Despite promising rebates for fuel-efficient cars and trucks, the federal government is yet to pay buyers of 2006 and 2007 models that qualify.
The ecoAuto feebate program, launched in March by the Conservatives, offers rebates of up to $2,000. It also places a maximum levy of $4,000 on gas-guzzling vehicles.
The delay in getting the rebates out is angering customers, associations representing major automakers in Canada say in a letter to Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Environment Minister John Baird.
"Our members report they are already receiving numerous letters of complaint and frustration over the fact that no process to apply for the rebate has been established," David Adams, president of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada and Mark Nantais, president of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association, said in a letter to the federal ministers.
Transport Canada spokesperson Robin Browne confirmed Monday to The Globe and Mail that no money has yet been paid out to buyers that qualify for the incentives.
"The government will finalize the program in the coming months and aims to issue cheques in the fall," he said.
In contrast, Honda Canada began offering rebates on its Fit subcompact car and manual transmission Civic compact in May and is paying the money, said the company's Senior Vice-President Jim Miller.
The program is retroactive to budget day, March 19.
The Fit did not qualify under the federal program because it uses 6.6 litres of gas to travel 100 kilometres, falling just short of the 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres standard set by the government.
People who bought Toyota Yaris subcompacts, ethanol-powered Chevrolet Impalas and Chrysler Sebrings, diesel-powered Smart cars and other alternative -technology vehicles after March 19 are eligible for rebates.
Transport Canada still hasn't announced which vehicles from the 2008 model year are eligible for the rebate.
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