The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently reached a settlement with COBB Tuning, a company specializing in vehicle tuning software and aftermarket parts, for $2.9 million. This action sends a strong signal to the aftermarket car parts industry, particularly in automotive hubs like Los Angeles, regarding the sale and use of emissions defeat devices. COBB Tuning, based in Texas but with a past retail presence in Fountain Valley, California, was found to be selling products that allowed vehicles to bypass federal air pollution standards.
According to the EPA, COBB Tuning sold approximately 90,000 illicit products since 2015. These included exhaust systems that removed catalytic converters and software designed to enhance engine combustion in a way that circumvented emissions controls. These “defeat devices” are designed to boost vehicle performance but at the cost of increased smog-forming emissions and other pollutants, exceeding legal limits. The EPA has mandated that COBB Tuning destroy its remaining inventory of these illegal products and inform customers that their use violates federal clean air regulations.
“Defeat devices significantly increase air pollution from motor vehicles, particularly in communities that already are overburdened by pollution,” stated David M. Uhlmann, assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. This statement highlights the EPA’s commitment to cracking down on such practices to protect air quality, especially in densely populated and traffic-heavy areas like Los Angeles, where the market for aftermarket car parts is substantial.
The crackdown on COBB Tuning is part of a broader effort by federal and state regulators to address excessive emissions from vehicles. California, with its stringent environmental regulations and large car culture, is a key focus in this effort. Past scandals, such as the Volkswagen “Dieselgate” case, where the manufacturer used software to cheat emissions tests, and the more recent Cummins Inc. penalty for similar violations, demonstrate the scale and seriousness of the issue. These cases, involving major vehicle manufacturers, alongside the COBB Tuning settlement, emphasize that regulatory scrutiny extends across the automotive industry, from original equipment manufacturers to aftermarket suppliers.
The aftermarket car parts sector, while offering enthusiasts the opportunity to personalize and enhance their vehicles, presents unique challenges for regulators. The sheer number of manufacturers, retailers, and installers makes monitoring and enforcement more complex compared to dealing with large automakers. Los Angeles, with its vibrant car modification scene, is a significant market for aftermarket parts, making it crucial for businesses and consumers alike to be aware of and comply with emissions regulations.
In response to the settlement, COBB Tuning stated that they cooperated fully with the EPA investigation and claimed that the products were not developed or marketed as emissions defeat devices. They also emphasized their commitment to emissions stewardship and noted that many of their products have been certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as not interfering with pollution controls. This highlights a critical aspect for consumers in Los Angeles and California: the importance of CARB certification for aftermarket parts. CARB certification ensures that parts meet California’s strict emissions standards, which are often more stringent than federal requirements.
Defeat devices often manipulate engine management systems to enhance performance, affecting parameters like combustion, air-flow, and ignition timing. However, these modifications can disable crucial emission control systems, leading to increased pollution. In the COBB Tuning case, their software could disable the check engine light and prevent vehicles from entering “limp mode,” which are designed to alert drivers to potential emission issues. The affected COBB Tuning products were designed for a range of popular vehicle brands, including BMW, Ford, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, and Volkswagen. The company can continue to sell products that meet California’s emissions standards, emphasizing the importance of legal and environmentally responsible aftermarket car part choices.
For consumers in Los Angeles looking to modify their vehicles with aftermarket car parts, it’s crucial to choose reputable dealers and manufacturers who prioritize emissions compliance. While performance enhancements can be tempting, ensuring that modifications are legal and CARB-certified is essential to avoid penalties and contribute to cleaner air in the Los Angeles basin. The EPA’s action against COBB Tuning serves as a reminder to the aftermarket industry and consumers alike about the importance of adhering to environmental regulations.
