$86,000 in Fines Paid by Freedom Motors USA. Inc.

FREEDOM MOTORS USA, INC. CASE SETTLES FOR $86,000

In February 2008, Freedom Motors USA, Inc. (FMI) settled with the Air Resources Board for violations to the California Health and Safety Code (H&SC) and Vehicle Code (VC) involving the California sale of uncertified conversion vans. FMI converts vans to appropriate configurations for handicap people offering them the freedom of personal transportation. Between 2001 and 2005, FMI offered for sale and sold 172 uncertified converted 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 model-year Daimler Chrysler and Ford vans with Freedom Motor’s conversion packages. Such modifications included removing the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM) rubber hoses and replacing them with steel line and rubber hose in a modified configuration. FMI performed these modifications without possessing an Executive Order issued by ARB exempting said modifications from the prohibitions of VC 27156.  On February 22, 2008, FMI paid $86,000 in penalties to the Air Pollution Control Fund to settle this case with ARB.