OTTAWA - Cliff Mackay is the new President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada, effective May 1.

Mackay has extensive experience in government and industry at a senior level, recently as President of the Air Transport Association of Canada and a board member of NAV Canada. In the past, he served as a senior executive in the aerospace industry and was in leadership positions with the federal government for more than 20 years dealing with industry and economic development.

The announcement was made today by Sean Finn, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the RAC and Senior Vice-president, Public Affairs, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of Canadian National Railway. "Mr. Mackay is a proven leader with energy, and is very results-oriented," said Mr. Finn. Mackay said he is excited to be joining a first-class organization. He said he looks forward to working with government, the industry and other stakeholders in ensuring Canada's railways play an active role in meeting the nation's future needs and challenges in transportation, in both domestic and international markets.

Among other awards, Mackay is a recipient of the C.D. Howe Award for his contributions to industrial policy, has a B.A. (Honours) in Economics and History from the University of New Brunswick and a M.A. in Economics from McMaster University. He is a native of Winnipeg. The RAC represents the 58 freight and passenger railways operating in Canada today. They move two-thirds of the freight in Canada, and 60 million passengers annually.

New SiM innovations track everything from company cars, speeding teens and Alzheimer patients

Solutions Into Motion Limited (SiM) has burst onto Canada’s tech scene with the introduction of ingenious monitoring products using cell phones, GPS and the web.

SiM is a privately owned Canadian company which already has more than 3,500 of its GPS enabled cell-phones deployed by hundreds of Canadian companies to keep track of their work forces.
By merging GPS, cellular and web-based technology SiM has helped businesses monitor employee whereabouts and to track business assets, in the process lowering insurance rates, fuel costs and depreciation as well as providing piece of mind to workers.

Recently, new variations of SiM technology have captured the eye of consumer users. The utilization of SiM technology to help families keep tabs on their cars while on loan to teenagers is the key behind all the buzz. SiM is grabbing headlines with its ingenious, somewhat controversial product Trackem that tracks your vehicle’s location and speed, and alerts you when your car (or family member) is breaking speed limits or is in unapproved areas.

As pre-set speed metrics or boundaries are breached, Trackem send users an email or text message. Families are gravitating to the product for anti-auto-theft reasons resulting in lower insurance rates, however, more for the peace of mind it offers parents and the enhanced safety it brings to their children. Vince Poloniato, President of SiM, says, “While teenagers may at first perceive this technology to be restrictive, surprisingly our findings show the opposite to be true. We’re finding parents actually grant more freedom and mobility to the teen using Trackem.”
The public can order ‘Trackem Lite’ for their cars by visiting online at www.trackem.com
The introduction of Trackem Lite builds on the success of a Trackem GPS equipped cell phone already sold through more than 200 dealers across Canada.

Now, Poloniato is broadening applications of the technology with numerous new variations and distribution channels, including expansion into automotive, farm and heavy equipment sectors. “To keep up with demand we’re actively pursing distribution partners across North America,” says Poloniato. SiM business users have turned the Trackem enabled cell phones into business advantage in many unique ways. In one case, a transportation company was penalized with $400 of extra charges for allegedly failing to meet a crane company at an appointed drop site. The company refuted the claim, using Trackem to prove they were there.

While not without controversy, the monitoring and tracking falls well within privacy regulations. And it is effective. In one instance, children of an Alzheimer’s patient bought a Trackem cell phone and gave it to their father. When he goes for a walk, they know where he is. When he gets lost and confused, the family uses the Internet to locate him and send assistance.
Solutions Into Motion is a new spin-off company of Hamilton-based wireless distributor Primeline Connections established in 1996. Solutions Into Motion is carving a niche in the wireless industry with unique solutions that combine GPS, cellular and Internet.

In January, 7 out of 10 provinces saw improved sales results compared to December. The majority of the provinces posted either slight gains or losses during the month. However, there were three notable exceptions.

On the plus side, vehicle sales in Nova Scotia surged by 23.2% in January compared to the previous month. This was the largest sales gain since July 2003, and the third consecutive increase for the province. Prince Edward Island also had a notable 10.1% increase, although the gain came on the heels of an even larger drop in December.

Among the few provinces that did not post higher sales in January, Saskatchewan stood out with a 5.0% decrease. While sales in most provinces were weak in the autumn before recovering somewhat at the end of 2005, sales in Saskatchewan have continued to trend downwards since the end of last summer. In January, 3,005 new vehicles were sold in Saskatchewan, the third lowest monthly sales result in the past five years.

Note to readers

All data in this release are seasonally adjusted.

