Robbins Geller Helps Score Final Approval of $840 Million Global Settlement Against Fiat Chrysler for Emissions Scandal

On May 3, 2019, the Honorable Edward M. Chen of the Northern District of California granted final approval of an $840 million global settlement in In re Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep EcoDiesel Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation. The settlement resolves allegations that the company advertised Jeep and Dodge diesel automobiles as environmentally friendly “EcoDiesel” cars, but in reality the company had installed defeat devices that hid the true emission levels that exceeded government standards.

Previously, Judge Chen appointed Robbins Geller partner Rachel Jensen to the case’s Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) to work closely with lead counsel in a collaborative role. The court’s decision on who was selected to the PSC was based on various factors, including “experience, resources, the scope of the class (e.g., geographic spread, categories of class members), the support of other attorneys, and diversity.” The $840 million global settlement includes provisions requiring Fiat Chrysler to repair more than 100,000 diesel vehicles. The company also agreed to a settlement that provides approximately $300 million to consumers.

“This is an excellent result for the class we are privileged to represent,” said Jensen. “This settlement was a true team effort, and it was my honor to work collaboratively with a team of lawyers whom I respect so much.”

In re Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep EcoDiesel Mktg., Sales Practices, & Prods. Liab. Litig., No. 3:17-md-02777-EMC (N.D. Cal.).