The hybrid minivan is now included in a zero emissions rebate program
The Windsor-built Chrysler Pacifica is now officially included in the federal government's zero emissions rebate program.
When the federal budget was released on March 19th, it included a provision to provide a $5000 rebate to the sale of any zero emission vehicle under $45,000.
The Windsor-built Pacifica Hybrid did not qualify as it's price starts at just over $51,000.
Windsor-area New Democrat MP's had complained that the provision failed to include the only Canadian-made product.
Fiat Chrysler announced on March 29th that the third shift would be eliminated at the Windsor Assembly Plant due to lagging sales of the Pacifica. A day later, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Navdeep Bains came to Windsor to announce that the Pacifica Hybrid would be included in the rebate program.
A Government of Canada website now list the vehicle as being part of the program.
Windsor West New Democrat MP Brian Masse is pleased the government moved quickly on this issue but he wants the program structured to avoid certain vehicles.
"We've also really emphasized the fact that these should be domestic vehicles for public money incentives only," he says. "It doesn't make sense that while the United States has a steel tariff against us right now, that we'd actually be using public money to buy American vehicles when they have a tariff on our steel."
Masse says the NDP is also pushing for the write-off part of the program to include not-for-profit agencies.
"That will get tax incentive money for vehicles versus that of Crimestoppers or Habitat for Humanity or other not-for-profits, that could really use that type of incentives and get vehicles that are appropriate," he says.
CLICK HERE to find the complete list of the vehicles eligible under the rebate program.