U.S engine maker Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is facing the largest penalty ever from the Clean Air Act over accusations the company cheated on emissions tests. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a notice of violation to the engine builder for alleged violations related to testing practices, tampering, and management of the exhaust emissions certified on numerous vehicles.
FIA manufactures engines for several brands, including Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, McLaren, Mazda, and Peugeot. The company has said it will take responsibility for the alleged violations and is cooperating with authorities. There is no word yet on the final dollar amount that the EPA may slap FIA with, but according to reports the penalties could potentially reach hundreds of millions of dollars.
The EPA is seeking to pressure FIA into making changes to its excess emissions testing, and has the authority to do so due to the fact that these vehicles are subject to Clean Air Act standards. According to sources, FIA is being investigated for possible use of emissions-defeating software or hardware designed to fool emissions tests. If the accusations are found to have merit, this could mark a major shift in exhaust emissions testing standards for future vehicles.
The allegations have far-reaching implications not just for FIA, but also for the automotive industry as a whole. Increasing emissions standards has been a major focus for the industry in recent years as it attempts to comply with climate change mitigation efforts. Tighter emissions standards have been a major focus for automakers, and these accusations may set a precedent for other emissions scandals.
While it remains to be seen what the outcome of the EPA’s investigation will be, the potential magnitude of the penalty serves as a reminder of the importance of following clean air requirements and engaging in responsible emissions testing. It also serves as an important reminder of the need for automakers to be diligent in their testing standards and procedures to ensure they are in compliance with Clean Air Act regulations.