California Certifies New Vehicle Emissions Test Equipment; Device Will Test for Vehicle Fuel Leaks

CLEVELAND, Aug. 27, 2007 -- Hickok Incorporated, manufacturer of test equipment that will measure vehicle fuel vapor leaks, has received certification from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) paving the way to market the product to Smog Check facilities throughout the state.

California has led the nation in improving air quality through the implementation of its Smog Check program, which requires polluting vehicles be repaired. Thanks to Hickok Incorporated, the state will be able to follow through on its plans to test for fuel vapor leaks. State officials estimate that by testing for and eliminating fuel leaks, they will eliminate 14 tons of pollutants a day from the air Californians breathe.

The tester will be marketed under the ESP/WAEKON brand. The product, which has been in development for a number of years, provides a fast and accurate method of measuring hydrocarbon emissions produced by leaks in the gasoline delivery system that exceed Federal EPA guidelines. The new fuel system test will become a part of the Smog Check testing routine. California vehicles (1976-1995) are tested every other year. In excess of 10 million vehicles will be subject to the test program, which is slated to begin November 1, 2007.

With more than 8,000 Smog Check facility locations currently operating in the state, the estimated value of this program in sales of equipment exceeds $24 million, and it is believed other states are waiting to follow the example being set by California. Only one other vendor is participating in the program.

Bob Bauman, President and CEO, said, "This is the first time a reliable technology for this type of testing has become available to state emissions programs. We anticipate a number of other states that already have this type of testing in their State Implementation Plans (SIP) will be adding this to their programs once they see the effectiveness of the California project". He further stated, "The company's product uses a patented method of measuring for leaks that provides fast and accurate measurements under all conditions while minimizing test time and eliminating false failures for consumers. Our offering includes a custom heavy duty cart that houses all the equipment and accessories that are required for testing and reporting as well as providing a professional appearance." "An integrated smoke generator option is also available", he said.

Hickok is partnering with Environmental Systems Products of East Granby, Connecticut. ESP is a veteran of emissions testing over the past 28 years and has an excellent reputation for top quality equipment and service. Hickok has also been in the emissions equipment business for a number of years designed and is manufacturing the equipment under its Waekon brand. ESP is marketing and servicing the combined ESP/WAEKON branded product offering. Both Hickok and ESP are expecting this to be the first of a number of initiatives by various other states to continue to reduce the pollution output of older vehicles and improve the quality of the air we all breathe.