EPA certificate of conformity for Suzuki trucks at Gung Ho Trucks

**miniman** · 01-12-2009, 11:13 AM

Bob is right, the testing to obtain the certs is expensive, I've been quoted at around 20K per engine family if they pass straight away. What makes it expensive is the fact that the engine has to be pulled and a shed test or permeation test has to be done along with the testing of the exhaust coming out of the vehicle. Actually filing with the EPA and obtaining all the proper paper work isn't all the expensive, just time consuming, confusing, aggravating, so just pay someone that knows what their doing to do it. I have been focusing on mitsubishi's and possibly subaru's and if we get the certs the trucks will be more expensive, no question if you don't have a good ROI then what's the point?

**Donald Shimoda** · 01-12-2009, 11:22 AM

Isn't there a way to have the manufacturer certify their own vehicle? Wouldn't that make more sense?

Having all of us running around and getting different certifications for the same vehicles seems both costly and silly. I can't believe that that is our best answer. And I also don't agree with Bob's 3 options.

Miniman, I do believe that your number of $20,000 is much more accurate than Bob's number of $250,000 or $100,00 or whatever he now says it is. Certainly $20,000 is better than $250,000 but this whole thing is still nothing but government extortion. And the more we pay into it, the more we are going to have to continue paying into it.

We should work together for a better solution. That's Option Four!

**MAXOUT** · 01-12-2009, 01:55 PM

First I must say this is the most entertaining thread I have read in a while. I have hesitated respond but could not any longer. I am a mortgage broker and can understand knee jerk regulation and conformity imposed by government agencies and do not totally disagree with either side of the discussion but would like to add the following.

Donald Shimoda- I can appreciate your view on extortion and agree as it pertains to the government regulation but its only extortion if you are forced to pay it. You have a choice not to buy from Gung Ho and can get your own certificate. You will always pay a premium for knowledge and is a component of capitalism. It's the government that is the extortionist not Gung Ho. Also I agree this forum has been a place to share information without expecting a monetary return and this leads me to my next response-

Gung Ho- I applaud you in obtaining your certificate and can only imagine the red tape and confusion you were subjected to by the government. That been said I can see you are passionate defending your accomplishments. Be proud and feel free to charge whatever you want for them. The consumers will decide your success. Please refrain from sharing your philosophy as it pertains to fictional characters as it is off thread and shows a lack of integrity on your part. Be the better man. I can see why many may have taken offense to your post as it sounds like you are rubbing it in their faces. This forum as I know it is a place to share free information without expecting returns but for the good of the forum.

I apologize in advance if I have offended anyone as that is not the reason for this post. I am only stating my opinion.

**lotus4s** · 01-12-2009, 02:45 PM

I agree that this forum is a place to share information but it also serves as a way for dealers to increase revenue which is why we have a site sponsor program. They don't pay to advertise here so they can share "free information"

I have no problem with Bob's program, he's just practicing basic capitalism and following the laws of supply and demand. As the supply of dealers with "certs" increases, competition will bring the costs to the level they should be.

**Donald Shimoda** · 01-12-2009, 02:51 PM

Thanks MAXOUT!

Nothing wrong with a little drama and entertainment, right! Maybe it will get the creative juices flowing because I believe there are better ways to get these Mini Trucks into the country, and I want to start seeing them on the streets.

The bottomline in my opinion is to work together on these government regulations and to seek real solutions to the problems of importing these little jewels.

If we are going to act individually, finding out bits and pieces of information, and then try to sell whatever information we discover to each other, then I don't think we'll get anywhere very soon.

The fact of the matter is that having EPA Certification for a few model years of Suzuki Mini Trucks is not the solution. It's just rubbing our noses in the government brown stuff and playing the extortion game.

I propose finding a way to import these Mini Trucks as vehicles just like any other vehicle so that people can license and drive them without going through endless games like calling them "Farm Equipment" or having to get an "Assembled Title" to drive them on the road. The truth of the matter is that these Mini Trucks are green. If we can get the government to pull its head out, they would see these as green solutions. Heck, let's get the big three to build these. Then they can take down their most recent advertisement which is attached.

**kepow** · 01-12-2009, 11:18 PM

Donald If you dont like what Gung is doing,,,,,, and you are sure they are gouging.....and if they are going to make a trillion dollars off of the working man..........and if its a crime to make a buck............after all............this isnt the friggin salvation army..........quityerbitcin.............they can choose to charge whatever they dam well please............do you have to buy from them............no............get the gd certificates yourself if its so easy

**Donald Shimoda** · 01-13-2009, 08:24 AM

kepow,

I think MAXOUT said it best in regards to Gung Ho:

* * * * *
I can see why many may have taken offense to your post as it sounds like you are rubbing it in their faces. This forum as I know it is a place to share free information without expecting returns but for the good of the forum.
* * * * *

Gung Ho can charge as much as they like. I say "Go for it, Bob!" The consumers will be the ultimate arbitors, not me.

Besides, I'm not interested in a certificate that allows me to drive a Mini Truck on a farm, or in a mud puddle, or on a packing lot somewhere, I want the government to get off of everyone's back so we can treat these Mini Trucks as vehicles and stop playing games. And my guess is that we have the horsepower with the members of this site to make that happen.

So, kepow, please lightin' up before you blow a gasket. That is, unless you are in bed with Bob at Gung Ho in which case I'm sure he has a new gasket deal just for you.