France Opens Probe into Alleged FCA Diesel Emission Violations

A prosecutor in Paris has opened an investigation into allegations that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV manipulated diesel emission tests on some of its vehicles.

The government’s DGCCRF consumer affairs agency announced previously it had uncovered “evidence of deception” in certain diesels made by FCA, PSA, Renault and Volkswagen and referred them for possible prosecution. The agency said last week it had cleared Opel of wrongdoing.

A source tells Reuters that the judicial investigation of FCA is for “aggravated cheating.” The carmaker insists that its diesels comply with all European Union emission regulations. Italy’s Transport Ministry concluded the same thing three weeks ago, saying it found “no defeat devices not permitted” by EU rules in tests of 18 diesel models.

Proving diesel test cheating is tricky, because EU standards do allow for emission equipment to be temporarily switched off under certain operating conditions. The exception is intended to avoid damaging the engine, but critics say the loophole has been too broadly interpreted by some companies.

U.S. regulators also are investigating possible diesel emission cheating in 104,000 trucks and SUVs sold by FCA in the American market.