European Union urges member states to probe emission tests after VW scandal

The software at the center of Volkswagen’s emissions scandal in the US was built into the automaker’s cars in Europe as well, Germany said Thursday, though it isn’t yet clear if it helped cheat tests as it did in the U.S.

“We need to have the full picture whether and how many vehicles certified in the European Union were equipped with defeat devices”, she continued.

The commission also said it has asked for the issue to be discussed by national economy and industry ministers at their next meeting on October 1. A new testing regime with “normal driving conditions” is being developed and a system for measuring actual emissions on the road is to be introduced.

In 2013 a Commission study revealed a widening gap between test emissions including Carbon dioxide and those measured on the road, as carmakers exploited the loopholes.

Brussels said Saturday that although the European Commission is responsible for establishing the applicable regulatory framework for emissions testing, it is up to the member states to apply European norms, “including the explicit ban on defeat devices” in place since 2007.

“The EU operates a fundamentally different system to the United States – with all European tests performed in strict conditions as required by EU law and witnessed by a government-approved independent approval agency”, said the chief executive of the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Mike Hawes.

“The United Kingdom automotive industry understands the concerns consumers may have following the actions of one manufacturer in regard to emissions testing and the subsequent decision to recall a large number of its cars”.

But the European Commission said it was too soon to decide whether to launch a full scale investigation.

“Therefore, it is premature to comment on whether any specific immediate surveillance measures are also necessary in Europe and the implications for vehicles sold by Volkswagen in Europe”.

The truck makers had “sold 1.3 million heavy-duty diesel engines containing illegal defeat devices which allow an engine to pass the EPA emissions test, but then turn off emission controls during highway driving”, the EPA said.

Alastair Lewis, Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry at York University, says “Volkswagen appear to have been caught red-handed, but it would seem highly likely that others have also played dubious games to pass emissions tests”.

“We are involved with many manufacturers”. But the breadth of the scandal could finally threaten to bring change to an industry with a record of cheating since cars were first regulated.

Prior to certification, new auto models are hooked up to a dynamometer, or “dyno”, with their wheels resting on rollers and a hose running between test equipment and the exhaust pipe.

ENVI Committee adopted a legislative amendment to the vehicles’ emissions legislation demanding a swift and stringent implementation of these new test procedures.