The Systech Newsletter: April 2012
Feature Story
Systech is on-track in Wisconsin. Seven counties in southeastern Wisconsin are the focus of the new decentralized Vehicle Inspection Program scheduled to go live on July 1st. Implementation activities are in full swing with equipment roll-out in-progress this week. Systech has already built 150 of the new inspection analyzers, with the remaining 50 to be ready the first week of April. Initial software acceptance testing has been completed, and installation, training, and a full PR campaign will start soon. The new program will expand testing locations from nine centralized stations to over 200 independent auto service businesses strategically located for easy access and motorist convenience. We asked Program Manager Jack Pierce to take a moment to answer a few questions about the implementation:
When will installations at the 200 new inspection sites begin?
Installations begin in mid-April.
How will Wisconsin motorists hear about the new program?
Wisconsin motorists will learn about the new program through a variety of media in a professionally designed public information campaign, including radio ads, billboards, the WIVIP website, State mailings and earned media.
How are the new decentralized stations getting ready for the transition?
Station operators will install high speed Internet access (wired) in the bay designated for inspections. Systech will train two of their employees as inspectors and will be onsite for equipment installation/activation.
What do you think Wisconsin motorists will like best about the new program?
The added convenience a decentralized program provides: much easier–and closer–access to an inspection facility. This ease of access is combined with “one stop shopping.” A motorist under the new program can have their vehicle inspected, registration renewed and, if needed, repaired all at the same facility.
Is there anything you’d like to mention that might be of interest to newsletter readers?
Systech will be providing several innovations for the WIVIP implementation, such as Live Video Chat, which will greatly enhance communication between lane inspectors and technical support; and our OBD Tamper Terminator™ fraud detection and enforcement tool. The new WIVIP should bring a new level of efficiency and convenience along with cleaner air for the State of Wisconsin, and we are looking forward to a successful implementation and a long term relationship.
Testing and Regulations
Cleaner air in the number one automobile market in the world. The explosion in automobile ownership in China has resulted in serious concerns about how vehicle emissions affect air quality and public health. In response, the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau has released a draft of a new standard which specifies strict limits for a variety of vehicle emissions in the Chinese capital, including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitric oxide and particulate matter. The new Beijing V emission standard is similar to the equally strict Euro V emission standard, and could help bring down nitrous oxide particles by up to 25 percent. The effort in Beijing is in conjunction with new standards to be proposed in most of the nation’s main cities in 2012 and 2013, and follows the new air quality standard passed by China’s State Council on February 29th. ChinaDaily.com.cn Link to article
House subcommittee holds hearing on auto safety provisions. A recent hearing by the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade focused on auto safety provisions of interest to both regulators and consumer advocates. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is seeking increased authority to protect consumers affected by recalls; increased ability to assess penalties for safety-related violations; and rulemaking authority for issues such as keyless entry, brake overrides, and event data recorders. A representative from Consumer’s Union, the public policy and advocacy division of Consumer Reports, discussed measures for addressing out-of-control acceleration, NHTSA’s manufacturer guidelines for preventing “in-car distractions” (such as data streaming on dashboard screens), and standards for vehicle roof strength. The House subcommittee hearing addressed provisions in both the House and Senate highway bills. BodyShopBusiness.com Link to article
Equipment, Tools and Gear
Coming to a filling station near you: Regular, Premium, Diesel, and Hydrogen? Hydrogen fuel cell cars are a reality, but are they ready to challenge other low or zero emission vehicles on the market? While this technology, still in first generation development, offers a solution to the usual knocks against electric vehicles (long charging times, limited range between charges), significant economic and infrastructure obstacles remain to be surmounted before hydrogen fuel cell cars can claim space in dealer showrooms. Regardless, major industry players such as GM and Toyota have already cut production costs dramatically and expect to begin selling cars by 2015, while Mercedes Benz and Honda are already leasing their hydrogen models in Southern California. CNN Money Link to article
Honda Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car
Enforcement
North Carolina: Charlotte area business investigated for “clean scanning.” Charlotte Auto Source on South Boulevard is under federal investigation for allegedly “clean scanning” as many as 60 vehicles, a violation of the Clean Air Act. Prosecutors say business owner Michel Jule Fernald sent false test results to the DMV and issued fake passing certificates to motorists. WCNC.com (Charlotte, NC) Link to article (with video)
