OTTAWA — The federal government today announced a $1-million pilot initiative to encourage the use of fuel-efficient technologies for heavy-duty trucks. The initiative will partially fund successful applicants, up to $100,000, who install SmartWay-certified technologies to increase fuel efficiency.

"While this is a step in the right direction, the industry is still looking for a coordinated, dedicated program of rebates and appropriate tax treatments for all the aerodynamic technologies available to the industry," says CEO David Bradley.

The CTA has long promoted the application of rebates and tax incentives to encourage industry to invest in enviroTruck technologies to improve the fuel efficiency and environmental performance of commercial vehicles. 

While there is growing interest in fuel efficient technologies and hybrid systems, tax rules and polarized weight and dimensions standards "are blocking" the "greening," of the trucking industry, argues CTA. 

"While there have been small programs here and there, what is lacking is a cohesive, targeted plan to achieve meaningful emissions reductions and improved fuel efficiency for industry that these technologies can make happen," adds Mr. Bradley.