The Netherlands files complaint against Stellantis over diesel emissions

The Dutch government has filed a formal complaint against automotive conglomerate Stellantis over claims it was tampering with the emissions testing for their Jeep Grand Cherokee and Suzuki Vitara models.

The Netherlands' Minister for the Environment, Stientje van Veldhoven, answered parliamentary questions relating to the incident by liberal party D66, confirming the Dutch government have had a long-running suspicion against the company since before its merger.

Read more: Ex-Audi boss blames engineers for dieselgate scandal

In early 2020, the Dutch vehicle authority RDW found ‘unauthorized emission strategies, controlled by the engine management system’ with these two models.

In earnest, this means emissions conducted during tests read lower than in practice, which could allow for the models to get around certain environmental regulations and emissions quotas.

This was done by switching off systems that return exhaust fumes to the engine, thus reducing nitrogen emissions.

This process was deemed illegal by the European Court of Justice in December.

Both Suzuki and Jeep performed software updates to deal with the situation, but the stocking - as found out last September - was unfinished, causing the RDW to launch a further investigation.

Both ultimately received approval from the firm in October, however, there was a small controversy over the fact the matter had not been taken further.

Both models use different engines, but both engines were sourced by FCA, which has since merged into Stellantis.

The situation is somewhat similar to the "dieselgate" scandal Audi is embroiled in, which has seen several company executives put on trial for fraud.

Van Veldhoven admitted to parliament that legal repercussions could still very much play a role in this scandal, and also opened up the possibility that other manufacturers may also be lying about emissions data.

The Netherlands' pursual of this is primarily owing to EU legislature, which has started proposing harsher environmental targets.

This leaves any perpetrators of emissions cheating to be liable, under EU law, for prosecution.

Read more: EU hits VW with €150m in fines after missed emissions targets

The RDW is currently still deciding which diesel models may be subject to fines and legal scrutiny.

This marks the first major controversy for the newly-formed Stellantis, which formed as the result of a merger between Fiat Crysler and PSA back in January.

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