AP Source: US to hit Fiat Chrysler with record $105M fine

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By TOM KRISHER

DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government will hit Fiat Chrysler with a record $105 million fine next week for violating laws in a series of vehicle safety recalls, a person briefed on the matter said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will reveal the fine on Monday. In addition, Fiat Chrysler will be required to buy back a group of recalled vehicles to get them off the roads, said the person, who didn't want to be identified because no official announcement has been made.

Fiat Chrysler, also known as FCA US LLC, also will agree to an independent monitor to review recalls.

The company will make payments to owners of 1.56 million recalled older-model Jeeps with gas tanks behind the rear axle to bring them to dealers to install trailer hitches to help protect the tanks. The tanks are vulnerable and can leak gasoline if damaged in rear collisions. The company maintains the Jeeps are as safe as comparable vehicles built at the time, and it will not buy them back.

FULL story at link.



FILE - In this Tuesday, May 6, 2014, file photo, the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles sign is seen after being unveiled at Chrysler World Headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. The U.S. government will fine Fiat Chrysler a record $105 million for violating safety laws in a series of recalls, a person briefed on the matter says. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will reveal the fine on Monday, July 27, 2015, says the person who didn't want to be identified because the official announcement hasn't been made. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150726/us--fiat_chrysler-record_fine-f549c20c84.html

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Will the fines stick - or be litigated or reduced?

More proof of failed technology that should not have been bailed out
of financial problems.

[cstanleytech]

4. If a company is showing massive profit still after committing a major crime its not even a stick its

a limp noodle.

[heaven05]

2. "not safe at any speed"

solved that problem in 75. Oh that's right, we were supposed to have forgotten that, right? After all it's been known for 40 years as fact that gas tank 'behind' the rear axle can cause big problems in rear end collisions. I thought....

[LuvNewcastle]

3. I like a lot of the exterior designs

of Dodges and Fiats, but why do they make such shitty cars? They've been fucking up since the 1970s. You would think they'd have learned better by now. I wish they would either get their shit together or go out of business. What good is life if you don't learn from your mistakes?

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

5. In the 70's Lee Iacocca brought his Ford designers to Chrysler...

... I recall him saying the Dodge Mirada is what the Ford Thunderbird would have looked like if he and his designers had stayed at Ford. You can read as much into that as you want. Oh, BTW, if not for Ford's attempt to totally eat Mazda, Ford wouldn't have come up with a front wheel drive Escort...