Stellantis must pay a hefty million-dollar fine for cheating on pollution-limiting equipment again. This time, it's crazy in California at RAM.
The world's fourth-largest automaker, Stellantis, has been fined $4.2 million (approximately DKK 29 million) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The fine is due to several of Stellantis' vehicles exceeding permitted emission limits.
California authorities have revealed that certain models were equipped with illegal devices that circumvented emissions controls, resulting in the release of almost 55 tons of excess nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.
The affected models are Ram ProMaster, Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 from 2014-2016, all with 3.0-liter diesel engines. In addition to the fine, Stellantis must recall and modify the vehicles to ensure they comply with California regulations.
This is what Carscoops writes.
Of the total fine of $4.2 million, just over $2 million will go to California's Air Pollution Control Fund. The remaining amount, about $2.1 million, will go to a fund that encourages cargo ships to slow down during periods of high whale and ozone activity.
This isn't the first time Stellantis has faced consequences for using emissions-cheating devices in the U.S. In early 2019, Stellantis agreed to pay a $305 million fine for using illegal software in 2014-2016 Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee models with 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engines.
Stellantis also agreed to recall and repair over 100,000 vehicles in the U.S. In total, Stellantis has spent about $800 million to resolve this issue.
Two years ago, Stellantis was fined $5.6 million in California for selling gasoline-powered vehicles that failed to meet emissions standards. The recall involved more than 30,000 2012-2018 Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango models with 5.7-liter V8 engines.
Stellantis has thus repeatedly been under the spotlight by authorities for violating environmental laws. This latest fine highlights the importance of car manufacturers complying with emissions standards to protect the environment and public health.
