EPA claims Fiat Chrysler cheated on emissions

Automaker denies accusations, calls them ‘ nonsense’

U. S. regulators accused Fiat Chrysler Automobiles of violating emissions standards in more than 100,000 diesel vehicles, spawning concerns that the company could become ensnared in a scandal like the one that engulfed Volkswagen Group.

The Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday that Fiat Chrysler illegally installed software on about 104,000 pickups and sport- utility vehicles that spewed harmful pollutants while failing to disclose the technology.

The allegations involve the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and light- duty Ram 1500 pickup trucks with 3liter diesel engines.

The EPA said the automaker installed eight different undisclosed software programs on the vehicles, collectively causing them to emit nitrous oxide emissions, which can exacerbate respiratory conditions.

“This is a clear and serious violation of the Clean Air Act,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “There is no doubt they are contributing to

illegal pollution.”

Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne blasted the EPA in a quickly arranged media call, saying he was offended by the agency’s “incredibly belligerent” attacks on the auto industry.

He said his company had done nothing illegal and tried to dispel comparisons to Volkswagen’s crisis.

“There is nothing in common between the VW reality and what we are describing here,” he said. It’s “absolute nonsense” to suggest so, he said, and anyone who disagreed with him is “smoking illegal material.”

“We’re trying to do an honest job here. We’re not trying to break the bloody law,” Marchionne said.