Thursday, January 12, 2017
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today accused Fiat Chrysler of violating the Clean Air Act by installing software in 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Ram 1500 trucks with 3.0 liter diesel engines sold in the United States. The undisclosed software allegedly results in increased emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and covers more than 100,000 vehicles. The EPA is working in coordination with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which is also investigating the automaker.
Consumers Union, the policy and mobilization arm of Consumer Reports, encouraged regulators to fully investigate Fiat Chrysler and crack down on the company if these allegations are proven true.
“Today, another major automaker — Chrysler — is accused of breaking the law and harming the environment. This is a deeply troubling case of déjà vu,” said Laura MacCleery, Vice President of Policy and Mobilization for Consumer Reports. “We thank the EPA and the state of California for notifying the public, but there is much more work to be done here. The government must fully investigate Fiat Chrysler and hold it accountable if it illegally deceived consumers. Fiat Chrysler owes it to its customers and the public to immediately come clean about any wrongdoing. If the allegations are true, the company must step up and tell people how it plans to make customers whole and repair the damage to the environment.
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