Envirotest and Ohio-based Lube Stop Partner to Provide More E-Check Locations in Northeast Ohio

WINDSOR, Conn. and BEREA, Ohio, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Envirotest Systems Corp. (Envirotest), a leading vehicle emissions inspection services provider, and The Lube Stop, Inc. (Lube Stop), the largest quick oil change company in Northeast Ohio, today announced the companies have signed a partnership agreement to include all of Lube Stop's 37 locations in the Ohio E-Check vehicle emissions testing program managed by Envirotest.  In February, the State of Ohio awarded Envirotest the contract to operate a new decentralized E-Check emissions testing program in Cleveland and Akron beginning in June 2012.

The new decentralized Ohio E-Check program will provide motorists in seven Northeast Ohio counties with 53 new independent E-Check testing stations in addition to the 23 high-volume, on-demand testing stations currently operated by Envirotest, raising the total number of E-Check testing facilities in the region to 76.  In addition, as part of its ChoicePlus™ inspection network, Envirotest will be introducing 16 free-standing self-service second generation on-board diagnostic computer (OBDII) testing kiosks as well as drive-by roadside remote sensing testing solutions around the region in subsequent months.

"Lube Stop's reputation as an industry-leading and environmentally conscious automotive service organization and its status as a long-standing Northeast Ohio company makes it an ideal testing partner for the E-Check program," stated Prentiss Taylor, Envirotest Ohio General Manager.  "For the new E-Check program, Ohio EPA challenged us to significantly improve convenience for Ohio motorists with new and innovative approaches to delivering this service.  This partnership with Lube Stop and many other program elements included in the new E-Check program deliver on that challenge.  Lube Stop's excellent relationship with local area customers, as well as its commitment to providing rapid and courteous emissions inspections at single-branded, easy to find locations, are key to ensuring the new E-Check program provides increased convenience and maximum benefit to Northeast Ohio motorists."

Starting in late June, Lube Stop will perform E-Check inspections for 1996 or newer vehicles via the vehicle's OBDII computer using emissions and gas cap pressure testing equipment provided by Envirotest.  E-Check testing will be available at all 37 Lube Stop locations without an appointment during regular business hours.  The OBDII emissions and gas cap testing takes approximately 10 minutes.

"Participation in the Ohio E-Check Program is a natural extension of Lube Stop's ardent commitment to customer convenience, sustainable business practices, and improving the communities in which we operate," said Tom Morley, president of Lube Stop.  "Becoming a certified E-Check provider is a great added convenience for our existing customers and gives us an important opportunity to deliver an outstanding service experience to non-Lube Stop customers visiting our locations for the first time."

About the Ohio E-Check Program
Launched in 1996, the Ohio E-Check program is a state initiative to improve air quality in Ohio and meet guidelines set by the federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.  Tailpipe emissions from cars and trucks account for at least one-third of the air pollution in the United States and these emissions can cause serious health problems.  As a result, the Ohio E-Check program reduces these emissions by encouraging good vehicle maintenance in seven Ohio counties. The program removes approximately 74 tons of vehicle emissions per day, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), ensuring cleaner air for Ohioans.  Failure to address nonattainment of federal air standards can also result in losing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal highway funding for Ohio and prohibition of future industrial expansion in the region.  For more information on the program, call 1.800.CAR.TEST or visit www.ohioecheck.org.

The Lube Stop, Inc.
Lube Stop helped revolutionize the oil change concept in 1985.  Today, Lube Stop is Ohio's largest independent quick-oil change company, operating 37 stores in Cleveland, Akron, and Canton, and services more than 25,000 customers a month.  Lube Stop is now spearheading the adoption of sustainable business practices within the industry and is the first quick oil change company to achieve Green Plus™ certification in the U.S. and to trademark a re-refined oil change service called EcoGuard®.  Visit LubeStop.com to learn more.

Envirotest Systems Corp.
Established in 1974, Windsor, Connecticut based Envirotest Systems Corp. is the leader in vehicle emissions testing equipment and services in North America and provides Remote Sensing Device equipment and services throughout the world.  The company operates eight large, high-volume vehicle emissions testing programs in the U.S. and Canada under its Envirotest brand. 

SOURCE Envirotest Systems Corp.