Today Vance & Hines announced the final resolution of a multi-year inquiry by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the Clean Air Act. The resolution, formalized through a Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO), concludes a process that began in 2018. Pursuant to the CAFO, Vance & Hines has agreed to a nearly seven-figure payment to resolve the allegations.
“We have spent the better part of the last decade preparing for this moment,” stated Chris Lindstrom, President and CEO of Vance & Hines. “Our goal was never just to meet a legal standard; it was to prove that addressing the EPA’s concerns doesn’t mean sacrificing performance or a great quality sound. We have worked tirelessly to develop products that will ignite excitement every time you jump on your motorcycle and we are proud to lead the industry into this new era.”
Lindstrom also sounds a warning klaxon: The conclusion of this matter serves as a significant signal to the powersports industry. Following a decade of rigorous enforcement in the automotive sector, the EPA has turned its focus toward the motorcycle aftermarket. Vance & Hines’ experience underscores the necessity for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to understand the requirements under the Clean Air Act to ensure the long-term viability of the industry.
Redefining The Performance Standard
Throughout the investigation, Vance & Hines worked in full cooperation with federal authorities to ensure the company’s operations and product offerings align with the evolving regulatory landscape. Rather than merely discontinuing certain offerings to meet the CAFO requirements, Vance & Hines has spent the last four years fundamentally transforming its business model. This transition involved a massive overhaul of the company’s product line and a multi-million-dollar investment in state-of-the-art engineering and testing facilities.
Vance & Hines’ new generation of performance exhaust systems is the result of rigorous R&D and thousands of hours of testing. By utilizing advanced technology and precision tuning, the company has successfully maintained the iconic “V&H Sound” and aesthetic that riders demand, while delivering improved and usable torque over previous generations.
“We understand this shift was met with questions from some of our long-time fans and partners, “Lindstrom continued. “But the reality is that the industry is changing. We chose to invest in the extensive R&D and engineering required to keep the spirit of American motorcycling alive, rather than risking the future of our brand and our dealers.”
With this matter now resolved, Vance & Hines remains focused on its core mission: providing riders with the most premium quality, best-sounding and highest performance motorcycle products in the world.
