Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has publically accused by US’ EPA of using cheat software, similar to that used by Volkswagen in over 1 lakh SUVs in the Dieselgate emissions scandal, according to Reuters.
It’s not the first time that FCA will have been mentioned in emissions controversies; Fiat had to answer to German regulators last spring, before being accused of using an emissions cheat device in October.
In the midst of the Volkswagen emissions scandal at the beginning of 2016, FCA also released an unprompted statement saying that its cars do not cheat emissions tests.
FCA cars accused of cheating include both SUVs and pick-up trucks – over 100,000 of which have been sold – with cars sold since 2014 alleged to be fitted with software which allowed excess diesel emissions.
In the US, Volkswagen’s emissions scandal has involved the arrest of two senior employees and charges held against five more that are believed to be in Germany. The manufacturer agreed to pay a $4.3 billion (Rs 29,349 lakh, approximately) fine to US regulators as a settlement.
FCA released the following statement in reaction to the EPA's accusation: “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 engines.”
“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."