Suzuki And Stellantis Offices Raided As Dieselgate 2.0 Starts
Both Suzuki and Stellantis’ offices were raided this week in a case put together by German, Hungarian and Italian authorities. Automotive News Europe reports that Suzuki is suspected of fraud for selling more than 22,000 models with a defeat device installed. The models affected include the SX4 S-Cross, Swift, and Vitara.
The scandal also includes Stellantis (formerly FCA), who agreed to sell diesel engines made in Hungary to Suzuki in 2011. The two companies first allied to build engines in Asia in 2005.
From 2011 onwards, Suzuki purchased engines directly from Fiat in Hungary, then fitted them into cars produced at its Hungarian factory.
The third party in this alleged crime is Marelli, who provides software to Stellantis. The business premises of all three companies were searched in Germany, Italy, and Hungary earlier this week. According to the report, prosecutors seized communication data, software, and planning documents.