Emissions excuse...

["Storhok, Eric (E.M.)" <estorhok@domain.elided>]

On the emissions side, Alfa's emissions excuse is just that, and excuse....

There are 2 very difficult aspects to modern emission controls, making the standard, and monitoring it (OBD...).  So lets look at both-

Standards- First of all, the current Euro Stage III and IV are very close to many of the US standards already in place.  So getting a good starting place is not too hard.  Second, being a small importer, Alfa does not have to worry about the most stringent standards (like ZEV, PZEV, or SULEV)- they are save for just the big ones (GM, Ford, Toyota, Honda, DCX...).  And, no, Alfa is not part of GM on this one, its better for them that way.  So, in my opinion, it should be pretty straight foreword to make an Alfa emissions legal for North America.  Just a bunch of emissions tests on a small fleet of vehicles...

OBD- since Alfa does not sell in NA, you may think this would be a big problem.  Well, I would argue that in a big way.  Alfa's only P/T control system supplier already has multiple lines of cars selling in the states.  Bosch should have NO problem supplying Alfa with the proper controls, and teaching them how to calibrate it.  On top of that, there is an E-OBD as well, so there already is experience in the Alfa calibration community.

I think its more of an economic thing, as money looks to be quite short.  But they wanted to "blame" something besides themselves.  Which is VERY common in this industry.

Eric Storhok
Powertrain System Development
Powertrain Research and Development
(313)33x75011
MD 35, FPC-B
Ford Motor Company
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