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A ‘Unapproved’ Diesel Emissions Cheat Device Costs Stellantis Millions of Dollars

Ram ProMaster 1500 VAN Stellantis Diesel Emissions Cheat Device Fine
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Yet another embarrassment for Stellantis, the new multinational automaker has been accused of fitting an uncertified device in some of the cars equipped with diesel engines. The California Air Resources Board, CARB, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, FCA – included in the Stellantis – have signed a settlement that concerned non-compliance with emission rules of diesel engines. This comes just after the company faced legal challenges from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the same challenges in cars with gas-powered engines.

Affected Vehicles

The violations are related to Ram ProMaster vans of model years 2014-2016 with the 3.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine output, which is used in the 1500, 2500, and 3500 series of vans. This engine gives out 174 horsepower and the torque is 295 pound-feet.

What Happened?

Subsequently, CARB tested those vehicles and found what it called an ‘unapproved device’ that changed emissions depending on the testing mode. However, on the road, the stated performance of these vans varied from the tests, emitting about 55 tons of extra nitrogen oxide. To this day, CARB has not offered additional information about the particular device it possesses.

An incredible $4,185,820 fine has to be paid to CARB’s Air Pollution Control Fund and the organization known as the Supplemental Environment Project – Marine Vessal Speed Reduction Incentive Program. Under this settlement, Stellantis – which used to be FCA – will recall the vans and change the emission control systems to meet the rules.

The current emissions scandal is not the first one in the industry’s history.

Of course, it is not the first time to find Stellantis’ American branch in the water due to emissions-related concerns. In 2022 the company negotiated with the CARB for similar issues dealing with gas engines; in the same year, FCA admitted to plead guilty to federal charges of criminal misconduct in relation to the emission scandal. The automaker also undertook to deposit with the regulator fines and penalties in the region of $300 million.

Comment from CARB

Concerning the issue, the CARB’s executive officer, Dr. Steven Cliff, said, “CARB’s rigorous compliance check guarantees that automakers offer for sale in California exactly the auto models that got certified for sale exactly as such in California without supplementary modifications aimed at evading CARB rules and regulations and the release of additional emissions that are hazardous to the air quality as well as the public health.

Implications

This settlement and fine should put a beeper on the ears of the automakers, including Stellantis, to adhere to emissions standards strictly. With climate change and air pollution remaining critical issues worldwide, the automotive sector must focus on the development of cars that conform to or surpass legal standards.

The details regarding the recall of affected vehicles and the modification of emission control systems will reduce the impacts arising from the unapproved device and guarantee that those cars are legal under the emission control standards. This will also somewhat rebuild the trust that had been eroded in the particular automaker due to the series of scandals.

The Way Forward

Stellantis and other automakers that will forge ahead have to guarantee that they are conforming to environmental responsibility while conducting appropriate tests to check for compliance problems. Since the focus on zero-emission vehicles is continually being placed on the industry, it is critical for corporations to continue their efforts to decrease their carbon footprint.

In conclusion, thanks to this, Stellantis has received quite a large fine, and to regain the trust both of the regulators and the customers, it is going to have to try hard. This particular issue will greatly threaten the image of the company; therefore, it must ensure that it acts to prevent future emissions related complications while proving its dedication to creating environmentally friendly and compliant vehicles. Therefore, automotive industries across the world need to ensure that they step up efforts towards climate change and environmental issues as part of their corporate responsibilities toward sustainability.

Liviu Marcus
the authorLiviu Marcus
I'm passionate about cars and technology, and I like to spend my free time driving the latest cars, bikes, and motorcycles. I enjoy sharing my automotive knowledge and the latest automotive news with the Automotorblog's readers and fans.

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