Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) has become the latest manufacturer to fall under the forensic spotlight of France’s anti-fraud office (DGCCRF) concerning emissions testing, but strongly insists its diesel vehicles comply with regulations.
French Finance and Industry Ministers, Michel Sapin and Christophe Sirugue say the anti-fraud office has finished its investigations concerning what they refer to as “possible deception” in FCA diesel vehicles and sent its conclusions to prosecutors.
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The DGCCRF used minuted results from tests carried out by France’s UTAC (Union Technique de L’Automobile du Motocycle et du Cycle) and IFPEN (IFP Energies Nouvelles) to send to prosecutors and is now waiting for the authorities’ views.
“This procedure is part of a wider framework of the inquiry into the nitrogen dioxide (Nox) practices of a dozen automakers selling cars in France,” said a statement from the French Finance and Industry Ministries. “The DGCCRF has already sent reports concerning the Volkswagen and Renault Groups.
“Moreover, in both cases, the DGCCRF is continuing its inquiry and in this framework, investigations into other constructors are still under way.”
Renault however, has flatly insists its cars follow regulations, following the decision by the DGCCRF to refer the automaker to the prosecutor.
FCA has also come out fighting with regard to its referral by the anti-fraud authorities in France saying it “takes note” of alleged consumer protection violations in connection with the sale of diesel vehicles.
“FCA reiterates its diesel vehicles fully comply with applicable emissions requirements, as confirmed by the sole competent authority as to FCA homologations, which is the Italian Ministry of Transport,” an FCA spokesman told just-auto from Rome.
“FCA has not yet been informed of the facts which would constitute the basis for DGCCRF’s allegations and looks forward to being provided with the opportunity to respond.”
“Although not informed of the alleged facts, FCA has already provided detailed demonstration to the DGCCRF and to the Ministry of Environment of the fact that the results of certain tests carried out by IFPEN do not correspond to the results of tests carried out by the Italian Ministry of Transport and of the tests carried out by FCA.
“FCA expresses its most ample reservations regarding tests carried out on a single vehicle sample and according to testing methodologies not provided for by current regulations.”
France seems to have taken a particularly hard line concerning emissions testing, with Environment Minister, Segolene Royale, a former French Presidential candidate, the driving force behind tightening up regulations.
