Autodelta, and the laws

[Eric Storhok <alfa@xxxxxxxxx>]

Ah, modern emission laws...  Keeps me employed.
Some notes-
1) since '95, both Federal and Green State (California, New York...) 
standards have changed quite a bit, somewhat lowering the emissions, while 
increasing the overall mileage covered.  What has changed a lot has been 
OBDII, which is the diagnostic tool in modern cars that could make the trip 
to the emissions test site redundant.  Euro IV and E-OBD are not even close 
to the current state of the art for the US, I deal with this every day at 
work, and am quite sure about this.  There are some loops that can help the 
small volume OEM's, but no blanket exemptions.  All 50 Ferrari Enzo's that 
enter the US are fully certified.  Knowing the loops in the EU laws, my 
real guess is that every single Enzo is California certified, which is 
accepted across all EU states for low volumes.

2) while I can't comment on the perceived issue with crime, not meeting 
this law is not a victimless crime- over 5 million cars are sold every year 
in the US that DO meet ALL the laws laid down.  Once a group is allowed to 
violate it, then it penalizes all that do meet the law.  Which is why one 
sees rather large fines given to those who fail, even unintentionally 
(Ford, GM...).  As an OEM, they have a corporate responsibility to properly 
certify everything to sell the cars, remember when Calloway got busted with 
the Vettes they sold?

3) Kit cars do need to meet the emissions laws based on the date of 
manufacture of the engine in most states.  Rarely enforced.  Interesting 
note- if you are not an OEM or aftermarket supplier, the US EPA does not 
actually have authority,  the state does.  So kits, personal modifications, 
whatever, are between you and your state.

I don't feel sorry for these guys at all.  They cheated, got caught, and 
now have to pay the price.  I can tell you, what they will pay is a drop in 
the bucket to what us and GM have paid.  Clean air is a priority in this 
country, thankfully.

Eric Storhok
Ann Arbor, MI

AROC Detroit Homepage:  http://www-personal.umich.edu/~alfa/index.htm
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