A federal judge has fined Norcross-based Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas $1.95 million after the company admitted to fraudulently selling imported engines that did not comply with air emissions standards.
The company, a subsidiary of Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea, knowingly imported construction equipment that contained engines that violated the Clean Air Act, according to court documents.
A federal complaint says a consultant hired by the company informed Hyundai Construction Equipment of the violations, but the company “disregarded the consultant’s advice and continued importing and selling the equipment.” The suit also alleged that the company also conspired to lie to the Environmental Protection Agency about the number of non-compliant engines imported.
“This case shows that EPA and our law enforcement partners will not allow importers to gain a competitive advantage or risk the health and safety of our communities by evading U.S. environmental laws,” said EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Assistant Administrator Susan Bodine.
The Clean Air Act passed in 1963 aims to reduce emissions of pollutants from new motor vehicles.
The company agreed to a plea deal that included the fine and a five-year probationary period.
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