The 3.1% year-over-year increase in new-vehicle sales in December was more than enough to push the industry’s annual sales tally above the 17.5 million-unit mark for 2016, according to Autodata Corp.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has accused Fiat Chrysler Automobiles of failing to disclose engine management software that increased air pollution in 104,000 diesel-powered Ram 1500 trucks and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs in the 2014 to 2016 model years. FCA officials say the software shouldn’t be considered a defeat device.
Aside from the $4.3 Billion settlement, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that six Volkswagen executives and employees were indicted for their role in the decade-long conspiracy to cheat U.S. emissions tests.
Volkswagen has reached an agreement to settle claims relating to its 3.0L V-6 TDI engines, committing to buy back a quarter of those vehicles. The automaker will also set aside $225 million for emissions reduction, and pay $25 million to support the use of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) in California.
The industry sold 1.38 million new units in November, a 3.7% increase from a year ago, according to Autodata Corp. November's seasonally adjusted annual rate was 17.87 million, which was slightly lower than last November’s SAAR of 18.25 million.
Volkswagen will begin buying back its 2.0L diesel models following approval Tuesday of a $14.7 billion settlement by a federal judge. The automaker expects to complete the process by the middle of November, a spokeswoman said.
Volkswagen will begin offering its new models for lower prices and provide dealers with a broader product range in a move that could lower residual values if incentives remain high, according to an industry expert.
The Federal Trade Commission said this week it has received reports that some dealers and private parties are attempting to take advantage of Volkswagen’s diesel emissions scandal.
Regulators in Maryland, Massachusetts and New York charge that the emissions scandal and alleged cover-up was orchestrated and approved 'at the highest levels of the company, up to and including former CEO Martin Winterkorn.'
Kia ended the 27-year reign of premium brands by ranking highest among all nameplates in J.D. Power’s annual study. Overall, new-vehicle quality improved 6%, which was double last year’s 3% improvement.
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