FILE PHOTO: A Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) sign is seen at its U.S. headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S. May 25, 2018. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCHA.MI) is nearing a settlement to resolve the U.S. Justice Department’s allegations that the Italian-American automaker used illegal software to allow 104,000 U.S. diesel vehicles to pollute beyond legal limits, a person briefed on the matter said Tuesday.
The settlement, which could be announced as early as this week, is expected to include significant civil fines and company funds to offset excess diesel emissions, the person said, and will cover claims from the Justice Department, U.S. states and vehicle owners.
The company, which declined to comment on Tuesday, has denied any wrongdoing and said previously there was never an attempt to create software to cheat emissions rules. In October, Fiat Chrysler set aside 713 million euros ($815 million) to cover potential costs related to the case.
Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Jonathan Oatis