In response to the discovery of emissions cheating software, a recall has been issued for 600,000 Ram trucks. Additionally, Cummins has committed to paying $2 billion as part of the resolution for this issue. This development, often referred to as "Dieselgate 2.0," underscores the importance of adhering to emissions regulations and the significant financial implications for companies found to be in violation. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to ensure environmental compliance within the automotive industry.
Well, it’s like 2015 all over again, but this time it involves Ram pickup trucks. And a lot of them. Engine maker Cummins is recalling 600,000 Ram trucks as part of a huge $2 billion settlement with both federal and California authorities for using illegal software to cheat results of diesel emissions tests.
Settlement Details
The settlement was reached in December, but new details emerged yesterday noting that Cummins had agreed to pay $1.675 billion in civil penalties – the largest ever to be paid under the Clean Air Act – in addition to $325 million to remedy environmental damage, the AP reports. The total bill is more than $2 billion, in what federal and California authorities called a landmark settlement.
Reaction from Authorities
“Let this settlement be a lesson: We won’t let greedy corporations cheat their way to success and run over the health and well-being of consumers and our environment along the way,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta told reporters yesterday.
Scope of the Scandal
The scope of the scandal is mind-blowing, with Stellantis-owned Ram cranking out hundreds of thousands of Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks over the past decade all equipped with Cummins diesel engines and their illegal software, known as defeat devices. According to the report, the software limited nitrogen oxide pollution during emissions tests, but then let the pollution fly during “normal operations,” the government said.
From 2013 to 2019, about 630,000 pickups from the 2013 through 2019 model years were equipped with the software, all of which are being recalled. Stellantis had no comment on the case.
Recall and Response
Cummins, which has denied any wrongdoing, must undergo a nationwide recall of all the noncompliant Ram trucks – with presumably Ram truck owners being notified regarding what steps to take. Estimates suggest that the faulty trucks produced “thousands of tons of excess emissions of nitrogen oxides,” US Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement.
