Harley Davidson to pay $15 million over motorcycle emissions

US-based two-wheeler manufacturer - Harley Davidson has been sued by the US Justice Department for developing and selling 'super tuner' after-market devices for its motorcycles. These tuned motorcycles get a hike in their performance figures, but also develop higher levels of pollution, thus violating the Clean Air Act and on-highway motorcycle regulations of the country. Reportedly, 3,40,000 units of such devices have been made and sold till date.

In response to these allegations, Harley Davidson has agreed to pay a fine of $15 million. This includes a $12 million civil penalty and a $3 million forced investment in a pollution mitigation program. The company has also assured the department that it will stop selling illegal after-market devices that cause its motorcycles to cause too much pollution which breaches the certified limit of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The company, however, has made it clear that it hasn't admitted any liability for the allegations, but has simply agreed to pay the said civil fine for showing a “good faith compromise.” Harley Davidson claimed that the Super Tuners were used only during competitions, and not on public roads.

Harley Davidson has been asked to stop all sales of super tuners by August 23. The company will also destroy all super tuners that it currently has in stock at its dealerships.

Source: AutoEvolution