Cummins Inc. says claims made in a class-action lawsuit brought against the engine maker and Fiat Chrysler America alleging diesel emission cheats in Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, are “false and exaggerated.”
The company released the statement Tuesday after attorneys representing owners of the model year 2007-2012 vehicle filed the lawsuit a day earlier in a U.S. Federal Court in Detroit. It claims both Cummins and FCA colluded to cheat EPA and California Air Resources Board emissions tests.
The alleged cheat would predate that committed by Volkswagen, which earlier this year was ordered by the U.S. Justice Department to pay a $14.7 billion fine, with $2.7 billion earmarked for a school bus replacement and zero-emissions investment program.
“This lawsuit has no merit and contains false and exaggerated claims,” Cummins said in the statement. “Cummins will combat these claims vigorously. Cummins is deeply disappointed in this effort to tarnish our image and standing as a company. Cummins and Chrysler/FCA have been strong partners for more than 30 years, and we are committed to providing high quality products and service for our customers.”
Cummins added that it has “a robust certification and compliance processes” that meets all global emissions regulations. The company said it prohibits the use of defeat devices in all of its products, which is the base argument of the class-action lawsuit.
“We are transparent with all governing bodies in these processes, from disclosure of the design and operation of the emission control system, to test processes and results and later to any necessary reporting and corrective action processes if required,” Cummins said.
About 130,000 of the affected Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks are being recalled at a cost of about $200 million to address the emissions systems.
