COBB Tuning Products must pay $2.9 million for violating the Clean Air Act by selling emissions defeat devices, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The details: The Austin, Texas-based auto parts maker manufactured and sold over 90,000 defeat devices since January 2015, bypassing EPA-approved emission controls and increasing pollution.
- COBB must now remove delete features from its software and destroy any remaining violative products.
- The company has also agreed to cease offering technical support and warranties for previously sold illegal products.
- Marketing materials will be revised, and customers who purchased the devices will be informed of the violations.
What they're saying: "Defeat devices significantly increase air pollution from motor vehicles, particularly in communities that already are overburdened by pollution," said David M. Uhlmann of the EPA. "We're committed to enforcing the Clean Air Act" added Todd Kim of the Justice Department, according to an EPA press release.
The big picture: EPA's agreement with COBB Tuning Products is one of several actions against manufacturers of defeat devices, aiming to curb illegal practices and reduce air pollution.
The agreement awaits final court approval after a 30-day comment period.