Fiat Chrysler accused of emissions cheating by German officials

Germany’s Transport Ministry has accused Fiat Chrysler of cheating emissions test and asked  asked the European Commission to investigate the potential use of manipulation devices, according to a report from Reuters.

A letter to the European Commission, which was seen by Reuters, said that tests conducted by German authorities suggested that the Fiat 500X, Fiat Doblo and Jeep Renegade were using illegal devices to switch off exhaust treatment systems.

The allegations follow the ‘dieselgate’ scandal last year, where German manufacturer Volkswagen was found to be using illegal software to cheat emission testing for a number of its engines.

According to the report from Reuters, the Commission maintains that it is the responsibility of the Italian authorities to remedy any wrongdoings.

The Commission said in a statement: "It is first and foremost a dialogue between the two member states concerned, with an obligation to keep the Commission informed and the possibility for the Commission to facilitate a solution if no agreement can be found.”

However, a source at the Italian infrastructure ministry said that it had not received formal communication from the German government on the matter.

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