FIAT

European auto conglomerate fined $299.7 million for emission fraud in the US

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) was fined $299.7 million for misrepresenting the emissions of more than 100,000 diesel vehicles sold in the US.

The US company, now part of global car company Stellantis, was convicted in the US after pleading guilty to criminal conspiracy to try to defraud regulators and customers - similar to the Volkswagen Group's Dieselgate scandal seven years ago.

A three-year investigation revealed that FCA developed a new 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 sold in the US from 2014 to 2016 as “Clean Ecodiesel” vehicles with best-in-class fuel efficiency.

According to court documents, the FCA calibrated the vehicles' emission control systems to produce lower NOx emissions during federal testing procedures, without which they would not have passed the tests. A total of 101,482 vehicles were affected.

In addition, the FCA "engaged in other deceptive and fraudulent practices" that helped vehicles meet required emission standards, the documents added.

FCA admitted that it did this so the vehicles could maintain “features that would make them more attractive to consumers” in terms of fuel efficiency, service intervals and performance.

In addition, the company must conduct a US Clean Air Act compliance audit, which it must then submit to the authorities. He must then prepare at least two more reports.

Prepared by: Ivan Mitic