VW emissions scandal: VW admits 800,000 cars have false CO2 and mpg certification

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY alleges 3. 0-litre V6 diesels also cheated program

The latest admission from NOVA came just a day right after America's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claimed they have found more evidence of the actual Volkswagen Group running a good illegal defeat device upon its 3. 0-litre diesel powered engines, saying the scandal has now widened to impact Porsche.

The EPA claims that VW installed software program designed to defeat emissions assessments on vehicles with three. 0-litre, six-cylinder diesel motors that were on sale from 2013 to date, and says NoX emissions on the affected automobiles are up to nine occasions legal limits. It has recognized the VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne and Audi A6, Audi A7, Audi A8, Audi A8L and Audi Q5 as being potentially impacted. In total, 10, 000 vehicles in the US have been implicated.

"VW has once again failed the obligation to comply with regulations that protects clean air for many Americans, " said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for your Office for EPA's Observance and Compliance Assurance.

"All companies should be playing through the same rules. EPA, with the state, and federal spouses, will continue to investigate these types of serious matters, to safe the benefits of the Clean Air Take action, ensure a level playing area for responsible businesses, and also to ensure consumers get the environment performance they expect. inch

A statement from Porsche indicated shock at the claims. The actual statement read: "We tend to be surprised to learn this information. Till this notice, all of our info was that the Porsche Cayenne pepper Diesel is fully compliant. Porsche Cars North America will certainly cooperate fully with all appropriate authorities. "

A statement through the VW Group said: "The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) informed Volvo Aktiengesellschaft on Monday which vehicles with V6 TDI engines had a software functionality which had not been adequately explained in the application process. Fiat AG wishes to emphasise that will no software has been set up in the power units to change emissions characteristics in a unacceptable manner. Volkswagen will work fully with the EPA explain this matter in its whole. "

VW's statement shows that it believes the software is actually legal, but was not properly certified. The use of software to safeguard engines under prescribed conditions is legal - even though cheating emissions tests will be forbidden.

The EPA records alleges that the affected automobiles have "software in the electric control module of these cars that senses when the automobile is being tested for conformity with EPA emissions requirements. When the vehicle senses that it must be undergoing a federal emissions examination procedure, it operates in the NOx 'temperature conditioning' setting. Under that mode, the car meets emission standards.

"At exactly one second following the completion of the initial phases from the standard test procedure, the automobile immediately changes a number of working parameters that increase NOx emissions and indicates within the software that it is transitioning in order to 'normal mode' where emissions of NOx increase as much as nine times the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY standard, depending on the vehicle as well as type of driving conditions.

"In other tests where the car does not experience driving circumstances similar to the start of the federal check procedure, the emissions are usually higher from the start, consistent with 'normal mode. '”

VW EA288 engine given the all-clear

Following a previous rumour associated with more widespread cheating, Uno was forced to problem a statement saying that it is EA288 engine does not retain the 'defeat device' software which has plunged the company into economic crisis.

German news agency DPA had reported that earlier EU5-compliant versions of the EA288 motor - a unit produced from the EA189 design that is been at the heart of the emissions scandal - were being doubted by VW engineers because they tried to establish the full level of the problem.

VW by itself issued a statement confirming it absolutely was examining the engines -- but now it says in which process has been completed and that "no software constituting an incorrect defeat device as described in law is mounted in vehicles with EA288 engines".

The conclusion is an important 1 for the troubled German producer because it could have faced countless further recalls if the EA288 engines - sold in one 6- and 2 . 0-litre versions across the VW Group's range of brands - have been found to contain the program code that sparked off the emissions scandal.

VW's statement additional, "New vehicles of the Fiar Group offered within the Eu with those engines conform to legal requirements and environmental specifications. "

UK recall 'won't be mandatory'

The United kingdoms's Department for Transport offers confirmed that it won't be giving a mandatory recall for autos affected by Volkswagen's emissions scandal in this country.

Speaking to Autobús, a DfT spokesman verified that the UK won't the actual example set by the German born authorities in issuing an important recall for affected cars and trucks. Volkswagen has already started the voluntary recall program with regard to cars in this country, however the DfT has made clear this "this is VW's place and VW's problem. inches

"We will continue to place pressure on VW to ensure this happens as quickly as possible, " stated the spokesman "so that individuals in the UK can have these issues fixed.

