The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has accused Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) of emission testing manipulation. FCA has allegedly installed and had not disclosed a software that manipulates the emission in its vehicle, according to EPA. Amongst the 104,000 vehicles which are part of the allegation are Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Ram 1500 models sold between 2014 and 2016 powered by the 3.0-litre diesel engine.
FCA has rejected the allegations, saying there was no misconduct and the company never attempted to create software to cheat emissions rules by detecting when the vehicle was in test mode. The company believes that its emission control systems meet the applicable requirements and that all its models conform to current emissions test rules.
The EPA demands the manufacturer to demonstrate that their products meet applicable federal emission standards to control air pollution. Manufacturers are required to disclose and explain any software, known as auxiliary emission control devices, which can alter how a vehicle emits air pollution. According to the accusation, FCA has violated the provisions of the Clean Air Act by not disclosing the existence of certain auxiliary emission control devices to EPA.
If found guilty, FCA may be liable for civil penalties and injunctive relief for the violations alleged according to EPA. EPA is also investigating whether the auxiliary emission control devices constitute “defeat devices” which are illegal. Meanwhile, FCA has stated that it intend to work with the administration to present its case and resolve this matter fairly and equitably and to assure the EPA and the customers that the company's diesel-powered vehicles meet all applicable regulatory requirements
