Harley-Davidson arrived at a $15 million total settlement fee to conclude federal claims of violating air-pollution laws, despite the increasing government surveillance of vehicle emissions on the street. The motorcycle company also needs to disburse on a clean air project.
The Justice Department, along with the Environmental Protection Agency, filed a complaint on Thursday against Harley-Davidson for manufacturing or selling 340,000 "super tuners" devices used to enhance engine performance. However, it accelerates engine exhaust levels which are beyond what regulators certify, according to The Wall Street Journal.
"Given Harley-Davidson's prominence in the industry, this is a very significant step toward our goal of stopping the sale of illegal aftermarket defeat devices that cause harmful pollution on our roads and in our communities," said John Cruden, who runs the Justice Department's environment division.
In addition to the settlement, Harley-Davidson will cease selling the said devices by Aug. 23. The company is also ordered to buy back and get rid of any of the devices dealerships may still have.
The American motorcycle manufacturer stated that the devices which were sold separately were designed for motorcycles used in a closed-course racing tournament. This is to boost the speed of the big bikes but it can also be installed on on-street motorcycles. EPA found out the violations from a routine inspection and details that Harley-Davidson submitted.
CNBC reported that Harley-Davidson needs to acquire a California Air Resources Board certification for any tuners that it will market in the United States in the coming years. And for any "super tuners" that will be sold outside the US, it should be labeled not to be used in the US.
Harley-Davidson has been the leader when it comes to motorcycle market sales in the US, which accounts for half of all the big motorcycles sold every year. The company mentioned last month of slashing motorcycle shipments this year due to declining sales in the US.
