A federal judge in San Francisco has named legal representative Elizabeth Cabraser to lead the case brought against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) by owners over accusations it bypassed diesel emission controls.
Cabraser, a lawyer at Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein, likewise functioned as lead lawyer for owners in the Volkswagen diesel emissions case that resulted in the German automaker accepting provide to buyback 500,000 automobiles and spend billions compensating owners.
Judge Edward Chen stated there is a consensus among lawyers that Cabraser “has been very efficient in leading the VW team”. He also called nine legal representatives to a steering committee to work with Cabraser, consisting of many who were associated with the Volkswagen case.
Chen directed Elizabeth Cabraser and her group to submit a combined complaint under 30 days and he prepares an August 8 status conference.
FCA’s lead lawyer is Robert Giuffra of law practice Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.
In May, the Justice Department took legal action against Fiat Chrysler, alleging it of unlawfully using software that caused excess emissions in almost 104,000 diesel vehicles sold since 2014.
Giuffra stated on Wednesday the automaker is positive that regulators will authorize the company’s proposed software upgrade as part of accrediting 2017 diesel models to allow them to go on sale and then use that software to upgrade the automobiles on the road.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board alleged FCA in January of using undisclosed software to enable excess diesel emissions.
