ZEV Standard – Auto Industry Welcomes Early Consultations and Expects Swift Adjustments This Fall 

Quebec City, June 9, 2025 – Following a meeting with Mr. Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, the associations representing automakers and car dealers welcome the announcement of consultations with the auto industry during the summer period, aimed at adapting the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) standard to the new realities of the market. 

The auto industry reaffirms its commitment to the energy transition, while calling for a pragmatic approach based on current economic and commercial conditions. 

The meeting gave industry representatives the opportunity to deliver a clear message: the current requirements are placing unsustainable pressure on some manufacturers, prompting them to reconsider their development plans in Quebec. Uncertainty around ZEV demand, the gradual phase-out of purchase incentives, the effects of an international tariff war, and the U.S. administration’s shift away from electrification all justify an immediate review of the standard. 

« The Minister showed genuine openness and confirmed that consultations will begin immediately, which is an encouraging signal. We expect these discussions to lead to the announcement of concrete measures this fall. Quebec cannot move forward in isolation without considering the North American context. We are ready to actively contribute to a responsible solution, » said Ian P. Sam Yue Chi, President and CEO of the Corporation des concessionnaires automobiles du Québec (CCAQ). 

« We welcome the openness shown by the Government of Quebec. Being a leader means knowing how to adapt. And today, that means having a standard that reflects the reality on the ground. Our members are ready to deliver the vehicles—but consumers still need to be able to buy them, » said David Adams, President and CEO of Global Automakers of Canada (GAC).  

“It is time for a ZEV reality check in Quebec,” said Brian Kingston, President & CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufactures’ Association. “Falling demand for ZEVs exacerbated by US tariffs, a slowing economy, and counterproductive government policies have made Quebec’s ZEV sales targets impossible to achieve. The province needs to urgently review its targets before doing irreversible damage to the sector that will put thousands of jobs at risk”.  

« We are ready to get to work now to help build a standard that meets our climate goals while ensuring the viability of our industry and maintaining access to mobility for all Quebecers, » concluded the signatories. 

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Media Contacts:
Charles Robert, CCAQ – crobert@ccaq.com  | 581-307-1268 

David C. Adams, GAC—dadams@globalautomakers.ca | 416-333-2873
Patrice Maltais, GAC – pmaltais@globalautomakers.ca | 437-224-1888
Alexis Morin, CVMA – alexis@impactcanada.com  | 819-640-6581 

 

About the CCAQ
The Corporation des concessionnaires automobiles du Québec (CCAQ) represents over 900 franchised dealerships across all regions of Quebec. Together, they generate nearly 63,000 quality jobs, contribute significantly to the province’s tax revenue, and play a key role in the energy transition and regional economic development. 

About the CVMA
The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA) represents Canada’s leading automakers—Ford, GM, and Stellantis. Together, they operate 5 vehicle assembly plants and more than 1,300 dealerships, supporting over 136,000 direct jobs in automotive manufacturing. 

About Global Automakers of Canada (GAC)
GAC represents the Canadian interests of 16 of the world’s largest global automakers. Its members offer a wide range of vehicles and cutting-edge technologies and advocate for public policies that support a competitive and sustainable automotive market in Canada.