VW’s top US executive learned of emissions issues in 2014

“On behalf of our company, and my colleagues in Germany, I would like to offer a honest apology for Volkswagen’s use of a software program that served to defeat the regular emissions testing regime”, he said in the testimony prepared for a Capitol Hill hearing on Thursday.

Asked when the recall will begin, Mueller said in an interview published Wednesday that “care goes before speed”.

Ontario’s strict Environmental Protection Act prohibits the sale of vehicles that do not meet emissions standards, meaning the government has the power to keep new and used TDIs off the roads.

Mueller, who became CEO less than two weeks ago when Martin Winterkorn resigned over the scandal, said the cars have different transmissions and country-specific designs.

In it, he said numerous cars being recalled won’t need much fixing, merely requiring an adjustment to software.

The development of an engine is “a complex process that involves interaction between programmers, engine developers and gearboxes and those who deal with measurements for official tests”, he said, adding that these are tasks in which “a director is not directly implicated”. “So we don’t need three solutions, but thousands”. It has already set aside more than 6.5 billion euros ($7.3 billion) for charges related to the anticipated recalls.

Mueller didn’t rule out a wider circle of offenders and said VW is “now clarifying the responsibilities in detail”.

“We understand the disappointment and frustration felt by our customers, dealers and partners in Australia and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause”.

“We intend to assess the economic benefit to VW of noncompliance and pursue appropriate penalties”, Grundler will say Thursday, “as well as assess the excess pollution from VW’s violations and appropriate ways to mitigate that harm”.

Asked about the looming fines, Mueller noted however: “Think about this: no one died from this, our cars were and are safe”. I remember when Cadillac made a couple mistakes you know people have a long memory with cars. “We will get them those answers”. I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation.

He added that all planned investments would be reviewed; “What is not absolutely vital will be cancelled or delayed”.

Volkswagen AG conceded it won’t be able sell diesel-powered vehicles in the USA for a prolonged period, disclosing it withdrew a request for regulators to certify new models in the wake of an emissions-cheating scandal.