"The government continues to be putting pressure on VOLKSWAGEN to address these issues rapidly. The government expects VW to setup the next steps on how they will correct this problem and assistance owners in the UK. In the past couple weeks the Transport Secretary provides spoken to the German Transportation Minister about the actions regarding VW, and has been reassured that the German authorities work closely with VW. very well

In Germany, the government transport authority, the KBA, is forcing Volkswagen to be able to recall the 2. 4 mil cars in the country which have their 'defeat device' software put in.

Criminal enquiry targets "fewer than 10 staff"

Legal prosecutors in German that are investigating the dieselgate scandal have identified fewer than ten suspects, despite earlier whispers that up to 30 personnel could be implicated. Klaus Ziehe, spokesman for the prosecutors inside the German city of Brunswick, informed news agency AFP which investigators suspect "more compared to two but a lot fewer as compared to 10 people".

VW's UNITED KINGDOM boss faces MPs

A month ago, Volkswagen UK boss Robert Willis admitted that their company's so-called 'defeat device' did affect the results of emissions tests in Europe.

Formerly, the German manufacturer possesses only confirmed that the software-based emissions cheat was existing on some vehicles in European countries - and had not layed out whether the defeat device had been active during the NEDC emissions test used across the EUROPEAN UNION.

However , when asked throughout a 45-minute grilling from MPs on the transport select panel if the defeat device was used during type authorization testing for the UK, Willis admitted, "It seems through what I understand - and also I'm not an engineer : that the system of gas rules in the engine influenced the particular NOx output in vehicles that we sell in the UK. These types of cars are type accepted across all of Europe, naturally , and they're type approved within Germany, with separate individuals overlooking it.

"We mishandled the situation in so far as our machines behaved differently within the screening regime to the real world. Essential we need to fix the cars, essential we need to get the customers inside, and that's why we need to put the automobiles right. We mishandled the problem, without a shadow of a question.

"It seems that in the analyze regime the engine socialized differently to the real-world scenario via software. The software afflicted the flow of fuel to the engine which decreased the NOx. "

Britian's 1 . 6 diesel repair won't need a new urea tank

Of the 1 . two million affected cars in the united kingdom, Willis said 400, 000 - believed to be those with typically the 1 . 6-litre version in the EA189 diesel engine rapid would need additional corrective function beyond a software upgrade, such as new fuel injectors, which this would "take a longer period involving time".

However , he declared the installation of exhaust after-treatments, probably fitted to some cars affected in america in the form of a urea container, would not be necessary in britain. "My understanding is that the inclusion of urea tanks is not really part of the solution in The european countries, " he stated. "There's a different technical configuration within the cars and different technical rules apply. My understanding could be that the costs are different, too. micron

The remaining 700, 000-odd models - 2 . 0-litre diesels and around 30, 000 1 . 2-litre diesels instructions can be fixed by application patches alone.

While information on the technical fix Volvo will use to correct the influenced cars remain limited, Willis said that customers should observe no difference in gas efficiency once the fix has been used. "Our engineers are working towards the brief that there cannot be any kind of change in miles per one gallon, " he said.

Willis said VW reacted "as quickly as possible"

The particular session at the House connected with Commons was the first chance for the transport select committee in charge of a particular competition, golf course, rules of golf committee, etc. - a cross-party entire body made up of 11 MPs -- to question VW associates or the car industry around the dieselgate scandal.

Willis received particular pressure on the period of time taken by VW BRITISH to remove affected vehicles : around 4000 cars nevertheless on the market - from purchase. He argued that the company had acted as quickly as possible, stating, "On 22nd September i was made aware by NOVA headquarters in Wolfsburg there was a potential problem with diesel-powered engines. On 28th Sept we were getting more details and i also phoned Mr McLoughlin [Patrick McLoughin, the Transfer Secretary] to say for you to him that as soon as Knew which vehicles were damaged, I would voluntarily stop marketing those cars. That telephone call took place at 3pm in 28th September.

"On thirtieth September, at 9am each morning, I received the VIN numbers from the various various factories. And this is the stage: there were eight days among when we first knew this affected Europe and when We stopped selling cars. And also the reason for that is the complexity on the number of cars involved. You will find 60 different models, five diverse brands, three different engines along with two different transmissions.

"I found the VIN figures out precisely at 9am, and at 1 . 30pm, as soon as I had clarified it using the computer systems, I stopped offering those cars voluntarily. It took a little time for four hours and half an hour from the time I knew often the affected cars until I actually took action - 4 hours and 30 minutes. inch

Existing test comes below fire from MPs

Each Willis and the chief executive with the Society of Motor Producers and Traders, Mike Hawes, were asked if the present emissions testing procedure has been fit for purpose. Hawes admitted that the difference in between real-world figures and those supplied by the NEDC could be "up to 30%". "These numbers are meant for a comparison process and contain a disclaimer about the real life and this is for some really sensible comparitive reasons, inches he said.

