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Million Volkswagen Cars In Germany Have Rigging Device, Says Minister
Regulators and prosecutors in several countries are investigating the fake emissions tests.
The 62 year old head is known for his dedication and humility, and according to many analysts, is the right person to pull the company back from the recent scandal that has hurt the German automaker in many ways.
Volkswagen introduced its new 2016 Passat model – which includes a diesel version – in New York on Monday just as the scandal over cheating on pollution controls broke. We will now have even stricter compliance.
Since the EPA plans to test older cars that are no longer available from the manufacturers, the agency said it will borrow cars from individuals as well as businesses, such are rental auto companies, which own the vehicles it wants to test. It also is specifically on the look-out for defeat devices such as VW utilized in 11 million cars globally, it said to reporters today. But they spewed pollution when driven on roads. The ban was not applicable to the vehicles that are already in circulation or to the cars with Euro 6 emission category engines.
In Europe, they are mainstream and have been marketed as more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional petrol-engined cars.
“Ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels also help reduce emissions from these vehicles”, the report said. Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt told parliament on Friday that around 2.8 million Volkswagen vehicles in Germany are fitted with defeat devices. VW faces a criminal investigation by the US Justice Department, and a possible House subcommittee hearing.
The allegations cover roughly 482,000 diesel passenger cars sold in the United States by AG, Audi AG, and Volkswagen Group of America since 2008.
After his appointment, Mueller said he would restore the company’s reputation, noting that it was his first priority.
In response to “Dieselgate”, the EPA head of transportation and air quality, Chris Grundler, says the agency is sending letters to automakers promising that the agency is “upping our game”, by improving its ability to detect defeat devices and software such as those used by Volkswagen.
In another blow to the company, which has seen a massive drop in its share price, Switzerland has put a temporary ban on the sale of VW models affected by the software manipulation.
