CAP2000 In-Use Verification Program
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) requires automotive manufacturers to perform emission tests on vehicles owned and operated in real world conditions. The USEPA named this Compliance Assurance Program "CAP2000" because it was adopted and implemented in the year 2000.
The CAP2000 In-Use Verification Program tests a sampling of vehicles to assure they are remaining below the emission standards they were originally certified at.
CAP2000 Mailouts: Letter and Response Card
Mercedes-Benz tests approximately 60-80-customer vehicles every year. A letter and response cards sent out to a random selection of 50-250 customers per each Vehicle Test Group (based on model and engine size). All customers are asked to fill out the response card and send it back to our TechCenter.
Vehicle Procurement and Scheduling
Once the response card has been received, it is reviewed to see if the vehicle meets testing criteria. From the vehicles that meet the testing criteria, 2-3 vehicles are randomly selected to be tested. Those customers are contacted and go through a brief questionnaire. Once the questionnaire has been completed, the vehicle is scheduled to be brought to the TechCenter for testing at the customer’s convenience.
Vehicle Exchange
All customers are given the option to bring their vehicles in, or to have their vehicle picked up at their residence or work by a flatbed truck (Sakstrup’s). Customers who live near the TechCenter are encouraged to bring their vehicle in. A tour of the lab is given to the customers and they are able to meet the Mercedes-Benz Research and Development, N.A. Ann Arbor Team. The customers are asked to sign three Documents: Loaner Agreement, Vehicle Testing Agreement and a statement that all questions answered on the questionnaire are true and accurate to the best of their personal knowledge. The customer then takes possession of the loaner vehicle and the customer vehicles brought to the TechCenter and prepared for emissions testing.
Emission Testing
Customer vehicles typically remain at the TechCenter for 2-3 weeks. Depending on the type of emissions testing on the vehicle, only 80-100 miles are put on the vehicle. The vehicle is driven only indoors on a chassis dynamometer. The Dynamometer simulates road friction and wind resistance. Emissions are collected from the vehicle and analyzed. Once emission testing has been completed, the customer will be contacted to setup a return vehicle exchange. The customer’s vehicle will be returned washed and fueled.
Incentives
While the vehicle is being tested, the customer is given a late model Mercedes-Benz loaner to use, free of charge. At the completion of testing, an American Express gift card is given to the customer for participating in the program.
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