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This article has nothing to do with training or the disciplines offered by Dealership University. However, it does have everything to do with your future.
The DOT and EPA have, once again, turned their sights toward our industry. They have recently announced an “unfunded” mandate. This mandate relates to the emissions of both exhaust pollutants and noise.
I recently attended the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati and sat in on the MIC’s recently created V-Twin seminar. The first 30 minutes or so was taken up with a PowerPoint presentation outlining in mind-numbing detail what the fFeds are up to, how they will proceed and what it will mean to those of us in the industry.
To encapsulate the information we were given, the fFeds want to eliminate the use of exhaust systems that are noisy and don’t meet their standards of pollutant emission. They are also concerned about the modification of fuel injection systems and how they affect pollutant output.
Bob Dron, a well known Harley-Davidson dealer from Oakland California, told me that the CHP (California Highway Patrol) was gathering photos and other information and photos of offending exhaust systems. The conjecture is that the officers will be able to identify those with offending systems and cite the rider. The offense carries a $5,000 fine. The dealer who installed the system is then subject to a $25,000 fine for each infraction. This is a major fund raiser for the states that opt to fund the mandate themselves.
The session was attended by most of the ‘movers and shakers’ in the powersports industry. Fred Fox, the President of Parts Unlimited, , Frank Esposito of Custom Chrome and about 150 others were in attendance and about 150 others. Among the others were two of the largest suppliers of exhaust systems and mufflers: Buzz Dyer of Cycle Shack, and Dennis Manning of Bub Enterprises.
During the Q&A session that followinged the presentation all of these individuals, along with others, stood up and did what could only be called startling!
Buzz Dyer and Dennis Manning both said that it was our responsibility to change the culture from noise to quiet. They acknowledged that we brought this problem on ourselves, and it was up to us to clean it up.
Harley-Davidson, which, by the way, is not a member of the MIC, has notified their dealers that the factory will no longer supply mufflers or other components that do not comply with the Ffeds standards. The label “Not for road use,” will no longer act as a bypass of emission requirements. Dealers will no longer be allowed to write or stamp a customer’s invoice with the same type of disclaimer.
The off-road segment of our industry has been proactive on this issue and for the most part has complied. They know that the noise issue could mean fewer places to ride.
Just hHow willth the average dealer respond? Those I spoke with were not sure. Some said this mandate was unfunded, so they were going to continue as they have before. Others were not sure and planned were going to take a ‘wait-and-see’ stance. These options could result in huge fines!
Arlan Ness and I had a conversation at the show. He told me of paying more than $11,000 in fines and that while other northern California dealers have paid more than $25,000. One infraction Arlan told me about was an example of an over zealous government employee who assessed Arlan with a $5,000 fine. Why? Arlan he had received a motorcycle with a scratched rear fender. He had the fenderit removed, repainted and reinstalled. Unfortunately, the mandated sticker under the seat was not replaced.
It seems that California, a state that needs more tax dollars to stay afloat, has found a way to increase its tax coffers by funding this mandate themselves. Will other states follow suit? You can count on it.
As the cartoon character Pogo once said: “We has met the enemy and he is us.” We have brought this on ourselves and now we have to deal with it. I hope as Buzz and Dennis suggested we can “change the culture.” That means that we all, including you, must begin doing it right now. |
