Press Release

[dejohn1]

Press Release:

February 26, 2007 - Canadians Denied Quality Imports

[crushers]

for a quicker read:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE on February 26, 2007

IVOAC
P.O. Box 25
148 Kelowna, BC,
Canada
V1W 3Y7
www.ivoac.ca

CANADIANS DENIED QUALITY IMPORTS

A report by the CBC last December, set off alarm bells within the Canadian import vehicle community (http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/200...anesecars.html). Transport Canada, under pressure from the Motor Vehicle Inspection Branch of BC, is proposing to change the 15-year import rule to 25 years. This change by Transport, will force Canadian consumers to wait 25 years before they can purchase an import, will in turn deny Canadians the opportunity to purchase a quality used imported vehicle. This seems to be based on two highly questionable and biased studies by Canadian Association of Road Professionals (CARSP) and Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA), which questioned the safety of these, mainly right hand drive imports from Japan. This decision, if implemented, will have a serious impact on both the owners and vendors of these quality vehicles.

This led to formation of the Import Vehicle Owner’s Association of Canada (IVOAC) in January 2007. The IVOAC is a collection of import owners, and some dealers, from across Canada who feel that their rights have been violated by government officials. Since inception, the IVOAC has endeavored to disprove the above mentioned studies and has provided viable factual information. The members of the IVOAC have worked hard to produce a report and several documents outlining our concerns. This report has been posted on our web site (www.ivoac.ca) and has been formally sent to Transport Canada. We have also set up a forum on our web site where all members can participate in this endeavor.

The IVOAC believes that Transport Canada should reconsider its current position and not repeal the 15-year import rule. The IVOAC believes that we deserve to have the reasons presented to all Canadians and to have those reasons supported by factual evidence rather than speculation and manipulation. Making a quick decision on this issue only appears to be taking advantage of our lack of awareness on this issue. The IVOAC, as a cognizant and committed community (import owners), have consistently made efforts to work with those involved on this issue. We have been trying to find solutions in compliance with both federal and provincial regulations and we feel that we have not been met with the same respect. The rejection of this purposed change will allow Canadian consumers the freedom of choice in their purchase of a vehicle.

[FannyBayDelica]

Wayne,

Excellent press release, brevity, clarity and accuracy!!

[crushers]

I would like to accept the praise but it the work of the entire committee...
cheers