Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) - News Feed

New CAA iPhone application enhances assistance to stranded motorists

CAA National — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:46:40 GMT

July 6, 2010 (Ottawa) – The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has launched a new iPhone application that provides another easy, convenient way for members to access CAA Roadside Assistance.

The CAA Roadside App – which can be downloaded for free on the iTunes App Store – uses the iPhone’s innovative location-based services to allow CAA Roadside Assistance to find your vehicle and send help so you can quickly get back on your way. The app was co-developed with the American Automobile Association (AAA), so it supports both CAA and AAA members that require assistance anywhere in Canada or the United States.

“By simply tapping open our app on your iPhone screen and clicking the “request for assistance” button, we will quickly receive your request for service and your location through GPS technology,” says Frank Fotia, vice-president of insurance, automotive, and corporate affairs for CAA.

The CAA Roadside App automatically submits the member’s number to the CAA/AAA roadside assistance team. It also allows members to tailor their assistance requests to provide a specific address, to provide additional information about their location, to identify special characteristics or features of their vehicle, or any other circumstance that our drivers can take into account before they arrive.

Motorists also have the option of using the app to call CAA directly.

“The number of Canadians that own iPhones is growing and this is just one of the ways that this technology is being adopted to improve our services,” says Fotia. “Furthermore, this technology is not only handy to iPhone users, but it’s also useful for our hearing-impaired members who can now request assistance electronically.”

For vehicles that require more substantial repair, the app can serve as a useful advisor and will provide information about nearby CAA Approved Auto Repair Services shops, preferred rental car locations, or partner lodging options.

At CAA, our mission is to be the best at roadside problem solving, and this app is another way that CAA provides safety, security, and peace of mind,” says Fotia.

The Roadside Assistance application is the second Canadian application developed for the iPhone. In December 2009, CAA released the CAA Savings App which helps members find exclusive savings opportunities with CAA partners like Payless Shoe Source, The UPS Store, and Best Western Hotels.

To download the new CAA Roadside App, go to: CAA.ca/mobile or visit the iTunes App Store and search for "CAA Roadside."

ADVISORY: Using a CAA iPhone app or wireless device while driving poses a distracted driving threat and raises the risk of collision for both the driver and other drivers on the road. As such, CAA advises its members to ensure that a CAA iPhone app or a wireless device are only used when a vehicle is pulled over in a safe location, outside the flow of traffic.

For more information, please contact:

Dean Morin
Communications Manager
(613) 247-0117 ext. 2026
dmorin@national.caa.ca

About the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)
CAA is a federation of nine automobile clubs serving 5.5 million members through 144 offices across Canada. CAA provides a wide range of member services and works to improve travelling and motoring conditions at home and around the world, including national advocacy efforts on the environment, infrastructure, traffic safety, and public policy issues that affect Canadian motorists.
CAA.ca

New CAA guide gives consumers tools to calculate driving costs

CAA National — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:26:49 GMT

June 29, 2010 – The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has released a new interactive guide that provides consumers with a comprehensive look at the price of owning a vehicle, including data on the cost of driving a hybrid.

The 2010 Driving Costs brochure explains the true costs of vehicle ownership, including fuel, maintenance, and depreciation. To help illustrate how these costs correspond to different types of vehicles, the guide provides approximate costs for owning 2010 models of a representative small sedan, a minivan, and a hybrid vehicle.

In addition, the new brochure gives national averages and approximate figures that will allow consumers to calculate their own total annual driving costs. For the first time, consumers can visit CAA’s website to access an online version of the driving cost calculator.

“Driving is one of the largest expenses for most people and we want consumers to have the necessary tools to be able to calculate their real costs,” says Jeff Walker, vice president of public affairs and chief strategy officer for CAA.

According to the guide, if you drive 18,000 kilometres a year, the annual cost of driving a small sedan is $8,524, a minivan is $11,590, and a hybrid is $8,808. One reason the costs are so high is that many consumers fail to take into account vehicle depreciation – the single largest expense for operating a new vehicle in its first year.

