Stellantis Fined IDR 68 Billion for Cheating Emission Tests

KatadataOTO – Stellantis Group, the automotive company that oversees a number of well-known brands, has to pay a fine of 4.2 million USD, or the equivalent of IDR 68 billion, for allegedly cheating during emissions tests on several of its diesel vehicle models.

CARB (California Air Resources Board) claims that Stellantis used special devices or software to manipulate vehicle emissions test results, allowing them to meet the standards.

As a result, these vehicles produced different emissions than what was recorded during testing. Stellantis will recall the affected cars registered in California, United States.

“CARB’s rigorous testing ensures that manufacturers sell certified vehicles in California without any manipulation to evade regulations and excess emissions that damage air quality and public health,” said Steven Cliff, CARB Executive Officer, as quoted by Autoblog on Friday (3/1).

Photo : TrenOto

According to CARB, the affected vehicle models are the Ram ProMaster, Ram 1500, 2000, 3500, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee from the 2014-2016 model years. All use a 3,000 cc diesel engine.

All the cars that were manipulated during testing subsequently produced an excess of 55 tons of nitrogen oxide.

The units will later be recalled by Stellantis and readjusted to properly comply with emissions regulations without manipulation.

Despite the accusations and fines imposed on Stellantis, it was mentioned that FCA executives did not admit to the wrongdoing.

Photo : TrenOto

Not the First Time

CARB has not further explained the type of software or device used to manipulate the emissions test results. However, it can be confirmed that this is not the first time it has happened

In 2017, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles manipulated 100,000 vehicles using software so that the emissions produced still exceeded the threshold.

Again in 2022, FCA, which is part of Stellantis, pleaded guilty to several charges including exhaust gas emissions manipulation. They were fined up to 300 million USD, equivalent to IDR 4.8 trillion.