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Dieselgate has deeply marked the automotive landscape, not just for Volkswagen. Several automakers were finally screened for various emissions-related issues, and the spin-offs resulted in increased awareness among automakers and government agencies about the accuracy of emissions testing. Now, News from the automobile reports that a new investigation by the Department of Justice is underway at Ford on the automaker's emissions certification process.
More precisely, News from the automobile notes a recent Ford filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. At the end of the filing, there is mention of a potential concern regarding Ford's emission certification process in the United States. It is said that the issue focuses "on issues relating to estimates of the burden of the road, including analytical modeling and downhill tests". The filing does not explain what it means, but it clearly indicates that the problem does not involve the use of defeating devices like those of Volkswagen.
The record further indicates that Ford voluntarily contacted the US Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board on this matter in February, and that the US Department of Justice had initiated a criminal investigation into the matter. In the record, Ford also says that it "cooperates fully with all government agencies".
according to News from the automobileFord would have identified problems simulating the effects of aerodynamic drag and tire friction on fuel economy. The report then mentions concerns of Ford employees about incorrect calculations used to create information on emissions and fuel consumption passed on to regulators.
Motor1.com contacted Ford about the investigation. Kim Pittel, Vice President of the Ford Group for Sustainable Development, Environment and Security, responded with the following statement:
"Our investigation continues on how Ford estimates the traffic burden as part of the US fuel consumption and reduction certification process. We work with regulators and independent experts to complete the planned technical review.
We are working with and cooperating with a number of organizations, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the California Air Resources Board, and the Department of Justice, regarding potential issues related to the process of estimating traffic load by Ford.
The Department of Justice contacted us earlier this month to let us know that they had opened a criminal investigation. Ford cooperates fully with the government and we will keep it informed of the results of our investigations and technical reviews.
It should be noted that in the past the Department of Justice has focused on fuel economy and motor vehicle emissions.
The investigation and potential concerns do not involve the use of check devices in our products.
Our goal is to complete our investigation and a thorough technical review of this case, as well as to cooperate with the government and regulators. "
Source: Automotive News, Ford
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