Passenger cars include those used for personal and commercial purposes, such as taxis or rental cars. Trucks include minivans, sport-utility vehicles, light and heavy trucks, vans and buses.

North American built new motor vehicles include vehicles manufactured or assembled in Canada, the United States or Mexico. All other new motor vehicles are considered to have been manufactured overseas.

For reasons of confidentiality, data for Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are included with those for British Columbia.

The New Motor Vehicle Sales Survey is compiled on the basis of figures obtained from motor vehicle manufacturers and importers. These results may vary from those obtained directly from auto dealers, due to possible differences in record keeping.

Kitchener Road Construction and Closures

ST. THOMAS, ON, March 10 - More than 2,000 CAW Local 1001 members at the Sterling Truck assembly plant in St. Thomas, Ontario walked off the job at midnight on a legal strike.

Outstanding issues include wages, time off the job, pension and benefits.

"We weren't able to reach an agreement. There was a lot of hard work done by the bargaining committee to bring a reasonable, responsible proposal to the table but the company refused to match the needs of our members," said Richard Laverty, the chairperson of the CAW bargaining committee. "Our members have worked inordinate amounts of overtime to meet unprecedented levels of production. The company has refused to recognize their hard work."

In spite of record production levels at the St. Thomas plant, Sterling was awarded the best truck in its class by JD Power and Associates. The plant is running flat out on three shifts. In 2003, the plant produced 78 units per day - today it produces 114 units per day. The St. Thomas plant builds the Sterling HX heavy duty truck and the Acterra medium duty truck.

Sales of Sterling trucks increased by 24 per cent last year and 71 per cent during the last three years. The St. Thomas plant utilization rate is 110 per cent.

"There's absolutely no reason for this corporation to refuse to recognize the Sterling workers' demands for a decent settlement. Sales are at their highest level in history and profit is way up, in fact the commercial vehicles division was responsible for 42 per cent of DaimlerChrysler's operating profit," said Bob Chernecki, assistant to the CAW president. "The bargaining committee and the membership have worked extremely hard in a very difficult environment to improve quality and productivity."

"We face significant challenges in an increasingly competitive industry and it has always been the quality of our people that gave us the ultimate competitive advantage," said Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "The new team will enhance the resources we have to take on those challenges and succeed," Mr. Ghosn said.

The following changes are effective July 1, 2006:

- Jed Connelly, Senior Vice President, sales and marketing, Nissan North America (NNA), has chosen to retire after a Nissan career that began in the late 1980s. Under the direction of Connelly, 60, combined Nissan and Infiniti vehicle sales increased more than 50 percent in the United States, Nissan's largest market in the world.

- Succeeding Connelly will be Brad Bradshaw, currently Vice President and General Manager, Nissan Division, NNA. In his new role, Bradshaw will direct all sales, marketing and product planning activities for Nissan and Infiniti divisions.

- Jim Morton, Senior Vice President, administration and finance, NNA, will become Vice Chairman, NNA and continue his direction of Nissan's U.S. government and community affairs activities.

- Succeeding Morton will be Dominique Thormann, currently Senior Vice President, administration and finance, Nissan Europe (NE). As SVP administration and finance at NNA, Thormann will be responsible for finance, legal, human resources, corporate planning, corporate communications, security and audit for Nissan's North American operations. In addition, Thormann also has responsibility for the NNA sales financing affiliate Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation (NMAC).

- Doug Betts, currently Vice President, product quality, NNA is made Senior Vice President of Total Customer Satisfaction including product quality, customer satisfaction of sales and service and corporate quality assurance, NNA. This change is effective April 1st, 2006.

- Bill Bosley, currently Managing Director, Nissan Motor Great Britain, will succeed Bradshaw as Vice President, General Manager Nissan Division, and will be responsible for sales, marketing, and administration activities for NNA's Nissan Division.

- Larry Dominique, currently Director, Product Planning, NNA is made Vice President, Product Planning, NNA responsible for advanced planning and product planning for Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. Dominique replaces Jack Collins who's retiring.

Related changes in Nissan Europe

- Eric Nicolas, currently Director, corporate planning, business strategy and program management Office, NNA, will succeed Thormann as Senior Vice President, administration and finance, NE. Nicolas will be responsible for finance, legal, human resources, corporate communications, corporate planning, cost and profit management, organization development, audit and general affairs for Nissan's European operations.

- Gary Frigo, now Vice President, sales operations, Nissan Europe, will succeed Bosley as Managing Director, Nissan Motors Great Britain.

