How did FCA US cheat emissions tests with deceptive software?

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FCA US LLC Sentenced to Pay Nearly US$300 Million for Diesel Emissions Fraud

FCA US LLC has been sentenced to pay nearly US$300 million to resolve a United States Department of Justice diesel emissions fraud probe, following a guilty plea to criminal conspiracy. This penalty includes a US$96.1 million fine and a forfeiture of US$203.6 million, stemming from charges of making false representations about diesel emissions in over 100,000 vehicles. The company was found to have conspired to cheat US emissions tests by installing deceptive software features.
Deceptive Software Features Installed

The Justice Department stated that FCA US LLC installed deceptive software features in its 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 diesel vehicles. These features were reportedly designed to circumvent regulatory scrutiny and fraudulently enable the vehicles to meet mandated emissions standards. While the specific technical operation of this software has not been detailed, its purpose was to manipulate emissions reporting to authorities.
Criminal Conspiracy and Sentencing

FCA US LLC pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy, a charge that acknowledges the company's role in a deliberate plan to deceive regulators. As part of the sentencing, the company was also placed on a three-year term of organisational probation. This resolution follows an exhaustive three-year investigation by the Justice Department, which emphasised holding corporate wrongdoers accountable for misleading regulators.
Broader Ramifications and Previous Penalties

This criminal penalty adds to significant financial repercussions FCA US has already faced. The automaker previously paid a US$311 million civil penalty and over US$183 million in compensation to more than 63,000 individuals through a class-action lawsuit. Furthermore, three FCA US employees have been indicted for conspiracy to defraud the United States and violate the Clean Air Act, and they are currently awaiting trial.
Context of Emissions Regulations

The investigation and subsequent sentencing are underscored by the requirements of environmental regulations, such as the Clean Air Act. This federal law establishes standards for air quality and regulates emissions from vehicles. The charges against FCA US allege a violation of these standards, where the company's actions were intended to mask the true emissions output of its diesel vehicles from regulatory bodies responsible for enforcing such laws.

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How did FCA US cheat emissions tests with deceptive software?

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