About 1.7 billion dollars
Diesel engine maker Cummins agreed to a historic $1.675 billion fine to settle allegations it used emission suppression devices. This fine, the largest in the history of the Clean Air Act (passed by the US Congress in 1970), will also be the second largest environmental fine in US history.
The case centers on allegations that Cummins manipulated software to make its vehicles meet emissions standards. This applies to 630,000 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups from 2013-2019 and another 330,000 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 from 2019 to 2023.
Despite the settlement, Cummins said it “saw no evidence that anyone acted in bad faith and does not admit wrongdoing.” The company added that it is cooperating with regulators and working with Stellantis to recall 2019 model year Ram trucks. In addition, the company has initiated a recall for model year 2013-2019 pickup trucks and will recalibrate those vehicles' software to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
The Environmental Protection Agency has been closely monitoring companies that try to cheat emissions tests since the Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal in 2015. In that case, the German automaker agreed to pay up to $14.7 billion in a consumer class action lawsuit.
In its announcement, Cummins announced it plans to spend $2.04 billion to address emissions. However, the company said it remains in a «strong financial position with existing liquidity and access to capital to meet obligations».