"All these responsibilities are crucial to the successful fulfillment of the Nissan Value-Up business plan and our longer term success," Mr. Ghosn said. "I would like to particularly recognize the contribution and leadership of Jed Connelly, who led the North American team through a period of unprecedented growth and profitability. I know everyone at Nissan wishes him and his family the best in the future."

After working for Sterling Motorcars and Volkswagen of America, Connelly joined Nissan in 1989 as national direct marketing manager for Infiniti, as the luxury-car division was being launched. He served as regional general manager in the Southwest and as director of remarketing before leaving Nissan in 1994 to join Predelivery Service Corp., a vehicle processor for Ford Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motor Sales.

Connelly rejoined Nissan in 1998 as director of staff operations for Nissan Division and was promoted through the sales and marketing organization to his current position, in which he is responsible for all marketing and sales functions for Nissan and Infiniti divisions.

Domestic sales of refined petroleum products - January 2006 (Preliminary)

Sales of refined petroleum products totalled 7 795 200 cubic metres in January, down 9.7% from January 2005. Sales decreased in all of the seven major product groups, with heavy fuel oil down 225 100 cubic metres or 27.3%. Light fuel oil sales fell 175 000 cubic metres or 23.6%. Motor Gasoline sales decreased 157 900 cubic metres or 4.8%.

By grade, sales of regular non-leaded gasoline fell 3.6%, while sales of mid-grade and premium gasoline dropped 5.3% and 17.8% respectively, compared to January 2005.

Thirteen countries forged an alliance on Wednesday to adopt a levy on plane tickets to help poor countries fight AIDS and other killer diseases, despite resistance from airlines, reports Reuters.

A further 25 countries opted not to impose the tax but promised to contribute to a central pot which the core group of 13 will create from the levy to fund the purchase of generic drugs and other medicines to help the poor. Brazil, Britain, Chile, Congo, Cyprus, France, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mauritius, Nicaragua, and Norway have now agreed to raise or started raising a sum from air tickets to help the poor, they said in a closing statement. The 25 others included countries such as Germany, Belgium, Austria, South Africa, South Korea and Mexico.

Le Monde (France) writes that the objective of the tax is to improve access to medications while creating a decrease in their prices by negotiating grouped purchases early on, thereby acting as an incentive for drug manufacturers who would otherwise hesitate to enter this market due to the lack of financial viability. French ambassador Michel Kazatchkine in charge of the fight against HIV/AIDS estimates that the EUR300 to 400 million raised will make it possible to have an effect on the market and thus lower costs.

Agence France Presse notes that French officials called the conference a success in getting other countries to adopt the idea championed by President Jacques Chirac -- despite the small number of states that have joined so far and the hesitation of other big Western countries with high numbers of airline passengers. The US opposes the plan, as does the airline industry and business groups, fearing it would burden carriers already struggling with high oil prices and fierce competition. But UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, speaking at the opening of the conference on Monday, hailed the initiative, saying it contributed to the international community meeting its commitment under the Millennium Development Goals.'

Les Echos (France) writes that the approximately 60 NGOs who took part in the two day event are divided over the issue of taxation. Françoise Ndayishimiye, a representative from the Global Fund to fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, wished to see the collected tax go directly into the Fund and called for a more "global vision" in administering the money. Régis Mabilais from Coordination Sud, which comprises more than 100 French NGOs, was, on the other hand, more supportive of the airline tax. He said the implementation of the tax illustrates real progress from where the world stood on this issue two years ago, when the idea could not even be discussed. However, the organization noted that it was necessary to ensure countries did not enter into these new arrangements by shifting funding from their objective to dedicate 0.7 percent of their national wealth towards development.

The Associated Press further reports that at the conference, a pilot group of 38 countries also agreed to create a structure to make it cheaper to buy medication for those in need. It was hoped that the International Drug Purchase Facility would be finalized by September 2006 at the latest. The facility, promoted by France and Brazil, would help obtain cheap anti-retroviral drugs needed by those with HIV or AIDS.

The Wall Street Journal notes that France's airline ticket tax will range from EUR1 to EUR40, or $1.19 to $47.66, depending on seating class and distance of the flight. It will be added to ticket prices starting in July.

BMW Brand: Led by strong 3 and 5 Series sales.

The BMW brand achieved record February sales of 1,135 units. This is an increase of 2.3% over February 2005 sales of BMWs in Canada. Year-to-date, BMW brand sales are up 10.1% with 2,031 vehicles retailed.

