Competition Bureau Obtains Agreement to Stop Marketing of Econopro, a Bogus Fuel Saving Device

News Release

OTTAWA, September 28, 2006 -- The Competition Bureau has filed a consent agreement with the Competition Tribunal to prevent Econoco Inc. and its directors from making misleading representations to the public about the Econopro, which is marketed as a device to save fuel and reduce emissions.
"Consumers can easily be duped by false claims that can only be assessed by experts with specialized technical knowledge," said Raymond Pierce, Deputy Commissioner of Competition. "The Competition Bureau is currently unaware of any credible scientific evidence that could demonstrate that such products can significantly improve fuel efficiency."
Under the terms of the consent agreement, Econoco Inc., president Réal Laroche and former vice-president Claude Tardif have agreed to:
stop all representations concerning Econopro or similar products for a period of 10 years unless adequate and proper tests are carried out;
inform consumers of the agreement through a public notice in newspapers; and
pay an administrative monetary penalty of $15,000.
The deceptive marketing practices provisions of the Competition Act prohibit making representations that are false or misleading, as well as statements about the performance or effectiveness of products that are not based on adequate and proper tests.
The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that promotes and maintains fair competition so that all Canadians can benefit from competitive prices, product choice and quality service. It oversees the application of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Maureen McGrath
Communications Advisor
Competition Bureau
819-953-8982, or 613-296-2187 (cell)
For general enquiries, please contact:
Information Centre
Competition Bureau
819-997-4282
1-800-348-5358

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Competition Bureau Obtains Agreement to Stop Marketing of Econopro, a Bogus Fuel Saving Device

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