Volkswagen manipulated European emissions tests

The German vehicle giant’s chief executive Martin Winterkorn resigned following the revelation. Germany’s transport ministry has denied the Green Party’s claims.

Volkswagen admitted that it deceived U.S. regulators in exhaust emissions tests by installing a device to give more positive results.

While BMW has yet to be officially accused of any wrongdoing, the news certainly does not bode well for the company and the greater auto industry in the wake of the Volkswagen scandal. Sohn Jung-in, Arirang News.

Its diesel cars with so-called Type EA 189 engines have shown noticeable deviations in emission levels between tests and road use.

His comments, pointing to cheating on a bigger scale than previously thought, deepened the crisis at VW as its supervisory board held a crucial meeting.

Many European and Asian countries have also started investigations into Volkswagen.

The Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board last week issued notices of violation to Volkswagen Group of America, citing it for equipping nearly 500,000 cars with a “defeat device” – software that would recognize when the vehicle was being tested, and implement the full pollution control systems only under those circumstances. VW later acknowledged that similar software exists in 11 million diesel cars worldwide and set aside 6.5 billion euros (£4.7bn) to cover the costs of the scandal.

“As CEO I accept responsibility for the irregularities that have been found in diesel engines”, Winterkorn said in a statement.

The Volkswagen cars in question meet emissions standards tests in a laboratory or testing station, but in normal operation, they emit nitrogen oxides at up to 40 times the standard, according to the EPA.

Volkswagen’s admission of skirting USA emissions laws has turned the spotlight on other companies that manufacture diesel-powered vehicles.

“Volkswagen needs a fresh start, also in terms of personnel”, Winterkorn said.

Volkswagen already faces billions of pounds worth of fines, class suits and a criminal investigation in the US.