The EPA Has Accused FCA Of Using Emissions Cheating Software

Nearly 16 months on from when the whole thing kicked off, the Dieselgate saga rumbles on. Only last week two senior VW employees were arrested, and now, the spotlight is being shone on another company: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Like many manufacturers, FCA has already been on the receiving end of some finger pointing in the wake of Dieselgate, with German regulators asking some awkward questions last year. This particular development seems much more significant however, with the United States Environmental Protection Agency publicly accusing the firm of using software that “increases air pollution” in 104,000 of its vehicles.

The EPA alleges that 2014, 2015 and 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Ram 1500s fitted with the 3.0-litre diesel engine have the “undisclosed” software installed. The organisation is currently investigating whether or not the software can be considered a ‘defeat device’.

In response, FCA released 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-liter diesel engines.

“FCA US intends to work with the incoming administration to present its case and resolve this matter fairly and equitably and to assure the EPA and FCA US customers that the company’s diesel-powered vehicles meet all applicable regulatory requirements.”

The company added:

“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’s emissions control strategies are properly justified and thus are not ‘defeat devices under applicable regulations and to resolve this matter expeditiously.”