Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is facing tough questions about diesel emissions. The U.S. Justice Department has filed a civil complaint in federal court. The complaint alleges some FCA vehicles had defeat devices federal investigators claim “were not disclosed to regulators during the certification application process”. The case centers around 3.0 liter EcoDiesel engines in nearly 104,000 light duty vehicles. FCA released a statement saying they’re reviewing the complaint. The company points out they’ve filed for certification of “updated emissions software calibrations that it believes address the concerns of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board”
Investigators are also taking a closer look at Daimler diesel engines. The Stuttgart public prosecutor’s office searched several Daimler AG locations in Germany on Tuesday. A statement by the company refers to it as a “preliminary investigation” into “the possible manipulation of exhaust-gas after treatment in passenger cars with diesel engines”. Daimler also says they’re cooperating and have already been providing information to investigators. Reuters is reporting German investigators are now talking to authorities in the U.S.
Mercedes-Benz is making it a little less expensive to by-pass the pump. The 2017 smart fortwo electric drive coupe starts at $23,800. That’s $1,200 less than the previous model. The price of the electric drive cabrio remains the same at $28,000. They’ll be at dealers this summer.
