Fiat Chrysler says its cars do not cheat emissions tests

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has distanced itself from the ongoing emissions scandal by publically claiming that its diesel vehicles do not use test-cheating defeat devices.

In a statement released today, the car maker revealed that it had conducted a “thorough internal review” of the software in its vehicles and it is now satisfied that its entire line-up of cars comply with emissions regulations.

FCA says its findings confirm that, unlike offending Volkswagen models, its diesel vehicles aren’t able to differentiate between laboratory testing and real-world driving. The car maker admits that emissions levels do vary during tests, but attributes this to varying driving conditions rather than adjustments to the control systems themselves.

The car maker also says despite successfully retesting its vehicles using the New European Driving Cycle procedure, it will give all new Euro 6 models updated software from April 2016 to further reduce emissions figures. Owners of older Euro 6 cars will also be offered this upgrade free of charge, with FCA emphasising that this voluntary upgrade does not constitute as a recall.

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The Italian-American car maker is also promising to increase its use of Active Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to lower the output of certain waste gases.

SCR is currently only fitted to a few FCA models, but the car maker says it will accelerate its programme to implement the system on its entire diesel range from 2017. This, it says, is part of its ongoing work to increase sustainability and address public concerns over diesel technology.

FCA’s bold comments come just days after VW UK boss Paul Willis faced heavy criticism from the government’s Transport Select Committee regarding his company’s handling of the on-going emissions scandal. The German brand has responded to pressure by announcing that it will also equip its future diesel models with SCR technology – something it claims goes beyond its legal requirements.

Renault has also landed itself in hot water, with the French brand announcing it will recall 15,000 cars to "address an error in the engine's calibration unit".

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