Stellantis Slapped with $4.2M Fine for Installing Illegal Diesel Emissions Defeat Devices on ProMaster Work Vans

Diesel Emissions Scandal: Stellantis Pays $4.2 Million Settlement to California

Stellantis, the multinational auto manufacturer, has joined the growing list of companies associated with diesel emissions defeat devices. The company has agreed to pay a $4.2 million settlement to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for violating emissions regulations with its diesel-powered ProMaster work vans.

Unapproved Emissions Control System

According to reports, an "unapproved device" was discovered on 2014-2016 ProMaster 1500, 2500, and 2500 vans with 3.0-liter diesel engines. The device allegedly turned off emissions control systems during normal driving, only activating them during emissions testing. This resulted in an estimated 55 tons of extra nitrogen oxides pumped into the air.

A Look at the Settlement

As part of the settlement, Stellantis has agreed to pay a $4.2 million fine, with over $2 million going towards California’s Air Pollution Control Fund as a civil penalty. The remaining $2.1 million will fund a project that provides incentives for cargo ships to slow down in areas during peak whale and ozone seasons, benefiting both the air and wildlife.

Stellantis’ Emissions Troubles

This isn’t the first time Stellantis has been in trouble for emissions cheating. In 2022, the company pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy to cheat diesel emissions regulations on Grand Cherokees and Ram trucks, paying a hefty $300 million fine. While the recent settlement with CARB is a significant fine, it’s still a relatively small drop in the bucket compared to the previous penalties.

Key Takeaways

• Stellantis has agreed to pay a $4.2 million settlement to the California Air Resources Board for violating emissions regulations with its diesel-powered ProMaster work vans.
• An "unapproved device" was discovered on the affected vans, which allegedly turned off emissions control systems during normal driving and activated them only during emissions testing.
• The settlement includes a $2 million fine for California’s Air Pollution Control Fund and a $2.1 million investment in a project to reduce air pollution from cargo ships.

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