Fiat Chrysler chafes against claims of diesel emissions cheat; shares fall

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said Tuesday it is working to clarify issues related to diesel emissions technology stemming from a U.S. Justice Department complaint filed earlier Tuesday. The company is reviewing the complaint and it is "disappointed" that the department chose to file the lawsuit, Fiat Chrysler said in the statement. "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," it said. Fiat Chrysler last week announced it had developed updated emissions software calibrations that it believed addressed concerns from federal and California regulators, it said. The company has formally filed for diesel emissions certification for its 2017 model year Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 diesel vehicles, it said. Subject to the permission from regulators, Fiat Chrysler plans to install the same modified emissions software in 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 diesel vehicles, the company said. "FCA US believes this will address the agencies' concerns regarding the emissions software calibrations in those vehicles," it said. Shares of Fiat Chrysler fell 3.4%.

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