FCA Expects EPA Diesel Certification Soon

Fiat Chrysler CEO Says Diesel Talks With EPA Have Been ‘Pretty Intense’

Concerns that FCA may have pulled a “VW” with its Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel engine offerings may have been a bit premature.

If you’ll recall, the issue first came to light January 12, following allegations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They claim that FCA used a device to cheat emissions standards on its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6. The engine is found in the Grand Cherokee and the Ram 1500 pickup.

However, FCA has maintained that the entire thing was simply a matter of clarity. And now, Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is saying he soon expects the EPA to fully certify the engine for 2017.

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Furthermore, in an interview with the Detroit News, Marchionne says FCA has been in “pretty intense” discussions with the EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) over the claims. He went on to say that he expects the matter to be resolved “relatively quickly.” And that the current discussions between the two parties have been making significant progress. That’s due in part to the “goodwill” established between FCA and the EPA over a number of years.

That, in itself, is a stark contrast from the fallout at Volkswagen AG. Top VW execs seemed to be at a loss for words when news broke they had cheated on emissions standards.

Indeed, Marchionne’s confidence in having the matter resolved is reassuring. And it strongly suggests that the much talked-about idea of a diesel-powered Wrangler is probably still a go.

Via [FCA Authority, Detroit News]