"The test out cycle dates back to the early on 1980s and the industry acknowledges it isn't fit for objective, " he added. "When you put a vehicle on the examination cycle, for instance, all of the electronics that you would turn on from the real world - air-conditioning, heating system, sat-nav, Bluetooth - all that has to be switched off, by law, simply because when the regulation was created that will sort of technology wasn't accessible. Then there's the issue associated with real-world driving conditions rapid congestion, temperature, load, obliquity - all huge and ruled out by the test period to get a repeatable cycle. very well

Hawes said he feels a more realistic testing routine will be introduced on a mandatory basis from the beginning of 2017.

Willis also criticised the present testing procedure. He mentioned: "If we look at the check regime on emissions, we all know it is old-fashioned and not suit for purpose. We need totally independent tests that take a look at all sorts of detail, like Dinar NCAP, which uses real world testing. We need to look at that. micron

"We have a duty for the public to reassure all of them [customers] our cars are safe. There is no regards to safety with this issue however we do need to restore trust and we will do that along with transparency. "

Willis additionally apologised to VW clients in the UK saying: "Volkswagen features significantly let down its consumers and the wider public. All of us recognise we've fallen lacking the standards expected and we will get all the necessary steps to help regain trust. "

VOLKSWAGEN UK could pay back lacking tax to government

Willis has promised that the NOVA Group will speak to The girl Majesty's Revenue & Traditions to discuss any tax repayments on vehicles that may have to be made the wake from the dieselgate scandal. When requested if the firm had steps in place to compensate the Treasury for any revenues missed due to the defeat devices, Willis explained, "I'm not sure there's virtually any clear evidence that the CARBON DIOXIDE emissions on these autos are different in the real world. However we can have a conversation downstream. The British taxpayer must not be out of pocket and if required, we will have a meeting with HMRC. "

The scale of VW's global problem

In total, VOLKSWAGEN has said that just under eleven million vehicles worldwide possess the software 'defeat device' which was exposed in American emissions tests last month. While two-thirds are thought to be fixable with a computer software upgrade, it's believed that the total of 3. 6 thousand affected VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat models instructions those featuring the 1 ) 6-litre version of the EA189 turbodiesel engine - will need hardware changes to correct the problem. US models may require digging in a urea tank, while European editions of the - 6 are likely to need brand new fuel injectors.

VW's fresh CEO Matthias Müller offers pledged that all affected cars and trucks will be fixed by the end regarding next year. He added: "Our most important task will be to gain back lost confidence with our buyers, partners, investors and the public. The first step in this direction is a fast and relentless evaluation and explanation. Only when every thing comes to the table, only if things are completely explained, just then will people believe in us again.

"Believe me personally, I too am intolerant. But in this situation, in which we have been dealing with four brands and several models, care is more essential than speed.

"The specialized solutions to the problems are in view. By contrast, the business and monetary consequences are not yet not far off. "

VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat launch sites for owners to check if they may be affected

Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Seat have released websites that allow keepers to check if their car is usually affected by the emissions scandal.

The VW site flattened soon after launch as a result of the traffic trying to access it, but provides since been functioning usually. Sites from Audi, Skoda and Seat are all operating without problem.

Government will not hike tax bills

The federal government has confirmed that GREAT BRITAIN taxpayers will not be hit with a higher tax bill if it ends up that their cars had been found to have cheated lab tests.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “The government desires VW to support owners of those vehicles already purchased in england and we are playing our own part by ensuring no one find yourself with higher tax expenses as a result of this scandal. ”

He also confirmed that this Department for Transport possesses pushed for more clarity about the matter and that the next circular of tests will look in whether the software “is used elsewhere”.

"Neither cars, neither the testing facilities is going to be provided by the vehicle industry themselves". VW has offered to pay money for this testing if the federal government requests it does so.

VW's remaining EU5 stock removed sale in the UK

Following the scandal, Volkswagen Group UK required 4000 cars fitted with the actual EA189 engine off selling, pending investigations into exactly how it will remove the illegal program that cheated US emissions tests while still making sure the cars comply with all emissions regulations.

The move protected vehicles from Audi, Chair, Skoda, Volkswagen, and the vehicles and commercial vehicles impacted represent around 3% in the Group’s total UK share. They are expected to be put back again on sale once the Group’s adjustments have been put in place.

