Federal agencies are investigating whether Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) diesel-powered vehicles may emit excessive emissions, the company revealed in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Tuesday.
The company said in the filing that it has "received various inquiries, subpoenas and requests for information from a number of governmental authorities, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the SEC and several states’ attorneys general. We are investigating these matters and we intend to cooperate with all valid governmental requests."
On Jan. 12, the company had said the Justice Department was investigating the matter, but FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne called allegations that FCA might be using software defeat devices similar to those used by Volkswagen "unadulterated hogwash," according to an Automotive News report.
Volkswagen has agreed to pay $4.3 billion in fines to various U.S. agencies as well as conducting a recall and buyback program that is expected to push the total cost in the U.S. and Canada beyond $23 billion.
No wrongdoing
Marchionne said there has been no wrongdoing and the company has never tried to create software that would cheat emissions tests by reducing emissions when it senses that the vehicle is in test mode.
The company conceded in January that the Justice Department was looking into the allegations, reportedly after getting a referral from the Environmental Protection Agency in July. But the involvement of the SEC and the state attorneys general has not previously been disclosed.
In January, the EPA said the maximum possible fine against FCA could be $4.6 billion.