Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ offices in Europe were searched by authorities on Wednesday as part of an investigation into emissions fraud.
According to Frankfurt prosecutors who initiated the probe, engines used by various Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Jeep vehicles, as well as those in CNH Industrial’s Iveco trucks, contain potentially illegal engine management software to mask excessive pollution levels. FCA and CNH Industrial offices searched were in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.
The investigation didn’t specifically name the automakers in the investigation as only individuals, not companies, can be prosecuted under German law. The prosecutor’s office said the investigation is targeting nine individuals working at an “international carmaker” and is looking to establish their role in equipping the vehicles in question with potentially illegal emissions software.
In a statement, an FCA spokesman confirmed a number of the company’s offices in Europe were searched by authorities, adding that it is fully cooperating, Reuters reports.
“FCA is examining the relevant documentation in order to properly address any requests that the magistrates may have,” the company said.
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Prosecutors assert potentially illegal software has been detected in the 1.3-liter Multijet and 1.6-liter Multijet engines used in various Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Fiat, and Iveco vehicles. It is claimed that these vehicles passed laboratory pollution tests but when driven on the road, software would largely switch off exhaust emissions filtering.
In separate news reported by Reuters, European Union antitrust regulators have suspended their investigation into FCA and PSA Group’s proposed merger as it awaits the automakers to provide all requested data. FCA and PSA aim to finalize the merger in the first quarter of 2021.
