Toyota Responds to CARB Emissions Situation
14 December 1998
Toyota Responds to CARB Emissions Situation TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 11 -- The following statement from
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc., may be attributed to Jim Olson, TMS
senior vice president, external affairs:
"Toyota has been discussing the matter of OBDII compliance with the
California Air Resources Board (CARB) for several months and we sincerely
regret that CARB has chosen to break off discussions instead of continuing
negotiations. The facts are as follows:
* This matter involves a dispute over the computer that monitors the
evaporative emissions control systems of the vehicles in question;
none of the vehicles pose an emission threat to the environment.
* Toyota met with CARB before development of the OBDII system and
implemented CARB's guidance; we firmly believe that these vehicles
operate properly and comply with all levels of CARB regulations --
including the OBDII regulation.
* During the 'in-use' evaluation of our vehicles, CARB conducted tests
beyond those specified in their requirements and regulations.
* We contend that no regulatory agency should be allowed to engage in
after-the-fact re-interpretation of a regulation.
* A chronology of actions:
-- Late 1991: CARB institutes evaporative OBDII regulations
-- Mid 1995: Toyota's evaporative OBDII system approved by CARB
-- August 1997: CARB tests Toyota vehicles and questions OBDII
performance
-- August 28: Toyota files suit in California Superior Court for
OBDII rule interpretation
-- September 2: CARB begins formal recall process
-- December 11: CARB begins administrative review process
Toyota and Lexus vehicles have the best in-use emission performance of
any automaker's products. We are proud of our record as an auto industry
environmental leader and stand ready to resume negotiations with CARB."
