Hyundia and Kia Fined—-You Driving One?

In all liklihood, some of the 1.2 million vehicles that led to a $100 million civil penalty against Hyundai and Kia are being driven by Oklahomans. And, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, they’re helping emit 4.75 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in excess of what the carmarkers claimed to the EPA.

EPA administrator Gina McCathy and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder made the announcement this week, the largest in Clean Air Act history. The fines will bring an end to violations of testing and certification of the Hyundais and Kias sold in the U.S. and will force both carmakers to spend $50 million to prevent future violations.

McCarthy charged the action by the federal government reinforces EPA’s commitment to make sure the greenhouse gas emission laws are enforced.

“Businesses that play by the rules shouldn’t have to compete with those breaking the law,” she said in making the announcement.

Attorney General Holder joined her in promising the enforcement of the laws.

“This type of conduct quite simply will not be tolerated. And the Justice Department will never rest or waver in our determination to take action against any company that engages in such activities–whenever and wherever they are uncovered.”

The complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia alleges the two carmakers sold nearly 1.2 million cars and SUVs from 2012 and 2013 whose specs did not meet what Hyundai and Kia claimed in certifications to the EPA. The allegations focus on the Hyundai Accent, Elantra, Voloster and Santa Fe vehicles along with the Kia Rio and Soul vehicles.