The car giant Stellantis, via its company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), has reached an agreement with the American courts and will pay some 300 million dollars in penalties after pleading guilty in the case of fraud. CO2 emissions of which he is accused.
FCA remains on probation for another three years and will now have to strictly comply with the Clean Air Act, the law aimed at limiting CO2 emissions from American cars.
The guilty builder
Last Friday, we learned that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles had pleaded guilty to circumventing CO2 emissions requirements for several of its diesel models between 2014 and 2016. The company, which has been part of the Stellantis group since the year last, undertook to pay, by July 18, 300 million dollars in penalties, including 203.6 million in confiscation penalties and a fine of 96.1 million dollars.
Deputy Attorney General Kenneth Polite said: FCA US has embarked on a multi-year plan to fool US regulators and consumers “, before adding that the Justice Department would hold responsible “ companies that put profit above honesty, good corporate governance and timely remediation “.
The company had already paid 311 million dollars in penalties after a civil complaint and had to pay 183 million dollars in compensation to the 63,000 people who had brought this collective lawsuit.
FCA under close surveillance
FCA remains on probation for three years and will have to perform an initial review of its compliance with the country’s Clean Air Act. A report will be submitted and at least two follow-up examinations will be carried out thereafter.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles was accused of installing deceptive software in order to evade regulatory scrutiny and fraudulently meet the requirements of required emissions standards. The Department of Justice further indicates that the company has ” deliberately calibrated control systems to emit fewer emissions during the test phases than under normal traffic conditions.
These frauds concern approximately 100,000 RAM and Jeep utility pickups between 2014 and 2016. At the same time, three FCA employees are awaiting trial for conspiracy to defraud and violate the Clean Air Act implemented in the country.
Source : Engadget
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