Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/243961
m mit ple nd at her ded ern ho in agnd will osng ted di- ick nd We for the age ode." ng prihe U.S. mid. an ver ou ro- usnewo nd eps ore 25 lly eps U.S. he en ernd da unmer to www.PowersportsBusiness.com NEWS Powersports Business • January 27, 2014 • 7 EPA: Dallas group illegally imported 24,000 bikes $120,000 fine awaits Chinese importer A Dallas-based group of companies and their owner must either stop importing vehicles or follow a comprehensive compliance plan to settle Clean Air Act (CAA) violations stemming from the alleged illegal import of more than 24,167 highway motorcycles and recreational vehicles into the U.S. without proper documentation, announced the Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The four parties are also required to pay a $120,000 civil penalty. "Vehicles are one of the largest sources of pollution that significantly affect public health," said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "Holding importers accountable for meeting U.S. emissions standards is critical to protecting the air we breathe, and to protecting companies that play by the rules." "Importers of foreign made vehicles and engines must comply with the same Clean Air Act requirements that apply to those selling domestic products," said Robert G. Dreher, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. "We will continue to vigorously enforce the law to ensure that imported vehicles and engines comply with U.S. laws so that American consumers get environmentally sound products and violators do not gain an unfair economic advantage." Savoia, BMX Imports, BMX Trading and their owner Terry Zimmer allegedly imported the vehicles from several foreign manufacturers into the United States through the Port of Long Beach, Calif. The vehicles were then sold through the Internet and from a retail location in Dallas, Texas. The Jan. 6 settlement requires that the companies either certify that they are no longer engaging in CAA-regulated activities or follow a comprehensive plan over the next five years that would include regular vehicle inspections, emissions testing and other measures to ensure compliance at various stages of purchasing, importing and selling vehicles. In addition, the companies are required to export or destroy 115 of their current vehicles that have catalytic converters or carburetors that do not adhere to the certificate of conformity that they submitted to EPA. The purpose of the certificate of conformity, required by the CAA, is to demonstrate that vehicles or engines meet applicable federal emission standards. EPA discovered the alleged violations through inspections at Long Beach and other U.S. ports of entry, and through information provided by the company. EPA's investigation showed that approximately 11,000 of the imported vehicles were not covered by an EPA certificate of conformity, which means that EPA is unable to confirm that the emissions from these vehicles meet federal standards. Other violations included approximately 23,000 vehicles sold without the required emissions warranty, and approximately 500 vehicles that did not have proper emission control labels. The CAA requires that all vehicles have certification, warranty and labeling prior to being imported or sold in the U.S. to demonstrate that they meet federal emission standards. Engines operating without proper emissions controls can emit excess carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides which can cause respiratory illnesses, aggravate asthma and contribute to the formation of ground level ozone or smog. PSB V-TWINFROM COVER EXPO CONTINUED latest product from the most intense sector of motorcycling: V-twin. PSB: What type of response have you received from exhibitors? Etc. JB: We are fortunate to work with such great exhibitors year after year. Because of their commitment, and ours to the industry and to the V-Twin Expo, many exhibitors stepped up to provide assistance to drive awareness for the show. The reason they do this is simple, we all want the same outcome — a great show attended by well-qualified dealers. These exhibitors used many tactics to drive awareness and dealer attendance by encouraging their dealer base to attend by offering attendee-only Show Specials, including their booth location information in their outbound shipments and communications, adding Expo info to their website and social media pages, etc. Every bit helps, and we appreciate every bit of help. In regards to show size, in 2014 our show will remain the same size as last year, with a few minor size adjustments. As in years past, many exhibitors increase their booth size and a small few reduced their footprint, but the most noticeable difference for the dealers will be the return of several large clothing and leather manufacturers. PSB: How is the industry performing at the V-twin level? JB: In my opinion, shops that are showing progress are working hard for it. It takes a concerted effort to be successful today. Customer service, intelligent purchasing and pricing, staying up with current trends, advertising in traditional and new digital outlets, etc. are the basics to "entry" alone, not to mention survival. Coincidently, the V-twin show follows the same rules and tries to help by offering several avenues to help dealers achieve some of these goals. PSB P01x09-PSB2-News.indd 7 1/15/14 11:52 AM