FCA Receives Approval to Sell Diesel Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee

“A significant step toward resolving the issues raised by the EPA”
Writer
2016 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman Crew Cab 4x4 EcoDiesel front three quarter

Fiat Chrysler has received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency to produce and sell its 2017 model-year diesel vehicles. That means it will start churning out 2017 Ram 1500s and Jeep Grand Cherokees powered by 3.0-liter diesel engines.

The approval comes several months after the EPA first launched accusations against FCA. The agency said FCA failed to disclose engine management software on 2014-2016 model-year diesels. And in May, the U.S. Justice Department filed a civil lawsuit against FCA. According to the suit, defeat devices caused the 2014-2016 diesels to emit much higher than allowable levels of nitrogen oxide pollution. By law, automakers must report any type of software that can alter how a vehicle emits air pollution.

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FCA is updating emissions software calibrations on its 2017 diesel vehicles, and no hardware changes will be required. The modifications are not expected to affect fuel economy or vehicle performance, FCA says.

"The approvals announced today represent a significant step toward resolving the issues raised by EPA and ARB [Air Resources Board]," said FCA boss Sergio Marchionne in a statement. "We appreciate the efforts of the agencies in working with us to achieve this milestone."

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The automaker has denied accusations of cheating. "The Company intends to defend itself vigorously, particularly against any claims that the Company engaged in any deliberate scheme to install defeat devices to cheat U.S. emissions tests," FCA said at the time of the lawsuit filing.

FCA is still seeking permission from regulators to use a version of the modified software to update emissions control systems on 2014-2016 diesels.

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Source: FCA

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When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.

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