The guide also reveals that the operating costs for the hybrid are comparable to the costs of the sedan.

“There is a misperception in the marketplace that owning and operating a hybrid vehicle is prohibitively expensive,” says Walker. “Our guide not only disproves this, but it also demonstrates the costs are within the range of other smaller-sized sedans.”

Walker points out that while the costs of driving may be high, consumers do have tools to keep costs down. These include comparing the prices of competitors for automotive services and parts, and adopting driving habits that will save fuel.

“By changing the way you drive just a bit, you can reduce your fuel consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save money,” says Walker.

CAA offers fuel saving driving tips at: CAA.ca/Primer.

CAA’s 2010 Driving Costs brochure is based on data from Runzheimer International Inc., a management consulting firm dealing in business vehicle allowance programs and fleet consulting services.

To access CAA's 2010 Driving Costs brochure, please go to: CAA.ca/drivingcosts.

For more information, please contact:

Dean Morin
Communications Manager
(613) 247-0117 ext. 2026
dmorin@national.caa.ca

About the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)

CAA is a federation of nine automobile clubs serving more than 5.4 million members through 144 offices across Canada. CAA provides a wide range of member services and works to improve travelling and motoring conditions at home and around the world, including national advocacy efforts on both traffic safety and public policy issues that affect Canadian motorists.
CAA.ca

Electronic safety on board with Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve

CAA National — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:59:19 GMT

June 10, 2010 (MONTREAL, Québec) – The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) and CAA-Québec, in partnership with the FIA Foundation for Automobile and Society and Transport Canada, held a live road safety demonstration today featuring seven-time Formula One Drivers’ Champion Michael Schumacher and Canadian racing legend Jacques Villeneuve.

Schumacher and Villeneuve called on Canadians to think about safety technologies when they consider their next vehicle purchase. Systems such as electronic stability control already exist in some vehicles and can prevent accidents before they happen, but according to the two legendary drivers, these technologies should be more widely available and sought out by consumers.

“We know these technologies reduce the impact of injuries and save lives,” Schumacher said. “Canadians should be aware of them, and make them a consideration when buying a new vehicle.”

Paul Pelletier, president of CAA-Québec, an organization which champions road safety, agrees with Schumacher and Villeneuve.

“Safer drivers in safer cars, on well-built roads is what we call a winning combination to reduce the number of road collision victims,” said Pelletier.

Four systems – Electronic Stability Control, Warning and Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane Support – were demonstrated with the help of CAA-Québec expert drivers, at Transport Canada's Motor Vehicle Test Centre in Blainville, Québec. A fifth technology, Speed Alert, is widely available in Europe and will hopefully become an option on North American vehicles soon.

“As a race car driver, I know that any technological edge I can get is important,” said Villeneuve. “The same is true when it comes to vehicle safety.”

Rob Merrifield, Minister of State for Transport, was also present to underscore the Government of Canada’s commitment to vehicle safety technologies.

“Road safety is a key priority for our Government and we applaud this opportunity to further educate Canadians about these new vehicle safety technologies,” said Minister Merrifield. “Our Government supports these life-saving technologies and recognizes that vehicle safety technologies save lives.”

Today’s event, part of the run-up to Sunday’s Montreal Grand Prix, allowed more than 150 guests and media representatives to hear experts’ professional opinion while watching a live demonstration and trying out the technologies themselves.

About the technologies:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) helps you avoid a crash by significantly reducing the risk of your car going into a skid during a sudden emergency manoeuvre. ESC applies automatic braking to certain wheels and it may temporarily cut engine power to help a driver maintain control.

Blind Spot Monitoring helps you avoid a crash with a vehicle in another lane by continuously screening the blind spots on the sides of your vehicle.

Lane Support Systems monitor the position of your vehicle and can assist and warn you when you unintentionally leave your lane or when you change lanes suddenly.

Warning and Emergency Braking Systems detect the danger of your vehicle colliding with the vehicle in front of you. In the event of a potential collision, the systems warn you about the danger, and if you take no action, the technologies activate the brakes and can apply seatbelt pretension to avoid or mitigate the severity of a collision.

