Jan 12, 2017

Expanded emission testing developed during VW case... Fiat-Chrysler notified of violations of federal and California air quality regulations

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued a Notice of Violation to FCA US LLC, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V., and Chrysler Group LLC (collectively FCA) after detecting the presence of a number of auxiliary emissions control devices (AECDs) in 3.0 liter diesel Jeep Grand Cherokees and Ram pickup trucks from model years 2014-2016. FCA failed to disclose these devices, which in some cases significantly increase emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) when activated.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) has issued a similar NOV to FCA covering about 104,000 cars and pickups nationally. There are about 14,000 of these vehicles on the road in California.

On September 25, 2015 CARB notified major automakers that diesel vehicles would face expanded emissions testing as part of ARB's In-Use Compliance Program, which includes modified test procedures in the lab, and testing of emissions while the car is being driven on the road in addition to certification test cycles. This enhanced testing program was developed during the Volkswagen investigation and is now being used routinely by CARB for vehicle certification and in-use compliance testing. The current violations were discovered as a result of the enhanced testing procedures.

"Once again, a major automaker has failed to meet their legal obligations for vehicle certification and gotten caught," said CARB Chair Mary D. Nichols. "CARB and U.S. EPA made a commitment to enhanced testing as the Volkswagen case developed, and this is a result of that collaboration."

FCA's actions have created substantial excess, illegal, and on-going emissions and harm that have impacted, and continue to impact, public health and the environment in California. 

Read full here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=888