Environmental Applications An exclusive offering from Networkcar Technological advances have greatly contributed to positive air quality trends over the past 20 years. For example, automobiles manufactured today pollute approximately 25 times less than their 1970s counterparts1. Despite the efforts of manufacturers, however, motor vehicles continue to be a major source of air pollution, accounting for approximately 77 percent of the carbon monoxide (CO) and 45 percent of the ozone-causing nitrogen oxides (NOx ) in our nation's air.2   As a result of our efforts, Networkcar recently received a 2004 EPA Clean Air Excellence award.   The EPA estimates that 40 percent of air toxins emitted in urban areas come from motor vehicles.3 To prevent air pollution from increasing, reductions in total vehicle emissions need to keep up with increases in total vehicle miles driven. Achieving healthy air quality levels requires even greater reductions. Despite the enormous progress made to date, air quality managers will need to explore innovative strategies and leverage the latest technologies in order to control and reduce air pollution from motor vehicles. To meet the challenges faced by air quality manager, Networkcar developed a low cost device which can remotely identify vehicles with improperly functioning emissions systems. This technology enables cars to be repaired at an early stage thus reducing pollution. Networkcar has implemented several environmental programs such as: For Consumers: A remote smog check program for consumer vehicles For Business: A program to remotely monitor gross polluters (vehicles that traditionally emit the most air pollution such as taxis, transit vehicles and diesel fleets) Sources: 1. http://www.heartland.org/Index.cfm 2. Report EPA420-F-02-014; EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality: Washington, D.C., August 2002. 3. Air Toxics Benefits from Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Programs in Select U. S. Cities; American Lung Association: New York, NY, October 2002.