FCA plans to modify 104,000 U.S. diesel vehicles

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles prepares to update software that it anticipates will solve the issues of U.S. regulators about excess emissions in 104,000 older diesels, the automaker stated on Friday.

The company likewise stated that it had officially looked for approval to offer two 2017 diesel models after months of talks and testing.

The software upgrade would start presenting when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board approved, Fiat Chrysler stated. The automaker said it does not expect any effect on performance or fuel effectiveness.

The EPA refused to comment. California stated it is continuing its discussions with FCA to totally resolve and deal with the issues it raised.

In January, the EPA and California accused Fiat Chrysler of unlawfully using undisclosed software to permit excess diesel emissions in 104,000 U.S. 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Ram 1500 trucks in a notice of offense.

The notice was the outcome of a probe that emerged out of regulators’ investigation of competing Volkswagen AG’s excess emissions.

Reuters reported last week that the Justice Department is planning to file a civil lawsuit against the automaker for selling 104,000 cars that release excess diesel emissions if it does not reach an agreement with the business.

Fiat Chrysler said Friday it thinks these actions should assist in a timely resolution to continuous conversations with the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the United States Department of Justice and other governmental firms.