Expansion of successful program will help all Quebecers reduce automotive costs and environmental footprint

TORONTO, May 30, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (CTC, CTC.a) is helping to reduce the amount of automotive waste going to Quebec landfills and waterways by shifting the popular Go Eco program into high-gear with a province-wide rollout. With a focus on auto services to keep vehicles in peak condition and the responsible disposal of automotive waste, Go Eco helps reduce automotive costs and environmental footprints.

The program was initially launched in 10 stores in Québec City, Thetford Mines and Dolbeau, where more than 6,200 kilograms of empty plastic oil containers were collected and responsibly disposed of - equivalent to the weight of approximately four mid-size cars. In addition, stores saw an increase of nearly 25 per cent in the number of filters collected over the same period last year, a difference of more than 26 per cent over comparable stores.

"The province-wide roll-out of Go Eco is a testament to the program's success in the initial markets, and I'm delighted that all the communities we serve in Quebec will now have a chance to participate," said Michel Séguin, Dealer, Laval. "With the summer driving season fast approaching, there couldn't be a better time to broaden the scope of this initiative and expand our efforts to divert automotive waste from our landfills and waterways."

Customers can benefit from the Go Eco program in three ways:

1. Environmentally responsible recycling and disposal services for the home mechanic enables the "Do-It-Yourself" customer to return used automotive consumables to Canadian Tire stores for recycling and environmentally responsible disposal. Items that will be accepted include: oil, oil filters and oil containers; mineral oil spray cans; and antifreeze with its containers.
2. One hundred per cent recycling and responsible disposal of automotive consumables at Canadian Tire Automotive Centres ensures that "Do-It-For-Me" customers will also be doing their part for the environment when they take their vehicles to Canadian Tire for service. Through bulk purchases of oil, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and grease, Canadian Tire Automotive Centres have been able to reduce the amount of packaging and waste. Furthermore, they are committed to ensuring that the materials and consumables resulting from any servicing done at one of Canadian Tire's auto service centres are recycled or disposed of in an environmentally-responsible manner. Since the initial launch, this component of the program has been expanded to include all rubber residues, scrap metal, and air filters.
3. Enhanced auto services to keep vehicles well-maintained and operating at peak efficiency, helps save customers' money and reduce fuel consumption and emissions.  A well-maintained vehicle can increase fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 13 per cent compared to a poorly maintained vehicle that does not undergo periodic maintenance such as oil and filter changes, tire rotation and correct inflation, fluid and air filter replacement, and other recommended maintenance.

"It is very gratifying to see Quebecers embrace programs such as Go Eco with such enthusiasm, enabling the launch of the initiative on a provincial level," said Louis-Paul Allard, President and founder, The Quebec Environment Foundation. "The continued success of the initiative will yield tremendous benefits to automobile owners, their vehicles, and our environment."

Dealers are working with accredited third-party suppliers to ensure a transparent process that allows for environmentally responsible recycling and disposal of products, regardless of whether the service was provided in Canadian Tire auto centres or in the driveway of the 'do-it-yourself' customer's own home.

Go Eco aligns with Canadian Tire's business sustainability strategy, which has three aspirations: growing the business without contributing to a higher carbon footprint of the economy; eliminating unnecessary packaging and sending zero waste to landfills; and providing innovative products and services that meet customers' needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Dealers in Quebec have been leaders in developing and implementing innovative environmental programs that consider the full life-span of a product.

ABOUT CANADIAN TIRE

Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (TSX:CTC.a) (TSX:CTC) is one of Canada's most-shopped general retailers, offering everyday products and services to Canadians through more than 1,200 retail and gasoline outlets from coast-to-coast. Our primary retail business categories - Automotive, Living, Fixing, Playing and Apparel - are supported and strengthened by our Financial Services division, which offers such products and services as credit cards, in-store financing, product warranties, and insurance. Nearly 57,000 people are employed across the Canadian Tire enterprise, which was founded in 1922 and remains one of Canada's most recognized and trusted brands.

Image with caption: "From right to left, Canadian Tire Laval's dealer and founder of the Go Eco program Mr. Michel Séguin, Minister of the environment Mr. Pierre Arcand and Mr. Louis-Paul Allard, President and founder, The Quebec Environment Foundation announcing the Go Eco program now available in Canadian Tire stores across Quebec. (CNW Group/CANADIAN TIRE CORPORATION, LIMITED)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20110530_C8642_PHOTO_EN_01.jpg