Major EPA verdict against Chinese imports...

[CrazyCarl]

EPA just announced the withdrawl of approvals to import over 200,000 Chinese motorcycle and ATV units into the US claiming the emissions standards certs were falsified. No details given on what that actually means but it does mean fees could be levied against the manufacturers (good luck getting that!) or the importers. Naturally CARB followed suite and I'm sure will be more than happy to issue and collect fees.

Quoted text and link from the EPA below...

WASHINGTON –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) withdrew its approval of the import and sale of up to 200,000 gas-powered off-road motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. The agency suspects that tailpipe emissions information was either incomplete or falsified. This is the first time EPA has voided certificates of conformity for these types of vehicles and only the second time the agency has done so for any type of vehicle. EPA is considering an enforcement action under the Clean Air Act, which could lead to significant financial penalties against the businesses that manufactured or imported these types of recreational vehicles.

As a result of a lengthy investigation, EPA is alleging that the applications for the certificates contained false or incomplete information. EPA issued the certificates in 2006 and 2007 to the U.S. counterparts of four of China’s largest manufacturers of these types of vehicles: Hensim USA (City of Industry, Calif.), Loncin USA (Hayward, Calif.), Peace Industry Group (Norcross, Ga.), and Seaseng (Pomona, Calif.). The certificates were issued based on applications compiled by their consultant, MotorScience Enterprise. EPA believes MotorScience Enterprise intentionally submitted false or incomplete emissions information.

The Chinese manufacturers are Chongqing Hensim Group Co., Chongqing Longting Power Equipment Co., Zhejiang Peace Industry and Trade Co., and Zhejiang Chisheng Industry and Trading Co.

All vehicles imported or manufactured in the United States are required to have certificates of conformity, which are issued by EPA. To obtain a certificate, a manufacturer or importer must submit an application that describes the vehicle and its emission control system, and provide emissions data that demonstrates that the vehicle will meet federal emission standards for certain pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx) and total hydrocarbons. EPA alleges that this information was falsified.

Because the manufacturers failed to properly test the emissions from their own products, EPA cannot determine whether the vehicles meet EPA emission standards. Without proper emission controls, recreational vehicles can emit substantially more pollution than allowable under EPA standards.

Volatile organic compounds and NOx emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog. In addition, exposure to even low levels of ozone can cause respiratory problems, and repeated exposure can aggravate pre-existing respiratory diseases.

The California Air Resources Board, which issued executive orders similar to EPA’s certificates of conformity, has also voided its executive orders covering the same vehicles that were sold in California.

Today’s action impacts the companies that manufactured and imported these vehicles. A consumer who owns a model that was covered by these voided certificates is not responsible for these companies’ wrongdoing and can continue to use the vehicle.

More information on the recreational vehicles: http://epa.gov/otaq/recveh.htm

[jape]

Damn the sorry bastards to hell. More than likely politicking by the japs and HD forced this. Even if it is true so what? Single drivers in passenger cars use so much more gas and produce emissions, first world countries dump lethal shit all over the planet, politicians and bureaucrats produce methane at both ends. grrrrr.

[euphonius]

Carl, isn't this the same action as was reported earlier in the Pep Boys thread? Interesting to see the manufacturers listed here.

The Chinese manufacturers are Chongqing Hensim Group Co., Chongqing Longting Power Equipment Co., Zhejiang Peace Industry and Trade Co., and Zhejiang Chisheng Industry and Trading Co.

This does not look like an "A list" of Chinese motorcycles. Know anything about these makers?

thanks

[CrazyCarl]

It's a similar topic, just extended in reach. There's a difference between what we consider "A list" manufacturers and manufactures that have some of the most developed distribution.

Like many (or at least some) political actions, I'm sure the decision to restrict these machines was spearheaded by marginally rational evidence. I'm not clear how someone could falsify the test results and get anywhere near the shore.

While sanctions like this will impact some already struggling local dealers and shops, the regulatory Samsonite gorillas may unintentionally be doing us a favor in the long run by thinning the herd a bit. The Japanese had to go though similar, if not even more ludicrous, import restrictions than this. Given North America is a "premiere" market for bikes, the various channels of pressure from already established manufacturers to protect their already financially drought stricken stomping grounds must be considerable.

War is hell is business.

CC

[Lefthandy]

And what about the customers who boght one? If they registered the bikes/ATVs? The authority could revoke the registration?

[CrazyCarl]

I think it stopped the import of the units, not pulling existing on shore units back. IIRC, current owners are/were not affected.

CC

[Gardo]

And what about the customers who boght one? If they registered the bikes/ATVs? The authority could revoke the registration?

Lefty at the end of the article it appears that the consumers are safe

Today’s action impacts the companies that manufactured and imported these vehicles. A consumer who owns a model that was covered by these voided certificates is not responsible for these companies’ wrongdoing and can continue to use the vehicle.