BMW Group Canada's successful sales month was led by the 3 Series and 5 Series. Voted "Best New Sports Sedan" for 2006 by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), the BMW 3 Series saw an increase in sales of 19.9% over February 2005, with 608 units retailed. Year-to-date, 1,016 BMW Series have been sold in Canada, a 28.4% increase over last year.

Sales of the BMW 5 Series, of which the Touring variant was voted AJAC's "Best New Luxury Prestige Car" for 2006, were strong in the month of February with 181 vehicles retailed. This represents an increase of 69.2% over February 2005 sales. Year-to-date, 330 BMW 5 Series have been retailed in Canada, up 74.6% over the same period last year.

The ultimate premium luxury vehicle, the BMW 7 Series, also saw strong sales in the second month of 2006 with an increase of 54.5% over last year. Year-to-date, 48 BMW 7 Series have been sold in Canada, this is an increase of 20.0% over the same period in 2005.

"Canadians purchased BMW and MINIs in record numbers in February, which demonstrates the tremendous appeal of our products," said Lindsay Duffield, President and CEO, BMW Group Canada. "We have the strongest model line-up in our history. With new products like the updated BMW Z4, the new M Roadster, M Coupe, M6 Coupe and BMW Alpina B7 soon to arrive into BMW Retailer showrooms across the country, we have the momentum to make our 20th year as a BMW Sales Subsidiary in Canada the most successful year ever."

BMW Motorrad Canada retailed 21 BMW Motorcycles in February, representing an increase of 40.0% when compared with February 2005 sales of 15 units.

Year-to-date, 33 BMW Motorcycles has been retailed in Canada.

MINI Brand: MINI Canada celebrates most successful February sales

In the month of February, MINI Canada reported all-time record February sales of 172 MINIs, an increase of 5.5% when compared with February 2005 sales. Year-to-date, 313 MINIs have been delivered to Canadian customers, an increase of 4.0% when compared with the same period in 2005.

Honda Canada also reported a 19 per cent sales increase in February of the new Honda Civic with sales of 3,932, compared to 3,316 units last year. The 2006 Civic lineup includes four distinct models - sedan, coupe, hybrid and Si coupe. The Civic Sedan, built at Honda's vehicle assembly plant in Alliston, Ontario, was named Canada's "Car of the Year" this past month by AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada). Honda Civic was also named Motor Trend's "Car of the Year" and was voted the "North American Car of the Year" by a jury of leading Canadian and U.S. automotive writers.

Acura's all-new CSX luxury compact sedan had a 35 per cent increase over Acura's previous compact sedan. The CSX is designed to offer Canadians a premium package with a 155-horsepower engine and features such as Acura's satellite navigation system and available steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters (with the automatic transmission). CSX is designed to serve as the gateway product to Acura's technology advanced performance division.

AJAX, ON - Volkswagen Canada sales totalled 1,906 new units for February 2006, compared with 1,724 units in February 2005, an increase of 10.6%. This total is comprised of: 98 New Beetles, 260 Golf/GTIs, 1,208 Jettas, 296 Passats, 43 Touaregs and 1 Phaeton.

Jetta and Passat sales continued to do well in February 2006, compared with February 2005, Jetta sales increased by 11.4%, while Passat sales climbed by 6.9%. Passat sales should continue to climb in March with the recent launch of the Passat Wagon, and GTI sales are also expected to climb, as the all-new 2007 GTI has started appearing in Canadian dealerships.

MONTREAL - VIA Rail Canada officially launched its Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) access service on board its trains, in several stations and in Panorama lounges in the Québec City-Windsor corridor - a first in North America. The service is being offered starting today to all travellers between Montreal and Québec City and in many VIA 1 class cars between Montreal-Toronto. By the end of this year, all VIA 1 and Comfort class travellers will be able to access the Internet on all VIA intercity trains in Ontario and Quebec.

"We are excited at the prospect of offering Wireless Internet" said Paul Côté, President and Chief Executive Officer of VIA Rail. He added that "this service will be of great benefit to frequent travellers and business people who will be able to log on to work, making productive use of their time. Travellers today are seeking ways to get more done in less time. Others will simply want to chat with family and friends during their trip. Thanks to Wi-Fi, they now have an option that makes their travel time even more productive, relaxing and enjoyable."

"This is a significant milestone for VIA, not only because we are a leader in our industry with innovative technology, but because we are committed to bringing value to our customers. Our team is constantly working together to enrich the experience of travelling with VIA - people moving people, as we like to say. We strive to exceed our customers' expectations by offering them an alternative - the human way to travel," reinforced Mr. Côté.

