MOTORING NEWS - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) discussed using illegal software to cheat emissions tests in diesel versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram EcoDiesel pickup as early as 2010, recently revealed documents show.
The e-mails were unsealed as part of a proposed class-action lawsuit against FCA. They show the company was interested in using software to detect emissions testing on its diesel vehicles to bring them into compliance on the test, according to reports in Bloomberg and Automotive News.
The lawsuit claims that Fiat Chrysler misled buyers of those diesel models by touting their fuel economy and performance when they didn't meet emissions standards.
The 2010 e-mails from Sergio Pasini, the controls and calibration director for a supplier of the V6 engines for the Ram and Grand Cherokee EcoDiesels, said that Fiat Chrysler was interested in using software that would detect test cycles so it could advertise a 30mpg highway fuel economy rating for the Grand Cherokee.
The software "is, no matter what Fiat says, a cycle detection," Pasini wrote.
In a response Chrysler wrote to Bloomberg, "We continue to cooperate with various governmental investigations related to diesel emissions. E-mails such as those referenced have been previously provided to the agencies.
"It is inappropriate to draw conclusions from isolated communications and internal deliberations without more detailed context that is part of the reviews FCA is conducting as part of the investigation process."
In January, the US Justice Department offered the company settlement terms that would include recalling all 2014-2016 models equipped with the EcoDiesel V6 to update emissions software and bring them into compliance, as well as paying a "very substantial fine". Fines could amount to R54,7-billion.
Article: Green Car Reports
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