Dead Diesels: FCA Reportedly Dropping Passenger Car Diesels by 2022 [News]

FCA may phase out passenger car diesels by 2022
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0-liter EcoDiesel has been under scrutiny for emissions cheating, in a complaint filed by CARB and the EPA. [Photo: FCA]

According to a Financial Times report, FCA may soon turn its back on diesels in its passenger cars.

In the wake of various diesel scandals throughout the past few years, Fiat Chrysler may be the latest manufacturer to turn its back on passenger car diesels in the near future. By “passenger car diesels”, FCA will likely continue producing diesel engines for its pickups – particularly its heavy-duty Ram trucks.

However, other FCA brands with passenger vehicle lineups, including Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Lancia could all see their diesel powertrains axed. FCA’s already facing issues in a complaint filed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the EPA regarding its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine. That affected a total of 104,000 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 models. A settlement there would likely involve massive fines and a recall to fix the issues with those particular examples.

FCA may stop producing passenger car diesels by 2022
The report calls into question the future of FCA’s diesel engines in the U.S. market, including its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel. [Photo: FCA]
Many automakers, including FCA, are moving toward electrification to handle emissions challenges, in lieu of diesel powertrains. Indeed, Fiat Chrysler’s CEO, Sergio Marchionne, expects at least half the vehicles on the road to be electrified by 2025. He made that statement in an interview with Bloomberg. Marchionne also emphasized a hybrid role in FCA’s future vehicles, such as the new Jeep Wrangler JL, which is getting a hybrid powertrain in 2020.

FCA has yet to confirm the report

FCA has yet to officially comment on the validity of Financial Times‘ report. The report did distinguish that the company would continue producing commercial diesel engines for the foreseeable future. Again, if the news in the report comes to pass, it would affect FCA’s passenger car diesels.

What exactly will happen to Fiat Chrysler diesel products, like the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel in the U.S.? The company is reportedly unveiling their four-year plan on June 1.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates!