Ram is to pay a record $1.6B penalty over engine emission.

Cummins recently found itself embroiled in the second-largest violation of the US Clean Air Act in history. An alarming 960,000 diesel-powered trucks were discovered to be equipped with diesel emissions defeat devices, designed to bypass the safeguards that ensure vehicles adhere to emissions protocols.

In response to this violation, Cummins has agreed with the US and the state of California, agreeing to pay a substantial $1.675 billion in penalties. This settlement aims to resolve claims that Cummins violated the Clean Air Act through the use of emissions defeat devices. The affected vehicles include 630,000 Ram 2500 and 3500 models from 2013 to 2019, as well as 330,000 Ram 2500 and 3500 models from 2019 to 2023.

Despite the hefty penalties, Cummins asserts that it does not admit to any wrongdoing. The company also claims it has found no evidence indicating any bad-faith actions in this particular instance. This leads us to wonder where such instances stemmed from in the first place and perhaps requires a larger investigation.

The $1.675 billion in penalties now stands as the second-largest in Clean Air Act violation cases, with the infamous Volkswagen “Dieselgate” scandal claiming the top spot. Dieselgate, which unfolded in 2015, involved Volkswagen using diesel emissions defeat devices in 11 million vehicles. Volkswagen faced substantial consequences, including a nearly $15 billion settlement and a $10 billion buyback. The company ultimately paid $4.3 billion in fines.

This situation serves as a stark reminder that the US government takes a stringent stance on emissions equipment compliance. The significant penalties imposed on companies involved in such violations underscore the commitment to upholding environmental standards and promoting cleaner practices in the automotive industry.

Below, we check in with a report from the crew at The Fast Lane Truck as they dive into the intricacies of the case, delivering the “who, what, where, when, and why.”