In addition to VIA's WI-Fi service, travellers have access to online bookings and self ticketing kiosks. This will ease the process of travelling at every single step, freeing staff to spend more time serving customers. VIA will be offering three types of rate plans, adapted to travellers' needs: a single-use plan, a full-day day plan and a monthly plan. The single- access plan, valid for 15 minutes, costs $3.99 and each additional minute costs $0.30. Full-day access, valid for 24 hours, costs $8.95. Frequent travellers can subscribe to a monthly plan at a cost of $46.

The system combines satellite and cellular communications and the Wi-Fi technology which allows access to the Internet. Thus, travellers using the Wi- Fi service provided by Opti-Fi will be able to take advantage of continuous wireless access on board. Passengers whose computers are equipped with Wi-Fi technology or who use personal digital assistants will automatically have the service available when they turn on their devices.

The Wireless Internet service offered by VIA is the result of a five-year partnership with Parsons, one of the world's leading engineering and program management firms. Parsons has invested US $10 million in this partnership to implement a network focused on consumers, and offering a range of private and public applications.

In a Canadian first, TCI will unveil an epic, two-minute feature commercial that will air during this Sunday's telecast of The Academy Awards(R) on CTV (March 5 at 8 p.m. ET). The short film will run only in Canada and only once inside the Academy Awards(R) telecast. The super-sized spot, entitled "What You Want Is What You Need" will reveal to Canadians en masse, the new, restyled 2007 Toyota Camry (See "About The All-New 2007 Toyota Camry" below).

CTV confirmed the spot, produced for TCI by Toronto-based Saatchi and Saatchi Canada, will air in the first commercial break, immediately following the highly anticipated opening monologue delivered by Oscar host Jon Stewart. Following its premiere, the commercial will be re-versioned as one 60-second spot, and along with two new 30-second spots, will continue to air on CTV through May.

The upcoming debut of the Camry spot marks Week 3 of the overall 15-week, multi-media, multi-platform TCI campaign, exclusive to CTV and a selection of sister Bell Globemedia properties. Pegged with an overall value in the multi- million dollar range, it represents one of the most extensive campaigns ever executed in Canada around The Academy Awards on CTV.

"Toyota Camry is the best-selling car in North America, and for the launch of the new 2007 model, we knew that we needed to do something special," explained Stephen Beatty, Managing Director at TCI. "When we looked at audience figures, the Academy Awards(R) broadcast consistently ranks as the most-watched television program in Canada, making it the perfect program through which to reach potential Camry buyers. Since the Oscars(R) is a celebration of movies, it was only natural that we produce a short film of our own to introduce the all-new Camry."

"CTV is pleased that Toyota recognizes the Academy Awards as a powerful vehicle for both advertisers and viewers alike," said Rita Fabian, CTV's Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "We've worked hard with Toyota to develop a multi-platform campaign across numerous Bell Globemedia properties to ensure maximum reach and impact."

The opening phase of the campaign started February 13 with tease spots on CTV. Following the Oscars(R), the campaign kicks into gear with a concentrated brand-sell phase leading up to March 20. For the next 10 weeks, the spots will

run in rotation on CTV, as well as on Discovery and TSN with additional

on-line elements and print components in The Globe and Mail.

As part of its unprecedented package for The Academy Awards(R) on CTV, TCI is also the sponsor of another first for Canada. CTV announced today it will provide "Enhanced TV" for the first time ever, in tandem with its Academy

Awards(R) telecast. Using technology customized for the Oscars(R), viewers can visit ctv.ca/Oscars and stay online during the telecast. With Enhanced TV powered by Toyota, viewers can make predictions as each category unfolds and answer trivia questions throughout the night. It's all customized and timed for the live broadcast. The faster you answer, the better your odds at winning a state of the art home theatre system, courtesy of Toyota and CTV, that includes a 50" Plasma HD TV, 5-Disc Home Theatre System, DVD Camcorder and Digital Camera. To take part in Enhanced TV powered by Toyota, viewers must register at ctv.ca/oscars by 8 p.m. ET Sunday, March 5th.

The year-round Car Heaven program, developed by the Clean Air Foundation and supported by partnerships with General Motors of Canada, Imperial Oil, Government of Canada, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association, is dedicated to accelerating the retirement of old, higher polluting vehicles and to promoting a shift to cleaner alternatives.

"Through Car Heaven we can get more new, cleaner technology on the road

faster, and that's good for the environment," said David Paterson,

vice-president, corporate and environmental affairs, General Motors of Canada. "Car Heaven is one of many strategies that GM is involved with to reduce vehicle and Green House Gas emissions. Since 1970, GM has reduced smog-causing emissions from vehicles by 99.7 per cent, with the introduction of sophisticated emission control technology and GM vehicles have earned more EnerGuide fuel efficiency awards than any other manufacturer."

"Clean Air Foundation hopes that Ontarians will continue to help us take older and higher polluting vehicles off the road this year," adds Ersilia Serafini, Executive Director of the Clean Air Foundation. "Car Heaven provides a great incentive to help motorists make the shift to cleaner technology vehicles and have a positive impact on air quality."

Car Heaven donors are offered tax receipts from their choice of 15 affiliated charities - either for the $60 set value or the bid value of the vehicle, whichever is greater - and their vehicles are towed free of charge by the Ontario Automotive Recycler's Association (OARA). For Car Heaven participants whose vehicles are in running condition and 11 years or older, General Motors of Canada will continue to offer the $1,000 incentive towards the purchase or lease of any new GM vehicle in 2006.

Donor forms and program details are available in Ontario through Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 Drive Clean test and repair facilities, Ministry of Transportation, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Bureaus and GM dealerships. Ontarians interested in donating to Car Heaven can visit www.carheaven.ca or call 1-888-731-7311.

"We're thrilled with AJAC's recognition of the Solstice design, which is further evidence of the design renaissance taking place across GM's line-up," said Michael Grimaldi, President of GM of Canada. "Expressive design is drawing more and more new customers to GM showrooms and there is plenty more to come as we bring 20 new models to market this year."

Since it was first introduced, the Solstice has evoked a passionate response from consumers and automotive journalists alike. Inspired by the pure lines of classic roadsters, the 2006 Solstice delivers seductive style combined with a dynamic open air driving experience, all at a very attainable price.

"We thank the AJAC members for these awards," said Jim Miller, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. "Their thorough testing and evaluation processes have helped make these awards important for Canadian consumers.

"We are truly honoured that these two awards from AJAC represent an unprecedented third round of significant media wins in one year," said Miller. "Honda Civic was voted the North American Car of the Year by a group of leading Canadian and U.S. automotive media and was named Motor Trend's 2006 Car of the Year. Likewise, our Ridgeline pickup was voted the North American Truck of the Year and was also named Motor Trend's Truck of the Year.

"The awards were also celebrated by the 4,300 associates at the Honda of Canada Mfg. plant in Alliston, Ontario, where Civic Sedan and the Ridgeline pickup truck are built. The awards underscore their commitment to overall design, engineering and technology of the new Civic and Ridgeline, and excellent manufacturing quality."

The Honda Civic Sedan won the 2006 Best New Economy Car category in the annual competition by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). The new Civic Sedan is significantly improved for 2006 with increased performance, stylistic exterior design, refined interior, class-leading safety features and high levels of quality designed to maintain Civic's position as Canada's best-selling car.

The Honda Ridgeline won AJAC's 2006 Best New Pickup Truck category. The Ridgeline is Honda's all-new truck entry that features true half-ton payload capability, an interior similar to a full-size truck and an exterior length of a compact truck. Built on a segment-first closed box unibody frame, Ridgeline adds refinement, handling performance, an innovative In-Bed Trunk(TM) and other packaging features previously unattainable with a traditional body-on- frame truck design.

Other AJAC awards for 2006 include the Honda Civic Si Coupe as "Best New Sports Car" and Honda Civic Hybrid as "Best New Alternative Power" vehicle.

The 197-horsepower Civic Si Coupe is designed to showcase the performance potential of Honda's new global compact platform while providing everyday practicality of a Civic with its legendary quality, refinement and durability. The Civic Hybrid features a new generation of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist

(IMA) technology, providing an estimated fuel economy rating of 4.7 L/100km

(city) and 4.3 L/100km (highway). A new feature on the Civic Hybrid is the ability to deactivate all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain steady-state cruising situations.

Across its entire portfolio of products, Honda Canada provides Canadians with dependable vehicles, motorcycles, power equipment and marine engines. With 124 manufacturing facilities in 28 countries worldwide, Honda now attracts nearly 20 million customers annually. Honda Canada manufactures the Honda Ridgeline, Pilot, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan and Civic Si Coupe, and the Acura CSX and MDX at its two plants in Alliston, Ontario.

The RD-X Concept hints at the all-new Acura RDX production vehicle scheduled to go on sale this summer. The RDX, to be built on an all-new global light truck platform, will feature Acura's new Super Handling All-Wheel

Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)) system. As a luxury crossover vehicle, RDX will combine

the performance of a sports sedan with a variable-flow turbocharged,

240-horsepower engine and the all-wheel drive capability and functional utility of an SUV. RDX will offer features such as satellite navigation with voice recognition, a premium DVD-Audio sound system and HandsFreeLink(TM) wireless telephone interface.