Texas: “Clean scanners” nabbed at Joe’s Garage. Harris County Precinct 4 Constables have charged three workers from Joe’s Garage in Houston for allegedly issuing fraudulent passing emissions test certificates for vehicles that had not actually been present at the business for inspection. The constable’s office’s Emissions Task Force executed felony arrest and search warrants at the business. The workers will be charged with felony engaging in an organized criminal activity. KHOU.com (Houston, TX) Link to article
State News
Indiana: Particle readings improve, but testing to continue. While Lake and Porter Counties have finally recorded fine particle levels below federally established limits, State officials insist emissions testing will continue. Vehicle testing in the northwest Indiana counties is seen as a critical part of why the entire region is now in compliance with federal guidelines. In addition, testing is part of the ongoing ten year plan for maintaining attainment. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management also says that ozone remains a concern: a monitor in a nearby Illinois county recently recorded a value that was over the limit, a possible consequence of that state’s decision to cut back on emissions testing. The EPA considers several northwestern Indiana counties to be part of metropolitan Chicago, Illinois. Post-Tribune (Chicago Sun Times) Link to article
Utah: Emission testing exemptions proposed. Legislators proposed several bills seeking exemptions from the current emission testing schedule for certain vehicles, prompting the Division of Air Quality to express concern that such legislation would not only violate the provisions of the State Implementation Plan, but also contribute to air quality problems in nonattainment areas. Two such bills were defeated.
Bills passed:
- H.B. 407 New Car Safety and Emissions Inspection (Rep. Don Ipson, R-St. George). Exempts vehicles less than two years old from emissions testing.
- H.B. 104S1 Local Highway Authority Regulatory Powers (Rep. Wayne Harper, R-West Jordan). Provides that local anti-idling ordinances may be enforced on public property or private property if the property is open to the public and the owner posts a sign informing the public of the ordinance requirements.
Environmental Connection Newsletter (Utah DEQ) Link to article
Wisconsin: Emissions testing is about to get much easier in Racine County. Currently, the southeast Wisconsin county has only one testing station, which is especially cumbersome for west-county residents, especially after a station in Burlington closed in 2009. Now with the transition to a decentralized inspection system, through a new State contract with Systech International (see Feature Story above), the number of available testing stations will increase dramatically in all seven Wisconsin counties where vehicle emission testing is mandated. Of the 200 new locations that will soon be implemented at local auto service businesses, Racine will receive a total of 18 stations distributed throughout the county. According to the DOT, there will still be no fee for drivers. The new decentralized program will begin July 1st. TheJournalTimes.com (Racine, WI) Link to article
The Latest From Systech
NYS TLC Woodside Facility
Strong outlook for Systech’s parent company. The 2011 Year-End Report for Opus Prodox AB (publ), released on February 22, 2012, indicates that the company is poised for strong performance in the future. The acquisition of Environmental Systems Products (ESP), closed in January 2012, was cited by Opus Group President and CEO Magnus Greko as “a major step forward toward becoming the No. 1 supplier in the decentralized vehicleinspection market in the US.” Mr. Greko went on to say that “by combining ESP’s market position and its experienced and dedicated staff with Systech’s technological leadership in the industry, we are convinced that the combination of Systech and ESP will lead to more business opportunities in the future.” The Year-End Report also describes major strides in North America with the award of the Wisconsin Vehicle Inspection Program, progress in the South American, European, and Asian markets, and the acquisition of a consumables business unit from Volvo Car Corporation. The Board of Directors has also decided on applying for the listing of its shares on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm (the main list) for 2012. Link to Report
Off the Beaten Track
“Excuse me, you have what stuck in your dashboard?” Auto technicians in Pensacola might need to add a snake extraction device to their tool box. Local motorist Kathleen Hoffman had her cross-country drive delayed because her pet python decided to take up permanent residence inside her car’s dashboard. Working with repair techs, the python was safely removed without a scratch and a happy Hoffman was able to continue on her way. (The lucky repair shop was unidentified in the story.) WFTV.com (Orlando, FL) Link to article (with video)
Captain James T. Kirk
Leadership lessons from a Star Fleet icon. We’re kidding, right? Five lessons of leadership from TV’s favorite outer space cowboy, James T. Kirk, may seem silly to some, but Forbes’ Alex Knapp makes a strong case for the fabled 23rd century captain of the Enterprise. For example, in a crisis, blowing up your starship can be a savvy business move. Forbes.com Link to article
