Oct. 17, 2019—Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will need to pay a $79.4 million federal fine for not meeting fuel economy standards for the 2017 model year, according to a report by The Detroit Free Press.
The fine comes as the federal government projects an increasing divide between fuel economy standards and what the auto industry is actually achieving as consumers continue turning toward larger vehicles.
An FCA spokesman confirmed the fine to The Detroit Free Press but said the payment "will not have a material effect" on the company's business.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that 13 of 18 vehicle manufacturers in the U.S. market failed to comply with standards for the 2017 model year, compared with 12 of 20 for the 2016 model year.
