Canada's top automakers urged PM Mark Carney to repeal a mandate for zero-emission vehicle sales due to potential industry damage.

Shortly after the new Liberal cabinet assumed office, the leaders of Canada's top automotive companies issued an urgent plea to Prime Minister Mark Carney.

They implored him to reverse a federal mandate requiring zero-emission vehicle sales, warning that its continued enforcement could cause widespread disruption throughout the industry.

Despite this appeal, over two months later there has been no public response from the government, leading to growing discontent among industry leaders, as noted by Brian Kingston, president and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association. The association represents major automakers such as Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis.

The May 26 letter bore signatures from key figures including Ford Canada CEO Bev Goodman, General Motors Canada President Kristian Aquilina, Honda Canada President and CEO Dave Jamieson, Stellantis Canada CEO Jeff Hines, and Toyota Canada President and CEO Cyril Dimitris.

The correspondence warned that "the mandate will inflict serious damage on automakers," highlighting potential impacts not only on manufacturing but also on dealership networks and thousands employed across the sector.

Kingston emphasized the gravity of having all five CEOs collaboratively express their concerns. "Such unified action underscores just how urgent they consider this issue," he stated.

No official comment has yet emerged from Prime Minister Carney's office. However, back in July discussions did take place with several auto executives concerning trade tensions with former U.S. President Donald Trump who had imposed tariffs impacting the automotive sector.

During these conversations, revocation of the electric vehicle mandate was a key topic. The private letter outlining these issues was also sent to other ministers and officials and became public through access-to-information requests filed with National Post.

The document elaborates on automakers' commitments to electrification-mentioning multi-billion-dollar investments in Canada-and highlights that Canadians currently have access to over 100 models of zero-emission vehicles. Transport Canada's data suggests these vehicles meet or surpass consumer demand levels.

Nevertheless, despite efforts made towards promoting electric cars, sales figures indicate a decline: electric vehicle purchases accounted for merely 6.5% of total vehicle sales according to Statistics Canada's latest available numbers for March.