CALIFORNIA - Motorcycle manufacturer fined $175,000

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http://www.examiner.com/article/motorcycle-manufacturer-fined-175-000-by-air-resources-board
Motorcycle manufacturer fined $175,000

by Air Resources Board (Photos) June 8, 2013 By: Frank Maccioli

California's Air Resources Board announced yesterday that it had fined Piaggio Group Americas, Inc. $175,000 for violating state air pollution regulations. The violations were associated with the company's Aprilia brand of motorcycles. Aprilia is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of motorcycles and scooters. According to a quick search of local dealers, however, Bakersfield motorcycle enthusiasts may need to travel to Fresno or Simi Valley to find the nearest Aprilia dealer. According to ARB investigators, several Aprilia motorcycles were offered for sale in California without first receiving the official certification of compliance with the state’s emissions standards. Additionally, several models had been made with easily adjustable calibrations that were not disclosed to the ARB during the certification process.
California's Air Resources Board announced yesterday that it had fined Piaggio Group Americas, Inc. $175,000 for violating state air pollution regulations. Photo credit: Aprilia website / Fair Use Such variable or adjustable calibrations within the emission control system allow motorcycle dealers and owners to change engine performance, however, those changes may result in increased smog-forming emissions. These calibrations are prohibited by California law if they are not disclosed to ARB prior to the vehicle’s approval for sale or if they enable vehicle owners or dealerships to make adjustments outside the certified configuration.
In announcing the settlement, ARB Enforcement Chief James Ryden noted that “manufacturers not only have a basic responsibility to ensure that their vehicles meet California requirements prior to sale, but that they also take reasonable steps to ensure that dealers or owners will not be able to quickly defeat emissions controls installed on their products.” He went on to add that “building in a ready pathway to eliminate smog reducing measures is not acceptable in California certified vehicles.”
Piaggio Group Americas, Inc. fully cooperated with authorities in the investigation and resolution of this violation.
Funds collected will be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, established to decrease air pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technologies.