Emissions Cheating Crackdown: COBB Tuning Fined .9M for Defeat Devices

In a landmark enforcement action, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has levied a .9 million fine against COBB Tuning, a leading manufacturer of vehicle tuning accessories, for selling products that enabled customers to bypass air pollution laws. The case highlights the ongoing battle against emissions cheating and the EPA's determination to hold polluters accountable.

Uncovering the Emissions Deception: COBB Tuning's Illicit Products Exposed

Bypassing Pollution Controls: COBB Tuning's Defeat Devices

COBB Tuning, an Austin-based company, has been accused of producing and selling aftermarket accessories that allowed customers to circumvent air pollution regulations. The EPA's investigation revealed that since 2015, the company had sold over 90,000 "defeat devices" – exhaust systems and software that disabled a vehicle's emission control systems, enabling the release of excessive smog-forming emissions and other pollutants.These so-called "defeat devices" were designed to enhance engine performance, but at the cost of increased air pollution. The software could disable a vehicle's check engine light and prevent the activation of "limp mode," which would normally limit a vehicle's performance when excessive emissions were detected.

The Widespread Impact: Vehicles Affected by COBB Tuning's Illicit Products

The discontinued COBB Tuning exhaust pipes and illegal tuning software were manufactured for a wide range of popular vehicle models, including those from BMW, Ford, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, and Volkswagen. This widespread distribution of defeat devices has had a significant impact on air quality, particularly in communities already overburdened by pollution.

Accountability and Enforcement: EPA's Crackdown on Emissions Cheating

The enforcement action against COBB Tuning is part of a broader effort by federal and state regulators to crack down on the use of emissions-cheating devices. In recent years, several high-profile cases have emerged, including the Volkswagen "Dieselgate" scandal and Cummins Inc.'s illegal software installation in Ram pickup trucks.While vehicle manufacturers have faced some of the largest penalties, the EPA has also targeted aftermarket product manufacturers like COBB Tuning. Regulating these smaller players can be more challenging due to the proliferation of manufacturers, retailers, and installers involved.

COBB Tuning's Response: Cooperation and Compliance

In response to the EPA's allegations, COBB Tuning officials stated that the company fully cooperated with the investigation and maintained that they did not develop or market the products as emissions defeat devices. The company claims that its current product line is now fully compliant, with more than 200 of its products previously approved by the California Air Resources Board as not interfering with pollution controls.COBB Tuning's Chief Executive, Jeff King, acknowledged the difficult choices the company had to make in addressing the EPA's concerns, including discontinuing certain products and implementing changes to ensure the best interests of its customers, distribution partners, and the environment.

The Ongoing Battle: Stricter Regulations and Enforcement Efforts

The COBB Tuning case highlights the ongoing battle against emissions cheating and the EPA's determination to hold polluters accountable. As the agency continues to crack down on the use of defeat devices, both vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket product companies will face increasing scrutiny and the threat of significant penalties.This enforcement action serves as a stark reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and the need for all industry players to prioritize compliance with air pollution regulations. The consequences of emissions cheating can be far-reaching, impacting air quality, public health, and the overall environmental well-being of communities across the country.