VW Put Emission Cheater Software in Luxury Lines, Porsche and Audi

The carmaker is recalling 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide that were fitted with the software that circumvented tests for emissions of nitrogen oxide.

Previously, the automaker had suspended USA sales of cars with smaller, 2.0-liter diesel engines after news broke that almost 500,000 of them sold in the country had the software, known as a “defeat device”. But this week, the USA government accused Volkswagen of cheating on six-cylinder diesels in Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche cars and SUVs. By European Union rules, Germany’s move means that all 8 million such cars are obliged to be recalled across the 28-country bloc.

“CPC said its directive was pursuant to the powers of the Council to compel manufacturers to give public notice of any hazard inherent in their products”.

If you thought that the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal couldn’t get any worse, you were sadly mistaken. “The majority of the vehicles concerned have diesel engines”.

German prosecutors are considering whether to open a new criminal investigation into Volkswagen Group after the automaker said it found faulty Carbon dioxide emissions readings in gasoline-powered vehicles, widening a scandal that so far had centered on diesel engines. Amid concerns over the escalating costs, the German carmaker’s ordinary shares slid 9.5 percent to close at 100.45 euros. The software reduced nitrogen oxide emissions when the cars were placed on a test stand but then allowed higher emissions and improved engine performance during normal driving.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said its testing uncovered similar software in seven new models equipped with 3-liter V-6 diesels: the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg, 2015 models of the Porsche Cayenne and 2016 models of the Audi A6 Quattro, Audi A7 Quattro, Audi A8 and Audi Q5.

The auto maker stands to face criminal charges if it is found guilty under the Motor Vehicles Act if the cheat devices are found.

Wolfsburg-based Volkswagen AG has already set aside euros 6.7 billion ($7.2 billion) to address its emission crisis. VW has now admitted that 800,000 more vehicles have emissions issues that need to be addressed, CNet reports.

“Volkswagen Group of America is working with regulators and will take all steps necessary to remedy any issues, including a potential emissions recall”, Volkswagen said in its note to dealerships.