Fiat Chrysler Automobiles faces a $79 million U.S. civil penalty for failing to meet 2017 fuel economy requirements in the United States.
Reuters reports that of the 18 major car manufacturers in the United States, 13 of them failed to comply with fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards for the 2017 model year without using credits. FCA was hit with a $77 million penalty earlier this year for not complying with standards for the 2016 model year.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the 2017 model fleet fell 1-1/2 miles per gallon short of the 33.8 mpg standard without including credits and revealed that more car manufacturers are failing to comply with standards for the 2018 and 2019 model years.
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A Fiat Chrysler Automobiles spokesman has confirmed that the company has 60 days to pay its $79 million fine, but said that the departing sum won’t have a material impact on its business.
While FCA failed to meet the required standards, it did say that it “continues to support and deliver year-over-year fuel-economy improvements.” In addition, the company reiterated plans to spend $10 billion through 2022 to develop more than 30 hybrid and electric vehicles.
In a statement, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents the likes of GM, Volkswagen, Toyota and others, said it supports the increased standards.
“The Alliance continues to advocate for increased standards that are attainable and reflect marketplace realities,” a statement read.
