Fiat, Chrysler and Jeep could be banned in Germany

Germany’s government is threatening Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) with a complete ban on selling all of its vehicles in the German market over accusations some of its vehicles maybe be fitted with an emissions cheat device.

The fury arose following emissions tests carried out on a Fiat 500X SUV that discovered emissions equipment that shut off after running for just 22 minutes – two minutes after the official test cycle finishes.

Once switched off, emissions of the diesel vehicle test rapidly exceeded legal limits.

The new tests, carried out by the German government’s transport authorities, has provoked a furious response that has seen Fiat officially reported to both the European Commission and Italian authorities who are now said to be investigating the claims.

In response to the allegations, Fiat says it fully complies with all European legislation.

Germany’s transport minister, Alexander Dobrindt, doesn’t agree and has summoned Fiat to explain the new German test findings – an invitation Fiat promptly refused, citing its internal testing was carried out on Italian jurisdiction – which it passed.

In a scathing attack on the Italian car-maker, Dobrindt responded by publically criticising Fiat for having an “uncooperative attitude”. The minister also said the Italian car-maker’s explanation for the differing test results was “totally incomprehensible”.

As a result, the BBC reported late night that the German government might have to resort to a complete ban of all Fiat, Chrysler and Jeep vehicles in Europe’s single biggest market.