VWs sold in Europe are also affected by the company’s emissions data manipulation, German transport minister Alexander Dobrindt has confirmed.
Dobrindt told Sky News: “We have been informed that also in Europe, vehicles with 1.6 and 2.0 litre diesel engines are affected by the manipulations that are being talked about.”
This follows news that certain VW, Audi, and Skoda derivatives were sold with the emissions rigging software. Other VW-owned brands – Porsche, Bentley and Lamborghini – have, however, confirmed that they are not affected.
As you no doubt know, the story broke in the USA after their Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found certain VW models were displaying irregular results in NOx emissions tests. So far, it has only been confirmed that 482 000 vehicles will be recalled, but it will potentially affect an additional 10.5m.
The US cars in question, says the EPA are fitted with a “defeat device” embedded in the software code that runs the ECU that allows the vehicle to perform more efficiently in the official emissions test than in real-world driving conditions. The car’s software can detect when it’s being tested and uses a special ECU map that that runs the engine to show optimum emissions compliance. Once back out on the road, however, it reverts to the “normal” mapping that according to the EPA, means these vehicles could be emitting up to 40 times the US national standard for nitrogen oxide (NOx), a gas linked to asthma and lung illnesses
The cars under investigation are Jettas (2009-2014), Beetles, Golfs, Audi A3s, and VW Passats built from 2014-15.
Yesterday, VW Group CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn confirmed his resignation. More senior members of VW management are likely to follow.
