US EPA announces stricter ozone standards - Outlook for U.S. vehicle emission testing improved

On October 1, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthened the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone to 70
parts per billion (ppb) from 75 ppb.
“Put simply – ozone pollution means it hurts to breathe for those most
vulnerable: our kids, our elderly and those suffering from heart and lung
ailments,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “Our job is to set science
-backed standards that protect the health of the American people. Today’s action
is one of the most important measures we can take for improving public health,
reducing the costs of illness and protecting our children’s health.” – EPA News
Release, http://goo.gl/04TCRJ.

Two years from now the EPA will issue final area designations, which classify
air pollution severity. Some States will have until 2020 to come into
attainment; other, heavier polluted States (in particular California, Texas)
will have until 2037 to bring current ozone levels in polluted areas securely
below 70 ppb. EPA reviews ground level ozone standards every five years. (EPA
source: http://www3.epa.gov/ozonepollution/pdfs/20151001designationsfs.pdf)

Establishing mandatory vehicle emission testing programs is among the tools that
states may include in their State Implementation Plans. “We are pleased with the
EPA announcement today,” said Jim Sands, president of Opus Inspection. “We will
be monitoring the progress of the states toward implementing plans to attain the
new ozone standard, and look forward to working with our state and county
customers on existing I/M programs and possibly newly required actions.”

Mölndal, October 2, 2015
Opus Group AB (publ)
For additional information, please contact
Magnus Greko
President and CEO
Phone: 46 31 748 34 00
E-mail: magnus.greko@opus.se
Peter Stenström
Investor Relations
Phone: 46 765 25 84 93
E-mail: peter.stenstrom@opus.se
Opus Group is a leading vehicle inspection company with a strong focus on
customer service and innovative technology. Opus Group is one of the market
leaders in vehicle inspection operations in the US and Sweden.  Opus Bilprovning
has 75 vehicle inspection stations in Sweden. Opus Inspection operates vehicle
inspection programs in the U.S., Bermuda, Chile, Peru and Pakistan and is active
in sales and service of emission control equipment in North America and Mexico.
Opus Group’s revenues amounted to approximately SEK 1,458 million in 2014. Opus
Group’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.