Stellantis pleads guilty in diesel emissions probe

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US yesterday pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud. FCA US, now known as Stellantis North America, has agreed with the US Department of Justice to pay approximately $300 million in fines and forfeiture penalties. The investigation centered around the automaker‘S efforts to fight diesel emissions regulations with the 3-liter EcoDiesel engine used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500.

The automaker used this particular EcoDiesel engine on the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 from 2014 to 2016. Stellantis intentionally calibrated the emission control systems on the models in question to create it. less NOx emissions during federal testing. The models will then produce more NOx emissions when driven by customers under normal driving conditions to meet advertised performance claims and best-in-class fuel efficiency.

Knowing the intense scrutiny the automaker would face, the US FCA deceived and misled federal regulators to get approval to sell EcoDiesel-equipped vehicles. According to the Department of Justice:

“FCA US subsequently engaged in fraud and fraud to conceal the emissions impact and function of the emissions control system from US regulators and US customers by (a) submit false and misleading applications to U.S. regulators for a license to sell vehicles, (b) make false and misleading statements to U.S. regulators both directly and to respond to written requests for information, and (c) misrepresent and mislead consumers about Vehicle Subject in advertising and on window labels, including Vehicle Subject’s The model complies with U.S. emissions requirements, has best-in-class fuel efficiency as measured by EPA testing, and is powered by a “clean EcoDiesel engine.”[s]”Reduces emissions.”

Sentencing is scheduled for July 18. As part of the plea agreement, Stellantis North American must cooperate with any Department of Justice investigation into the matter and implement an ethics and compliance program. While it is impossible to convict a company with a term in federal prison, three US FCA executives have been indicted and charged. pending trial on related fraud conspiracy charges.