Speed Alert can help you avoid speeding by alerting you through an audio or visual warning that you’ve exceeded the posted speed limit. This technology is widely available in Europe, but is not yet available in North America.

For more information about the technologies, photos of the event, or to download videos of these technologies (including b-roll), please go to: CAA.ca/esafety

About the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)

CAA is a federation of nine automobile clubs serving more than 5.4 million members through 144 offices across Canada. CAA provides a wide range of member services and works to improve travelling and motoring conditions at home and around the world, including national advocacy efforts on both traffic safety and public policy issues that affect Canadian motorists.
CAA.ca

About CAA-Québec:

CAA-Québec, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1904, provides automotive, travel, residential and financial services, benefits and privileges to its one million members.
www.caaquebec.com

About the FIA Foundation for the Automobile and Society:
The FIA Foundation is an independent UK registered charity which manages and supports an international program of activities promoting road safety, environmental protection, and sustainable mobility, as well as funding special motor sport safety research. www.fiafoundation.org

About Transport Canada:

Transport Canada is responsible for transportation policies and programs. It ensures that air, marine, road and rail transportation are safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible. Transport Canada reports to Parliament and Canadians through the minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities. It works with its portfolio partners, other government departments and jurisdictions, and industry to ensure that all parts of Canada's transportation system work well. Transport Canada employs 4,700 people at its headquarters and in five regional offices across the country.
www.tc.gc.ca

Media Contacts:
Dean Morin (English media)
Communications Manager
Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)
613-247-0117 ext. 2026
613-668-2163 (cell)
dmorin@national.caa.ca

Brigitte Roussy (Québec media and French media)
Public Relations Officer
CAA-Québec
514-861-7111 ext. 3210
broussy@caaquebec.com

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055

Lamia Charlebois (All media)
Public relations consultant
514-279-4601
514-581-5831
lamiette@sympatico.ca

Sophie Des Marais (All media)
Public relations consultant
514-234-4736
sophie.dm@sympatico.ca

New CAA iPhone Application Helps Members Find Savings Everywhere

CAA National — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:51:06 GMT

"It's the biggest shopping season of the year and CAA wants our members to know there are exclusive savings being made available to them wherever they go," says Lucy Imperiale, managing director of national programs and strategies for CAA. "By using our free iPhone app, members can easily find those special offers while shopping for the perfect gift, and keep some extra holiday cash in their pockets."

CAA's Show Your Card & Save® program provides members with the opportunity to instantly save or earn CAA Dollars® just by showing their CAA card at over 100,000 partner locations across North America, including hotels, dining, entertainment, and much more.

"These offers are of great value to our members, both during the holiday season and throughout the year," says Imperiale.

The new CAA Savings App automatically locates all these partners based on either a user's current location or any location they choose. Users can search by specific categories, view offer and partner details, map the best route to the partner, and get turn-by-turn directions to each location.

The application also includes a Roadside Assistance feature, which not only places a call to CAA, but also provides your GPS coordinates to help CAA locate you.

"This application is just one of a series of interactive tools CAA will be introducing in the coming months to provide our members additional value," says Imperiale. "With the ever growing number of Canadians using mobile devices, CAA wants to ensure we provide new ways for members to easily access CAA services while they're on the go."

"If you have an iPhone or an iTouch, be sure you download the free CAA Savings App before you do your holiday shopping," says Imperiale. "With so many ways to save, our app will make your holidays all the more special."

To download the CAA Savings App, go to: www.caa.ca/mobile or visit the iTunes App Store and search for "CAA Savings."

To learn more about CAA's Show Your Card & Save program visit: www.caa.ca/savings

About the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)

CAA is a federation of nine automobile clubs serving 5.3 million members through 139 offices across Canada. CAA provides a wide range of member services and works to improve travelling and motoring conditions at home and around the world, including national advocacy efforts on the environment, infrastructure, traffic safety, and public policy issues that affect Canadian motorists.