The RD-X Concept features the groundbreaking Super Handling All-Wheel

Drive(TM) system that was first introduced on the 2005 Acura RL ultra luxury sedan. The unique SH-AWD(TM) system distributes torque not only between the front and rear wheels, but also between the left and right rear wheels. The result is superior traction on all surfaces and in all weather conditions, as well as increased cornering precision for enhanced driver control.

To complement the SH-AWD(TM) system, Acura designers gave the RD-X Concept a highly-refined chassis with fully independent front and rear suspension. Large Brembo disc brakes with slotted rotors, 19-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels and 255/50R19 tires combine for strong grip and an aggressive look.

The RD-X Concept's chiseled exterior styling provides both excellent visibility for driving in city traffic or on twisty mountain roads. It employs a compact upper body with an aggressively raked belt line, ample wheel flares and a substantial hood that flows down from the windshield to a brushed aluminum Acura signature five-sided grill. Generous side sills and fender garnish, dual integrated exhaust tips, wrap-around LED headlights and taillights, and a rear spoiler add to the strong look of the concept vehicle.

As part of Acura's commitment to Safety Through Technology, the RD-X Concept is equipped with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure. This unique new design enhances protection of occupants during a frontal collision, while at the same time reducing aggressivity to other vehicles.

Inside, the RD-X Concept seamlessly combines an ultra modern

driver-oriented cockpit with a sizeable, easily transformable cargo area. The instrument panel and door inserts are trimmed with a combination of ivory leather and ivory suede. Dual front bucket seats, trimmed in tangerine- coloured, crocodile-embossed leather with ivory-coloured wool headrests are positioned close together rally-style to facilitate easy communication between the driver and the front passenger.

Tangerine-coloured leather is also used on the steering wheel, door accents, seat backs and centre console. The entire headliner and rear cargo bay are trimmed with off-white suede material.

A unique, clear acrylic wing runs across the top of the instrument panel giving the RD-X Concept cockpit an ultra-modern, high tech look. Large, metallic gauges sit directly in front of the driver, arranged with tachometer on the left, speedometer in the middle and temperature gauge on the right.

Shift indicators showing "+" and "-" are linked to the steering

wheel-mounted paddle shifters and integrated into the tachometer and temperature gauges, allowing the driver to track shifts, up and down.

An eight-inch colour LCD screen dominates the centre of the instrument panel and displays information for the Acura Navigation System, audio system and other advanced in-car functions. Like the Acura RL sedan, a range of features such as navigation, audio and dual climate control are controlled using the Interface Dial mounted in the centre of the instrument panel. Similar to a computer mouse, the dial allows the user to easily scroll through menu options, and point and click to select.

The RD-X Concept is equipped with a satellite communication system which allows the driver to access the internet, read movie reviews, and download music. A hard-drive, integrated into the centre console, allows storage of an entire digital music library, which can be accessed at any time. Also, a

nine-speaker DVD-Audio system delivers surround sound to all seating positions.

The RD-X Concept's rosewood covered floor is low and flat, allowing for ample leg room for both rows of seats. A long, vertical moonroof stretches completely over the first and second row seating positions. The rear offers generous storage space for luggage, snowboards, and other items. Grooves in the floor are perfect for securing bicycles. Each side panel holds a subwoofer protected from cargo by tubular aluminum railings.

The RD-X Concept highlights Acura's commitment to expanding its light truck lineup. The new Acura RDX production model will be assembled at the Honda of America Manufacturing vehicle assembly plant in Marysville, Ohio.

"We're pleased to accept the Best New Technology award from AJAC," said Stuart Payne, Director for Lexus in Canada. "At Lexus, we strive to develop new technologies that maximize the performance and efficiency of our vehicles, and the injection system on the new IS 350 sport sedan which won this award is an excellent example of that."

The IS 350 is powered by a 306-horsepower 3.5-litre 24-valve dual overhead cam V6 engine that features a unique fuel injection system. This system combines direct fuel injection - delivering fuel to the combustion chamber - and port fuel injection - delivering fuel to the intake ports. Fuel distribution is controlled via the two types of injection, according to driving conditions:

- When the engine is running under low or medium loads at lower speeds,

both systems are used to create a homogeneous air-fuel mixture. This

stabilizes combustion, improves fuel efficiency, and reduces exhaust

emissions.

