Volkswagen emissions scandal spreads to more vehicles

Volkswagen’s emissions cheating scandal has widened after the Environmental Protection Agency said that software allowing six-cylinder Volkswagen diesel engines to cheat on pollution tests is on more models than originally thought.

Things look as though they might get a whole lot worse for Volkswagen over the latest emissions news, as it reignites concerns for older models with larger diesel engines.

“Based on this information, EPA and CARB will continue to investigate and take all appropriate action under their respective authorities”, the statement said.

“We need to be sure that VW develops an effective fix for each of the three engine types in their cars, since each engine type (Gen 1, 2 and 3) uses different technologies to control pollution”, ARB said on its website.

The software is on Audi Q7 and Volkswagen Touareg SUVs from the 2009 through 2016 model years, as well as the 2013-16 Porsche Cayennes.

Earlier this month the vehicle giant offered £650 in gift cards and vouchers to customers caught up in emissions cheating scandal in a move which will cost it £313 million.

More than 482,000 VW cars were sold in the United States with diesel motors.

Volkswagen (VW) is battling the biggest business crisis in its 78-year history after admitting in September that it cheated U.S. diesel emissions tests. The EPA said in a statement Friday night that VW had turned in its proposed fix, but the agency wouldn’t give details.

On November 2, the EPA announced 10,000 vehicles had been identified in a second round of violations for having the “defeat devices” installed on the vehicles, including cars from Porsche.

However, regulators keep telling owners that their cars are safe to drive even though those may violate EPA standards on nitrogen oxide emission.

“As we work tirelessly to develop a remedy, we ask for your continued patience”, Volkswagen said. “EPA and CARB will review the proposal”.

Volkswagen has admitted that “clean diesel” models from its two major brands, VW and Audi, have software created to cheat on emission tests.

VW faces investigations around the world, including from the U.S. Justice Department – and could face up to $18 billion (£11.84 billion) in US fines.