Suzuki Motor Corporation Fined $3 Million for Selling Uncertified Motorcycles

Suzuki Motor Corporation fined $3 million for selling uncertified
motorcycles

Company took proactive steps to correct problem; will likely pay
lesser amount

SACRAMENTO- The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today
announced that American Suzuki Motor Corporation and Suzuki Motor
Corporation of Japan have agreed to a settlement of $3,020,000 to
resolve violations of the California Health and Safety Code
related to off-highway motorcycles equipped with dual calibrated
emissions systems.

Dual calibrations within the emission control system allow
motorcycle owners to purchase low-cost aftermarket devices that
provide access to alternative engine control programming. This
allows greater vehicle performance but also significantly
increases smog-forming emissions. Such systems are prohibited by
California law if they are undisclosed to ARB prior to the
vehicles’ approval for sale and if they are easily accessible by
the vehicle owner.

Suzuki officials initially reported this issue to the ARB and
fully cooperated with authorities to resolve the matter. This
action saved limited state resources and resulted in a swifter
and more complete elimination of excess emissions. As a result,
this agreement provides for suspension of $1,812,000 of the total
penalty provided that Suzuki does not produce vehicles with
undisclosed calibrations for a period of two years and completes
two vehicle emission reduction programs designed to offset the
additional pollution of the dual calibrated vehicles.

Funds collected under the settlement will be paid to the
California Air Pollution Control Fund, established to support air
quality research.

Off-highway vehicles that do not meet California's emission
requirements pose a real danger to California residents. They
create higher amounts of smog-forming pollutants, which can then
exacerbate respiratory ailments and negatively affect other
health conditions such as shortness of breath, headaches, birth
defects, cancer or damage to internal organs.

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ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare,
and ecological resources through effective reduction of air
pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the
economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in
California to attain and maintain health based air quality
standards.

LINK TO NEWS RELEASE:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=417