CAA and Pollution Probe Launch First-of-Its-Kind Primer to Help Drivers Save Fuel

CAA National — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:47:31 GMT

The Primer on Automobile Fuel Efficiency and Emissions examines the various driving and technological factors that govern fuel efficiency, and it provides drivers with a clear overview of the strategies they can adopt to reduce fuel consumption.

"In polling CAA did a few weeks ago, Canadians told us they want to drive greener and they expect CAA to be a leader in showing them how," says Jeff Walker, vice president of public affairs and chief strategy officer for CAA. "This was a trend seen all throughout Canada, and especially in Quebec."

To augment the release of the primer, two brochures were created. The first brochure entitled, What You Can Do to Conserve Fuel and Reduce Emissions, provides motorists with several eco-driving tips they can adopt to save fuel, some of which include:

- Avoiding aggressive starts and stops which consumes up to 39 per cent more fuel than moderate acceleration and stopping;

- Removing excess weight from vehicles as every 100 pounds of added weight burns two per cent more fuel; and,

- Installing a block heater on a vehicle as car engines burn 50 per cent more fuel in cold weather when the engine isn't warmed up.

The second brochure entitled, Busting Myths About Fuel Efficiency and Driving, explores the myths associated with fuel efficiency, some of which include:

- The myth that it's more fuel efficient to use air conditioning on the highway than leaving the windows down; and,

- The myth that choosing a fuel efficient vehicle means compromising safety.

"The public needs more than a fact sheet on fuel efficiency," says Bob Oliver, executive director of Pollution Probe. "We created this primer to help motorists understand the environmental and economic impacts of the automobile technology innovations that are coming in the next decade. An informed and engaged public is critical to a successful transition to a cleaner future."

In addition to the brochures, a new sub-site, www.caa.ca/primer was launched to provide drivers with an opportunity to quiz themselves on fuel efficiency, to learn more about the science surrounding fuel efficiency, and to learn what governments and automakers are doing to address the issue.

Visitors to the sub-site will also be able to view and download the primer, its associated brochures, and to watch videos about fuel efficiency.

"There are some Canadians that think the only way to really save fuel is to drive a hybrid," says Walker. "Any car can be made more efficient, and if you use our tools, you'll reduce your environmental footprint."

"Quebecers view the environment and driving as very serious issues and it's important to provide pertinent information for them that leads to smarter driving choices," says Paul Pelletier, president and CEO of CAA-Quebec. "We are pleased to be a partner in the primer launch so we can tell our members and Quebecers that they too can play a role in driving green."

About the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA):

CAA is a federation of nine automobile clubs serving 5.3 million members through 139 offices across Canada. CAA provides a wide range of member services and works to improve travelling and motoring conditions at home and around the world, including national advocacy efforts on the environment, infrastructure, traffic safety, and public policy issues that affect Canadians. www.caa.ca.

About Pollution Probe:

Pollution Probe is a leading Canadian environmental not-for-profit group dedicated to achieving positive, tangible environmental change through its research, education and advocacy programs. One of the organization's recent focuses has been on the implementation of world class fuel efficiency regulations to improve the performance of Canadian motor vehicles, as well as increasing consumer appreciation of (and demand for) fuel efficient technologies. To learn more about Pollution Probe, visit www.pollutionprobe.org.

About CAA-Quebec:

CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1904, provides automotive, travel, residential and financial services, benefits and privileges to its one million members. www.caaquebec.com.

Canadian Automobile Association/Drivers Want to Take a Leadership Role in Reducing Car Emissions: Poll

CAA National — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:46:06 GMT

According to the poll, some 56 per cent of Canadians believe that reducing the environmental impact of driving would make a big difference in terms of environmental progress overall, with another 34 per cent saying it would make a little bit of difference.

Quebec residents were even more vocal in believing such a move would make a big difference, with 67 per cent expressing this belief.

