the industry with their new clean and green engine technologies and the ecoENERGY awards given today recognize that leadership.” Adams stated. “AIAMC is proud to represent so many companies that have been given these prestigious awards today.”

“The ecoENERGY for Vehicles Awards presented today recognize the most fuel-efficient cars and light trucks available right now in Canada. These awards not only recognize the efforts of manufacturers, but they also provide more information for customers who are considering their next vehicle purchase,” said the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. “I’d like to congratulate the members of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada for their strong showing in this year’s awards.”

The AIAMC members with winning vehicles in their ecoENGERGY categories are listed below:

Company Category Winner Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. Two-Seater smart for two BMW Group Canada Subcompact MINI Cooper/Cooper Clubman Toyota Canada Inc. Subcompact Toyota Yaris Honda Canada Inc. Compact Toyota Canada Inc. Mid-Size Toyota Prius Honda Canada Inc. Full-Size Sedan Hyundai Canada Corp. Full-Size Volkswagen Canada Group Inc. Station Wagon Jetta Wagon TDI Clean Diesel Mazda Canada Inc. Pickup Truck Mazda B2300 Mazda Canada Inc. Minivan Mazda 5

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For further information contact:

David C. Adams President Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada Office:(416) 595-8251 x22 Cell: (416) 333-2873 [email protected]

The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada is the national industry association representing the interests of fourteen member companies engaged in the manufacture, importation, distribution and servicing of light duty vehicles in Canada. AIAMC membership includes BMW Canada Inc., Honda Canada Inc., Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., Jaguar Land Rover Canada Inc.,Kia Canada Inc., Mazda Canada Inc., Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc., Nissan Canada Inc., Porsche Cars Canada Ltd., Subaru Canada, Inc., Canada Inc., Toyota Canada Inc., and Volkswagen Group Canada Inc.