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Aug 22, 2007

Air Resources Board Announces $700,000 settlement with

Release 07-34
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2007

Leo Kay
(916) 322-2990
Karen Caesar
(626) 575-6728
www.arb.ca.gov

Air Resources Board Announces $700,000 settlement with
Saleen, Inc., for sale of uncertified cars

SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board recently reached a $700,000
settlement with auto manufacturer Saleen, Inc., of Irvine,
Calif., for selling vehicles not certified to California
regulations, which can affect tailpipe emissions and negatively
impact air quality.

"We hope that this case will serve as a deterrent to others who
may be planning to profit by selling uncertified vehicles," said
Lynn Terry, ARB acting executive officer. "California vehicles
are designed to be the cleanest in the nation. Tampering with
emission control systems to enhance speed and performance can
increase smog-forming emissions, which is especially harmful in
areas such as Southern California where smog continues to exceed
state and federal air quality standards."

During 2004 and 2005, Saleen acquired new motor vehicles
(defined as having an odometer reading of 7,500 miles or less),
modified and later sold them for use or registration in
California, despite the fact that due to those modifications,
they were no longer certified.

During its investigation, Air Resources Board staff found three
Ford vehicle models modified by Saleen without ARB
certification. The vehicles in violation are the 2004 and 2005
N2O, based on the Ford Focus, which was modified to be able to
use nitrous oxide to boost performance; the 2004 and 2005 S121,
also based on the Ford Focus; and the 2005 S281, based on the
Ford Mustang. More than 100 vehicles were affected.

Under the terms of the settlement, to sell or use the N2O models
in California, Saleen is required to recall and reconfigure them
to a certified condition; that recall is currently underway. The
other models were ultimately certified for use in California.

To protect yourself, the Air Resources Board suggests that
vehicle purchasers verify the legality of any vehicle
modifications, especially those that claim to improve
performance or fuel economy. To assist consumers, the ARB
maintains a webpage dedicated to aftermarket parts and
modification information. There is also a toll-free assistance
line at 800 242-4450.

All monies are being paid to the California Air Pollution
Control Fund, which was established to mitigate various sources
of pollution through education and the advancement and use of
cleaner technology. This fund uses compliance settlement fees to
support various pollution-related research projects and related
programs. The Legislature controls the use of the Air Pollution
Control Fund through the annual Budget Act.

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


Wow , I am breathing better air already..... thanks ARB.

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