Fiat Chrysler Automobile Fingered For Cheating

Dieselgate 2.0 may be steering up as the American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has accused Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) of not disclosing to the authorities about a diesel emission software “that could allow excess diesel emissions”.

Reuters reports that the EPA believes the software is similar to that fitted to Volkswagen Group diesel engines involved in the Dieselgate scandal and the vehicles fitted with FCA’s 3.0-litre diesel engine are alleged to be fitted with the software. They include 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Dodge Ram pick-up.

The EPA has been investigating FCA’s emissions software for around 18 months and it has stated that the car maker could be liable for fines of around $44,500 (£36,500) per vehicle in the USA, which could create a total compensation payout of $4.6bn (£3.5bn) if found guilty.

However, FCA in the USA has responded with a statement saying “FCA US is disappointed that the EPA has chosen to issue a notice of violation with respect to the emissions control technology employed in the company’s 2014-16 model year light duty 3.0-litre diesel engine.

“FCA US looks forward to the opportunity to meet with the EPA’s enforcement division and representatives of the new administration to demonstrate that FCA US’ emissions control strategies are properly justified and thus are not ‘defeat’ devices.”

While we wait to see what happens, the Volkswagen group's US division has agreed to pay a settlement of $4.3bn (£3.5bn) to US regulators.