BOISE, ID—(Marketwired – Feb 13, 2015) – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”) recently completed a competitive procurement for the Vehicle Inspection Program (“VIP”) in Canyon County and the city of Kuna. “DEQ's goal was to select the most qualified vendor to transition the program with minimal impact on all stakeholders,” said DEQ Regional Office Administrator Pete Wagner. As a result, Applus Technologies, Inc. (“Applus”) (APPS.MC) was awarded the new contract and testing under Applus program management began Monday, February 2, 2015.
“We are thrilled to be working with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality,” said Applus Technologies, Inc. CEO Darrin Greene. “Applus is committed to making the customer experience positive for everyone; our technology platforms are built so that emissions testing is accurate and reliable, yet quick and efficient, for the motorists and shop owners.”
While introduced in California, the Idaho VIP is the first I/M program in the country to integrate the On–Board Diagnostic (OBD) data acquisition device developed to meet the stringent certification requirements of the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) in their entire testing network. “Originally developed for the California market, Applus has the significant opportunity to offer this advanced testing technology — referred to as the “Smog DADdy” — to our current and potential new customers within the global vehicle inspection market,” said Greene, “and we are pleased that Idaho is the first.”
Emissions testing is required for 1981 and newer gasoline– and diesel–powered vehicles that are more than five years old. In addition to the newer vehicles, electric and hybrid vehicles, classic cars, motor homes, farm equipment and vehicles registered solely for agriculture are exempt from testing.
Emissions testing is $11 per vehicle every two years, and motorists are notified by mail when they need to have their vehicles tested. And if a vehicle fails the emissions test, after seeking needed repairs, the motorist is able to get a re–inspection free of charge, provided it is within 30 days of and performed at the same station that performed the initial test.
To ensure a seamless transition and no interruption in service for motorists, Applus worked with the DEQ and recruited the majority of the stations already participating in the program, but also added new stations to the testing network to better serve vehicle owners throughout Canyon County and Kuna. “For example, Affordable Transmission Auto Repair in Kuna and Bruce and Rod's Tire Factory in Parma are participating for the first time, which will provide the testing convenience previously lacking in those communities,” said Applus Director of Operations Brenda Ackarman–Sioson.
“Fortunately, as with similar programs nationwide, the stations participating in the VIP are local businesses that have been serving their communities for many years. They understand vehicle emissions control systems, as well as the testing requirements. Their goals are to ensure their customers are being treated fairly and their vehicles are being repaired properly when necessary,” said Greene.
Greene added, “Beyond the successful implementation, we look forward to working with the DEQ, stations and motorists in Canyon County and the city of Kuna for the next several years in this program which ultimately results in long–term environmental and health benefits for the residents of the Treasure Valley.”
About Applus+ Technologies, Inc.
Applus Technologies is a highly successful program contractor that has been in the vehicle emissions/safety testing industry for nearly two decades.
Applus designs, develops and manufactures testing equipment, large–scale databases and IT systems, develops customer software to streamline processes and procedures, and performs auditing, station certification and training, providing solutions throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.
For more information on Applus+ Technologies, Inc., please visit: www.ApplusTech.com
For more information on emissions testing in Idaho's Canyon County and the city of Kuna, please visit: www.IdahoVIP.org