The U.S. Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation in a matter relating to Ford Motor’s (NYSE:F) emissions certification process.
The car and truck manufacturers made the disclosure in an Securities and Exchange Commission filing Friday. It said the company is cooperating fully with all government investigations, and has notified several state and federal agencies.
The matter stems from issues related to road load estimations, including analytical modeling and physical track testing. Road load is a vehicle-specific resistance level that helps determine fuel economy ratings and emissions certifications. It does not involve the use of defeat devices to cheat on emissions tests.
Ford voluntarily disclosed the issue to the Environmental Protection Agency on Feb. 18 and the California Air Resources Board on Feb 21. Ford has hired outside experts to investigate its vehicle fuel economy and testing procedures after employees raised concerns.
Since last fall, Ford has been looking into concerns that incorrect mathematical calculations could have impacted mileage and emissions data submitted to regulators.
Since 2015, U.S. and California regulators have cracked down on automakers cheating on emissions testing after Volkswagen’s use of defeat devices became public knowledge.
"This matter currently focuses on issues relating to road load estimations, including analytical modeling and coastdown testing," reads Ford's SEC filing. There is no mention of the type of defeat devise used by Volkswagen.
Ford stock vaulted 69 cents, or 7.3%, to begin Friday at $10.09
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