- When the engine is running under heavy load, the engine automatically

converts to a direct injection-only system. By controlling the timing

and duration of fuel being injected directly to the combustion

chamber, the combustion efficiency of each charge is maximized. It

also allows the engine to operate at a higher compression ratio,

thereby improving engine output and performance, by reducing the

tendency of the compressed mixture to ignite prematurely.

"Lexus is committed to developing new technologies to help improve the performance of our vehicles, and minimize their environmental impact," continued Payne. "While this award firmly establishes our technological leadership in the automotive industry, Lexus will continue to create leading- edge systems in our cars and SUVs for years to come."

The all-new rear-wheel drive 2006 Lexus IS 350, as well a rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive version of the IS 250, went on sale in Canada in October.

After two months of gains, new motor vehicle sales were little changed in December, while sales for the year as a whole increased for the first time since 2002.

Consumers drove 135,098 vehicles off dealers' lots in December, a decrease of 0.4% or about 600 vehicles from November. December sales were slightly below those of an average month, which was around 135,900 vehicles in 2005.

An upward trend in new motor vehicle sales since the start of 2005 peaked in the summer, and fell off sharply in the autumn months, following the winding down of "employee pricing" and other incentive programs. The fourth quarter of 2005 saw sales recover to levels in line with recent historical levels. After a steep decline at the end of 2003, new motor vehicle sales partially recovered and then remained relatively stable in 2004.

Based on preliminary figures from the auto industry, the number of new motor vehicles sold in January increased by about 1%. Both new passenger car and truck sales increased during the month.

Annual sales turn a corner after two years of declines

New motor vehicle sales turned a corner in 2005, gaining 3.5% to 1,630,316 units, and increasing for the first time in three years after hitting a record high in 2002. Before declining in 2003 and 2004, new motor vehicle sales had not decreased on an annual basis since 1995.

North American automakers continued to implement high profile incentive and rebate programs in 2005. In particular, sizeable incentives over the summer resulted in a spike in sales, followed by a subsequent drop in the latter part of the year as incentives dwindled and gasoline prices briefly surged.

Truck and car sales both accelerate in 2005

Cars and trucks both contributed to the overall advance in sales in 2005. Truck sales had slightly stronger gains in 2005, increasing by 4.0% or about 30,000 vehicles. Truck sales had decreased by 0.8% in 2004.

Car sales moved ahead 3.1%, with a sales increase of about 25,000 vehicles compared to 2004. The gain was attributable to both North American and overseas built vehicles. Passenger car sales had been much weaker in the previous two years, declining by 5.2% in 2004 and by 7.4% in 2003.

Canadians' love for trucks on the rebound

In terms of market share, truck sales represented 48.2% of new vehicles sold in 2005, matching the previous peak reached in 1998. Truck sales include minivans, sport-utility vehicles, light and heavy trucks, vans and buses. Between 1998 and 2001, truck sales lost ground before gradually returning to current levels. As recently as 1991, truck sales accounted for less than one-third of total new motor vehicle sales in Canada.

North American built vehicles regained some of their lost market share in 2005, accounting for 68.0% of passenger cars sold in Canada. Overseas built vehicles have generally been gaining a much larger market share over the last 10 years. In 1997, overseas built cars accounted for slightly less than 15% of all passenger cars sold in Canada.

Alberta leads the country for a second consecutive year

New motor vehicle sales were up across the country in 2005, with virtually every province sharing in the gains. Many of the provinces hovered around the average, although there were a few notable exceptions.

Leading the pack, new motor vehicle sales in Alberta jumped a whopping 13.4% on the back of a strong economy. The lowest unemployment rates as well as the highest average wages in the country created a favourable environment for vehicle sales in the province. Alberta, with only about 14% of the total Canadian automotive market, accounted for almost half of the total sales gain in 2005. New motor vehicle sales also increased in Alberta in 2004, one of only two provinces to realize a sales gain that year.

Newfoundland and Labrador was the only other province exceeding the national average in 2005, with a large 8.7% jump in sales. The remaining provinces saw increases which were below the national average.

Ontario posted fairly strong sales results in 2005, increasing by 2.8%. The Prairies and the region formed by British Columbia and the territories also saw stronger sales in 2005. Sales in British Columbia gained 2.7% in 2005, followed by a 2.6% increase in Manitoba and a 1.1% increase in Saskatchewan.

New Brunswick and Quebec had relatively weak sales in 2005. Sales in New Brunswick decreased by 0.8% compared to 2004, while dealers in Quebec managed to squeeze out a slight 0.7% gain on the year.