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Hayward Lab to Perform ARB's In-Use Motor Vehicle Testing

27 August 1997

Hayward Lab to Perform ARB's In-Use Motor Vehicle Testing

    SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 27 -- The California Air Resources
Board (ARB) is now using Clean Air Vehicle Technology Center, Inc. (CAVTC) of
Hayward, for its in-use vehicle testing.  The laboratory will begin vehicle
testing September 9.
    ARB Chairman John Dunlap said, "Test results from the in-use compliance
program assures Californians that their automobiles will remain clean-running
throughout their useful lifetime, and help reduce air pollutants from
emissions."
    The in-use compliance program evaluates the emissions performance of
vehicles driven in California that are 2 to 3 years old and are still under
warranty.  Results from these tests are used to improve the performance and
durability of vehicles sold in California.  Specific engine families are
tested (typically 10 to l4 vehicles) by soliciting private vehicle owners
within a 100 mile radius of the lab.  As an incentive for owners to
participate, the lab offers a minimum of $200 and the use of a rental vehicle
for the duration of the testing, usually about one week.
    This is the first time the test program has been offered in Northern
California and gives those residents the chance to participate.  CAVTC will
begin testing 1995 Toyota Camrys and Celicas on September 9 and 1995 General
Motors Safari and Astro vans on September 16.  Testing will continue at CAVTC
through December 1998.
    The in-use compliance program is completed under the professional guidance
of ARB engineers and representatives of the vehicle manufacturer.  If ARB
staff finds unsatisfactory results in a particular engine family, it asks
manufacturers to develop a repair plan that can include a voluntary recall.
If the ARB and manufacturer cannot agree upon a repair plan, the ARB has the
authority to require a recall.
    NOTE:  The Air Resources Board is a department of the California
Environmental Protection Agency.  ARB's mission is to promote and protect
public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction
of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy.
The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and
maintain health based air quality standards.

SOURCE  California Air Resources Board