The German Environmental Aid calls for an immediate recall of Fiat motorhomes with excessive pollutant emissions. Latest exhaust gas measurements from the Emissions Control Institute (EKI) of the German Environmental Aid (DUH) on a Fiat Ducato 140 Multijet of the Euronorm Euro 6d-Temp have shown that the limit for the harmful diesel exhaust gas nitrogen oxide (NOx) on the roads can be met even by motorhomes in real-world driving conditions. Compliance with the European limit for nitrogen oxide emissions therefore appears technically feasible.
DUH reveals critical emission measurements for Fiat Ducato
The DUH had previously alerted the Federal Ministry of Transport to the high emissions of Fiat motorhomes. In December 2020, Measurements of the EKI on the named vehicles with the Euro 5 emission standard. Dethleffs motorhome showed an average of 2,779 mg/km NOx emissions across all measurements conducted. The limit is 280 mg/km, meaning the measured value exceeds the NOx value by a factor of 9.9. The Pilote motorhome, with an average of 1,926 mg/km, exceeded the limit by a factor of 6.9. Only in April 2021, the DUH informed the Federal Ministry of Transport about measurements on a Fiat Ducato 130 Multijet. The vehicle in question was still registered with the Euro 6b emissions standard in June 2019 and showed an explosive increase in nitrogen oxide emissions to 2,377 mg/km when measured with a cold engine. The average value for all measurements was 1,520 mg NOx/km.
The latest emissions measurements conducted by the EKI on a Fiat Ducato 140 Multijet Euro 6d-Temp vehicle recorded values of 80 mg NOx/km, even with a cold engine. The average value for the measurements was 120 mg NOx/km, which is below the legally prescribed limit.
Unlike its predecessors, the Fiat Ducato 140 Multijet, which complies with the Euro 6d-Temp standard, features an SCR catalyst with urea injection. Some manufacturers have been installing SCR catalysts as standard equipment in their vehicles for about 15 years. This technology has therefore been mature in the automotive industry for ages. Nevertheless, until recently, Fiat refrained from installing this (cost-intensive) exhaust aftertreatment technology. The result: All of the manufacturer's motorhomes without this technology exceed the limits for harmful NOx emissions on the road by several times!
KBA has also confirmed diesel manipulation in motorhomes
For the Fiat Ducato models, the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) “high nitrogen oxide emissions due to inadmissibility”.
DUH Federal Director Jürgen Resch therefore strongly advises against purchasing used Fiat Ducato models with emissions standards worse than Euro 6d-Temp. Hardware upgrades are available for the fraudulent Euro 5 and Euro 6 Fiat Ducato models. These can reduce nitrogen oxides by up to 97%. The environmental association is therefore calling for a mandatory recall and retrofitting of vehicles with emissions standards 5 to 6c with effective catalytic converters.
Rogert & Ulbrich recommends that motorhome owners have their claims checked
We are a renowned law firm with special expertise in consumer protection. We advise and represent vehicle buyers nationwide who have been harmed in the diesel emissions scandal. Therefore, we also recommend your claims for damages to have it checked and asserted.
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