"U.S. officials had accused the company of installing software that enables certain diesel vehicles to meet government emissions standards during lab tests, even though they emit far more pollution during real-world driving."
"Fiat Chrysler Automobiles agreed Thursday to a settlement with U.S. regulators and other plaintiffs that could cost the automaker roughly $800 million to resolve allegations that it cheated on emissions tests.
The case dates to the final days of the Obama administration in early 2017, when the Environmental Protection Agency accused the company of installing software that enables certain diesel trucks to emit far more pollutants than emissions laws allow. The company, which is based in London and was formed by a 2014 merger between U.S. automaker Chrysler and Italian automaker Fiat, denied those accusations.
“By concealing this software, Fiat Chrysler deceived regulators and violated environmental law,” Jesse Panuccio, principal deputy associate attorney general, told reporters in a briefing at the department’s headquarters. “Fiat Chrysler’s conduct was serious and egregious. Its deception robbed the public of the clean air we work hard to protect and put law-abiding competitors at a disadvantage.”"
Brady Dennis and Juliet Eilperin report for the Washington Post January 10, 2019.
