I suspect yes.

 

CARB testing adds to the cost of parts. I dont remember the numbers (heh), but it amounts to several thousand to several hundred thousand bux depending on the part(s) and the required testing regimen. Where a CAI might only need a minimum of testing procedures, something like a turbo kit or fuel injection system has to undergo more rigorous testing that adds relatively more to the cost. Being also that Cali is probably the biggest market by state, it usually behooves some manufacturers to cert their parts for that market. This alone can recoup the cost of testing in some cases.

It nowadays can be forward-looking for companies to cert their stuff for 50 state sales because other states are beginning to require CA-level emissions for new cars. While this may not yet impact aftermarket parts in those states, it could in the future.

 

I suspect indubitably. But a good company will amortize it over 3-5 years, so that it doesn't impact the price too much. In California, I'm happy to pay the extra cashish for the peace of mind.

 

Also, don't get complacent and think that you can sneak a non-CARB exempt part onto your car and the tech doing the SMOG test will not know what you have done. I had an experience with a Land Rover D90 that I had taken to the cheapest station to get SMOG'd - the tech actually found a vacuum line that the dealer had neglected to connect after doing a warranty campaign on the evaporative emission control system. If a tech finds non-conforming parts on the car, the VIN will be flagged in Sacramento, and you will not be able to register the car until you have proven to the DMV that your car has been brought into full compliance. In a worst case, full compliance means a complete replacement of all emission control parts at the dealer.

 

It really depends on where you go and what your car looks like. Also, new cars in CA get a 5 year pass. Put the stuff on early, and by the time you do get sniffed, everything will be covered in the same layer of dirt!

And the NY Tri-State area requires the same emission stuff as CA. Most car companies go 50 state, just for ease of manufacture etc. The other 49 can thank us for cleaner air.....

In the case of the Mini, I don't see that many CARB aprroved mods, so no, that doesn't add any costs. But CA has 1 in 8 people of the country, and even more of the cars. I'd guess for new car manufacturers it's cheaper to put it on everything than to make two versions of every model. For aftermarket parts, I'd think the smaller player would label "for off road use only" and just sell away, and let the buyer explain what's on the car....

If the AGS ever gets CARB, we can ask M7 what it added to dev costs...
Matt

 

New cars get a 6 year pass and in the 7th year it's smog time depending on the area of CA you live.