Online Auto Parts Retailer Pays $1 million CARB Fine
AZAA Investments Inc. has paid more than $1 million to settle violations levied against online retailer AutoAnything Inc. by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The violations allegedly resolve violations of the California Health and Safety Code and Vehicle Code related to the sale of illegal aftermarket performance auto parts in California.
CARB investigators discovered that AutoAnything, an online retailer, advertised and sold performance parts that modified emissions components, ultimately committing approximately 4,000 violations between 2012 and 2015, according to CARB.
During the settlement process, AutoAnything and its online retail platform was sold to AZAA Investments, which paid more than $1 million to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, on behalf of AutoAnything.
Illegal parts sold by the former AutoAnything, Inc. included engine programmers, air intake systems and catalytic converters that were not approved by CARB for use on highway vehicles. These products can reduce fuel economy and increase emissions.
“Although the former AutoAnything Inc. was a retailer, everyone in the chain of commerce-that is manufacturers, distributors, dealers, installers, and retailers-has an important responsibility to ensure that all aftermarket products they offer for sale have first been exempted by CARB,” said Todd Sax, CARB enforcement chief. “This settlement is a reminder of the serious consequences for ignoring this responsibility.”
Along with the financial penalties imposed by the settlement, AZAA Investment Inc. is subject to a permanent injunction barring the sales of automotive parts and must notify CARB prior to resuming any related business activity.