Half of drivers also said they believe they can do a lot to reduce the environmental impact of their transportation activities. Nationally, 49 per cent of drivers were of the view that a lot can be done, and in Quebec, 62 per cent felt that a lot can be done.

Even in the current economic climate, three out of four drivers said the environment remains as high a priority as the economy. This trend was evident in all regions of Canada, including Quebec where 71 per cent said the environment was a key priority.

Motorists were also polled on whether having tools to help them reduce the environmental impact of driving would be helpful. All told, 80 per cent of drivers said that such tools would be very or somewhat useful, and only 13 per cent said such a tool wouldn't be useful.

Residents of Quebec and Ontario expressed the highest level of interest in gaining access to such tools.

"Canadian drivers are committed to environmental progress and recognize they can make a difference in reducing emissions, both in terms of how they drive, and in terms of what they drive," says Jeff Walker, vice president of public affairs and chief strategy officer for the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).

The poll also found that four in five drivers believe that CAA should take a leadership role in promoting environmentally sustainable approaches to driving and transportation. Among this group, women are the most likely to believe CAA should take on such a role (87 per cent), and members of CAA (85 per cent) were more likely than average to say the organization should take on this role.

"CAA is committed to being an enabler for its members, and for all Canadians to reduce the environmental impacts of driving," says Walker.

To do so, CAA partnered with environmental firm Pollution Probe to create an all-new, first-of-its-kind Primer on Automobile Fuel Efficiency and Emissions. Also, in conjunction with CAA-Quebec, several fuel efficiency tools were developed and will be presented to media representatives at the Montreal Science Centre on November 26, 2009, from 9:45 am to 10:45 am.

Members of the media who wish to learn more details about this launch event are encouraged to contact Brigitte Roussy at: broussy@caaquebec.com.

About the poll:

This poll was conducted for CAA by Harris/Decima. 1,000 Canadians were surveyed nationwide through teleVox, the company's national telephone omnibus. The data was gathered between October 22 and October 25, 2009. A sample of the same size has a margin of error of 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

About the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA):

CAA is a federation of nine automobile clubs serving 5.3 million members through 139 offices across Canada. CAA provides a wide range of member services and works to improve travelling and motoring conditions at home and around the world, including national advocacy efforts on the environment, infrastructure, traffic safety, and public policy issues that affect Canadians. www.caa.ca

About CAA Quebec:

CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1904, provides automotive, travel, residential and financial services, benefits and privileges to its one million members. www.caaquebec.com

Disney Wins Again as CAA's Preferred Travel Partner

CAA National — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:17:45 GMT

The award - which recognizes a travel partner's products, services, sales, marketing efforts, and overall performance - is given to a partner based on the overall number of votes garnered by travel agents at all of CAA's member clubs.

"The fact that Disney won this award twice in two years speaks volumes to Disney's Canadian staff, who work tirelessly to provide our members with exceptional travel deals." says Cathy McManaman, CAA's manager of national travel services.

The award was presented to Disney at the 10th annual CAA Preferred Partner dinner event held in Banff, Alberta.

"Everyone at Disney Parks is extremely proud of the partnership we have created with CAA Travel," says Hayden Yates, travel industry marketing and sales director for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "Over the years, we have worked closely together to bring the magic of a Disney vacation to CAA members across Canada, and for Disney Parks to be recognized with this prestigious award is truly a great honour."

Under the CAA-Disney partnership, CAA members have access to exclusive Disney AAA Vacation packages and benefits.

"Our partnership with Disney allows us to offer member-exclusive offers on food, merchandise, entertainment, parking, and room rates at Disney Resorts," says McManaman. "A CAA membership is your gateway to making your Disney Resort vacation even more special."

Further details about CAA's Disney packages can be provided by local CAA travel agents.

About the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)

CAA is a federation of nine automobile clubs serving 5.3 million members through 139 offices across Canada. CAA provides a wide range of member services and works to improve travelling and motoring conditions at home and around the world, including national advocacy efforts on the environment, infrastructure, traffic safety, and public policy issues that affect Canadian motorists. CAA.ca