Misleading gas-saving device ruling upheld

Competition Bureau Obtains Decision Dismissing PVI's Federal Court Appeal

OTTAWA, May 26, 2004 - The Federal Court of Appeal has upheld a Competition Tribunal ruling which found that claims made to consumers about a fuel-saving device, known as the Platinum Vapour Injector (PVI), were false or misleading.

The Competition Tribunal decision, which was obtained in May 2002, followed a Competition Bureau investigation into allegations that PVI International Inc., and its owners Michael and Darren Golka, engaged in deceptive marketing practices about a gas-saving device, called the PVI.

After a full hearing, the Competition Tribunal ordered the company to stop making fuel-saving and emission-reduction claims about the PVI, and ordered the company and individuals to pay an administrative monetary penalty.

PVI's appeal of the Tribunal decision was denied by the Federal Court of Appeal. In addition, the Court also found the Tribunal erred in exercising its discretion not to order PVI to publish corrective notices.

Consumers who suspect they have been a victim of deceptive marketing practices are encouraged to contact the Bureau's Information Centre at 1-800-348-5358, or visit our Web site at www.cb-bc.gc.ca.

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency. We contribute to the prosperity of Canadians by protecting and promoting competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Maureen McGrath
Senior Communications Advisor
Communications Branch
819-953-8982, or 613-296-2187 (cell)

For general enquiries, please contact:

Information Centre
Competition Bureau
1-800-348-5358