Aaron Marsh/ Fleet Owner
A 2016 Ram 1500 pickup with 3.0L Ecodiesel engine.
A 2016 Ram 1500 pickup with 3.0L Ecodiesel engine.
A 2016 Ram 1500 pickup with 3.0L Ecodiesel engine.
A 2016 Ram 1500 pickup with 3.0L Ecodiesel engine.
A 2016 Ram 1500 pickup with 3.0L Ecodiesel engine.

EPA's emissions 'cheating' allegations untrue, FCA says

Jan. 13, 2017
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has denied that certain of its model year 2014-2016 Ram 1500 pickups and Jeep Cherokee SUVs with diesel engines violate emissions requirements. The automaker's response came promptly yesterday after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the violation notice it sent FCA.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has denied that certain of its model year 2014-2016 Ram 1500 pickups and Jeep Cherokee SUVs with diesel engines violate emissions requirements. The automaker's response came promptly yesterday after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the violation notice it sent FCA.

Specifically, EPA claims to have found eight different engine management software programs that FCA didn't disclose present in the control modules of some 104,000 vehicles with 3.0L diesels. That the software programs — which EPA refers to as "auxiliary emission control devices" in the violation notice — are included must be documented in certificates of conformity required to sell vehicles in the United States.

EPA further alleges that the software can increase harmful emissions. One or more of the programs can cause "excess emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) under various operating conditions that may reasonably be expected to be encountered in normal vehicle operation and use," the agency states. EPA says that unless FCA can show the software falls under "one of the narrow exclusions" under the federal Clean Air Act, the allegedly undisclosed programs "would constitute defeat devices that reduce the effectiveness of the vehicles' emission control system."

Along with EPA, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) also is investigating FCA and has issued the company a violation notice. CARB was quick to connect the situation to the Volkswagen diesel emissions cheating scandal that erupted in 2015 and resulted in that company's nearly $15 billion settlement with the government.

A 3.0L Ecodiesel engine in a 2016 Ram 1500 pickup. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board allege that FCA didn't disclose certain engine management software in vehicles with the 3.0L diesel and that the software can increase NOx emissions. (Aaron Marsh/ Fleet Owner)

"Once again, a major automaker has made the business decision to skirt the rules and got caught," stated CARB Chairman 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."

Meanwhile, in its response to the violation notices, FCA not only states that it "believes its emission control systems meet the applicable requirements," the company appears to indicate by its choice of words that this is no "aha" moment and it's been involved in a good deal of back-and-forth on the matter.

"FCA US has spent months providing voluminous information in response to requests from EPA and other governmental authorities and has sought to explain its emissions control technology to EPA representatives," the automaker states.

In the response, FCA also refers to the incoming Trump administration and that it hopes to work out the situation "expeditiously" with the new leadership and appointed officials.

Diesel's future in doubt?

Notably — or perhaps ironically — FCA's CEO Sergio Marchionne alluded to the Volkswagen scandal earlier this week in press conferences to announce the company's major people and manufacturing plant investments as well as a new Jeep pickup truck on the way.

"Because of events, and without trying to attribute blame or assign responsibility for any of this, diesel has now acquired an incredibly bad reputation," Marchionne said. He contended that diesel power has played a large role in meeting more stringent emissions requirements such as those Europe has put in place, but the cost of "scrubbing" technology to make diesel cleaner is becoming prohibitive.

"In terms of the viability of the technology, it is at least relatively clear to me that [diesel] is an essential element of the mix of solutions that are required to try and meet the emission regulations," he told reporters.  "What is happening, unfortunately, is that as we move up the level of technological intervention in diesel . . .  the cost of that technology is going to push diesel right at the edge of the economically possible."

"These engines, fully loaded up with scrubbing equipment — whether you include SCR [selective catalytic reduction] or some type of scrubbing mechanism associated with emissions — are going to push the price of diesel solutions beyond the combination of gas and electrical," Marchionne continued, adding that diesel's viability in passenger cars and trucks could be in doubt going forward.

About the Author

Aaron Marsh

Before computerization had fully taken hold and automotive work took someone who speaks engine, Aaron grew up in Upstate New York taking cars apart and fixing and rewiring them, keeping more than a few great jalopies (classics) on the road that probably didn't deserve to be. He spent a decade inside the Beltway covering Congress and the intricacies of the health care system before a stint in local New England news, picking up awards for both pen and camera.

He's written about you-name-it, from transportation and law and the courts to events of all kinds and telecommunications, and landed in trucking when he joined Fleet Owner in July 2015. Long an editorial leader, he's a keeper of knowledge at Fleet Owner ready to dive in on the technical and the topical inside and all around trucking—and still turns a wrench or two. Or three. 

And he's never without a camera, or so rumor has it.

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!