Fiat Chrysler to fix 100,000 cars in an emissions cheating settlement

In an unsurprising turn of events, Fiat Chrysler appear to have buckled under pressure from consumers and authorities accusing the car maker of cheating emissions testing.

Fiat Chrysler appear to be following in Volkswagen’s footsteps. In the same way the German car giant rolled out “fixes” for cars installed with so-called “defeat devices”,  Fiat Chrysler are also performing a recall for a “fix” to be applied as well.

Yet they deny any wrongdoing…

After the shocking revelations about VW’s behaviour came to light, authorities worldwide have been investigating other major car manufacturers to see whether anyone else is involved in behaviour similar to VW. Although Fiat Chrysler have not officially admitted using so-called “defeat devices”, they’ve indicated that they may be using “auxiliary devices” that can manipulate emissions outputs in order to protect vehicle engines.

It may allow for vehicles to technically not be “illegal”, but these auxiliary devices are also still doing the same thing in our view – allowing far more dangerous NOx to be polluted in to our air than they should be doing. Whether it’s a “defeat device” or an “auxiliary device”, Nitrogen Oxide pollution is still being emitted in excessive amounts, causing environmental harm and injury to the human population who breath in the dangerous air.

Is this just the beginning for Fiat Chrysler?

The U.S Justice department has been investigating Fiat Chrysler, and it’s reportedly likely that the 100,000 modifications due to take place soon may well be just the beginning. Although it’s unlikely that Fiat Chrysler will have to pay as much as Volkswagen have in settlement sums and penalty fines, their circumventing of strict U.S air and environmental legislation’s are set to result in similar sanctions, and perhaps damage to their reputation.

Proposed “fix”

The proposed “fix” is set to come in the form of “updated emissions software calibrations”. The 100,000 modifications in the U.S will affect Fiat Chrysler Jeep Grand Cherokees and RAM 1500 diesel pick-up trucks made between 2014 and 2016.

The 2017 models are currently awaiting review from regulators before they’re allowed to be sold.

Fiat Chrysler is reportedly co-operating with the U.S authorities. The Environmental Protection Agency who have been heavily involved in the Volkswagen scandal are working with Fiat Chrysler, as are the California Air Resources Board. With strict air regulations in the U.S, Fiat Chrysler are likely expected to commit to similar environmental health projects in the same way Volkswagen has. Fiat Chrysler believe “these actions should help facilitate a prompt resolution to ongoing discussions with the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and other governmental agencies”.

Is Europe next?

The discrepancies may not be just in the Fiat Chrysler cars sold in the U.S. as there may also be hundreds of thousands of affected vehicles bought in European countries. Reportedly, the European Union recently took action against the Italian government for allowing Fiat Chrysler cars to be sold.

Assurances from Fiat Chrysler

Fiat Chrysler assures that the software update will improve emissions output without adversely impacting vehicle performance and fuel economy; but we’ll take that with a pinch of salt for the time being. If the updates are anything like the Volkswagen ones, some owners may find their vehicles are adversely affected. Right now, we just don’t know.

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VW has only repurchased/fixed half of the cheating 2.0-litre diesels in the U.S.

Victims of VW’s emissions “fix” hold protest outside VW headquarters