SACRAMENTO – California’s commitment to clean air took a significant step forward as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced a settlement with AZAA Investments, Inc., formerly known as AutoAnything, Inc., for selling illegal aftermarket performance auto parts. The company has been penalized with a $1 million fine for violating California’s Health and Safety Code and Vehicle Code.
CARB Enforcement Chief Todd Sax emphasized the responsibility across the entire automotive parts supply chain, stating, “Although the former AutoAnything, Inc. was a retailer, everyone in the chain of commerce – that is manufacturers, distributors, dealers, installers, and retailers – has an important responsibility to ensure that all aftermarket products they offer for sale have first been exempted by CARB.” He further added, “This settlement is a reminder of the serious consequences for ignoring this responsibility.” This action underscores California’s stringent regulations on auto parts and the critical need for retailers, even major online platforms like AutoAnything, to ensure compliance.
Investigations by CARB revealed that AutoAnything, a prominent online retailer of Autoanything Car Parts, engaged in advertising and selling performance parts designed to modify vehicle emissions systems without proper authorization. These violations, numbering approximately 4,000, occurred between 2012 and 2015. California law is clear: advertising, selling, distributing, or delivering parts that alter vehicle emission control systems is illegal unless CARB has granted an exemption, proving the parts do not increase smog-forming emissions. This law applies universally to all involved in the supply chain, regardless of their location, even if they operate outside of California.
The illegal autoanything car parts sold by the former AutoAnything, Inc. included a range of components such as engine programmers, air intake systems, and catalytic converters. These parts lacked the necessary CARB approval for use on highway vehicles. The consequences of using such unapproved parts are twofold: they can lead to reduced fuel economy and, more critically, a significant increase in harmful emissions.
The environmental and health impacts of modified vehicles with illegal aftermarket parts are a serious concern in California. These vehicles contribute to higher levels of smog-forming pollutants, directly impacting air quality and potentially worsening respiratory issues and other health conditions for California residents.
Furthermore, vehicles equipped with illegal aftermarket autoanything car parts will inevitably fail the mandatory smog check program in California. Vehicle owners will then be required to reverse the modifications, restoring their vehicles to their original, certified configuration to pass inspection. Only after passing the smog check can vehicle registration be renewed with the Department of Motor Vehicles, creating inconvenience and additional expense for consumers who unknowingly purchased or installed these illegal parts.
California law provides a legal pathway for aftermarket performance parts. Manufacturers can seek evaluation and exemption from CARB to ensure their parts do not increase emissions. If CARB approves a part, it receives an executive order, legalizing its sale and installation on pollution-controlled vehicles. The law also mandates that manufacturers, retailers, and distributors actively inform consumers about the legal status of parts and discourage any illegal vehicle modifications. This regulation is crucial for maintaining air quality standards and protecting public health.
As a result of the settlement, AZAA Investments, Inc. has paid $1,006,250 to the California Air Pollution Control Fund. This fund is dedicated to supporting vital air pollution research and public education initiatives. It’s also important to note that during the settlement process, AutoAnything was sold to new ownership along with its online retail platform. In addition to the substantial financial penalties, AZAA Investment Inc. faces a permanent injunction, prohibiting future sales of unapproved automotive parts. The company must also provide CARB with notification before resuming any business activities related to auto parts. This case serves as a strong reminder to the autoanything car parts industry and consumers about the importance of adhering to California’s rigorous emission regulations.
