BERLIN (AP) — Germany wants the European Union's executive branch to question Italy over software that regulates emissions in Fiat Chrysler diesel cars.
A Transport Ministry spokeswoman says German authorities believe the software constitutes an unauthorized "defeat device."
German automaker Volkswagen has been embroiled in a scandal over excessive diesel emissions after U.S. authorities found a defeat device in its vehicles.
Transport Ministry spokeswoman Svenja Friedrich noted that Fiat Chrysler had refused to meet German authorities, and Italy had canceled a "mediation" meeting with the European Commission scheduled for the end of the month.
Friedrich told reporters Friday that "we urge the EU Commission to insist on a new appointment in the near future."
Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has denied wrongdoing in response to a probe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