A spokesman stressed that the decision in order to withdraw the cars from good discounts was a voluntary measure, rather than regulatory one. The motor vehicles remained on sale beyond the particular September 1 deadline regarding Euro 6 emissions restrictions to come in to effect due to the fact legislation allows manufactures in order to stock of Euro five engined vehicles. VW features previously confirmed all of it has the cars fitted with the latest, European 6-classified engines are completely legal.

It has also been introduced that anyone with an purchase placed for an affected vehicle will be given the choice of pulling out from the sale without charges, taking delivery of the automobile after the modifications have been installed or taking delivery on the car as soon as it is obtainable and then having the required improvements retro-fitted.

More than 1 . 1m UK cars affected

The entire number of cars to be remembered in the UK under VW's non-reflex scheme is 1, 189, 906, and this is distribute across five different brand names in the VW Group. Fiat accounts for the majority, with 508, 276 cars affected, whilst Audi has to recall 393, 450 models. Skoda also offers a notable number afflicted, with 131, 569. Seats and Volkswagen Commercial Automobiles are also involved, with seventy six, 773 and 79, 838 vehicles being recalled correspondingly.

In a statement, the organization said: “Customers with these autos will be kept informed on the coming weeks and a few months. All of the Group brands influenced will set up national web sites to update customers about developments. ”

It is not however known whether the owners involving affected cars will be provided compensation. Various lobbying organizations are claiming that the possible loss of value to the automobiles should be reimbursed by Uno.

A spokesman had formerly confirmed that VW will never rush a technical remedy, preferring to focus on getting it correct. He said: "We avoid want to be fast - we would like to be certain. Over the next times and weeks we will create to all affected customers and we'll put in place free-of-charge fixes for those affected customers. "

But the spokesman was not able to confirm whether the revisions might require the vehicles to become recertified for their emissions in addition to economy figures.

The official NOVA statement reads: "An inner evaluation on Friday set up that a service procedure is needed for some five million automobiles from the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand name out of a total eleven , 000, 000 Group vehicles worldwide. These kinds of vehicles from certain versions and model years (such as the sixth generation Fiar Golf, the seventh era Volkswagen Passat or the very first generation Volkswagen Tiguan) are generally fitted with Type EA 189 diesel engines. "

The reason why did VW cheat?

The senior source within the A language like german car industry has reveal the most significant outstanding question with the VW emissions scandal, specifically why?

If the offending autos have all the emissions gear on board to make the car compliant with the regulations, why consider such an enormous risk anatomist in the ‘defeat device’ to be able to bypass that equipment?

“I anticipate it was pressure on the technicians that made them get it done, ” said the source. “Remember this system was designed some time since, some time back when emissions controls are not as sophisticated as they are right now, and the pressure to pass typically the tests would have been tremendous.

“And I imagine the cause they installed the beat device is that without that there would have serious implications not in the laboratory yet on the road, either with the car’s performance, driveability, fuel usage or some combination of the three. ”

He went on to confirm in which technology has since developed sufficiently for there to get no need for such devices these days.

So why, then, did VOLKSWAGEN not simply stop using the eliminate device when it was no lengthier needed? “There are 2 possible reasons. First it might likely have been integrated inside the entire electronic architecture from the car and not easy to eliminate, second to remove it all those responsible for its installation might have first to have flagged in the fact that they’d put it generally there, which they’d probably not become too keen to do…”

The source said he considered the defeat device ended up being likely to be present also with VW products sold in The european union with the EA189 engine [since confirmed by a In german minister] but most definitely not active which this individual said, was “nothing such as as bad as getting active, but still illegal”.

This individual said also he thought that VW alone seemed to be using such a device and this all other German car producers had no equivalent techniques on the cars they offered today.

The one remaining issue is who signed from the defeat device. Former NOVA boss Martin Winterkorn offers denied knowledge of it great resignation, while inevitable, was not a kind of admission of guilt.

Whoever had been responsible, it seems likely more heads will have to roll prior to the true picture emerges.

11m Audis, Seats, Skodas as well as VWs affected globally

As the VW Group has said this 11 million vehicles globally are affected by the scandal, simply 5m are from Volvo brand itself. Audi provides revealed that 2 . 1 zillion vehicles from its company are affected worldwide, together with 1 . 42 million of these being in Western Europe. Skoda has also revealed that 1 . a couple of million of its cars and trucks worldwide are affected by the scandal. Seat has said that seven hundred, 000 of its cars are affected globally.

Any VW Group statement go through: "As previously announced, brand new Volkswagen Passenger Car manufacturer vehicles that fulfill the EU6 norm valid throughout European union are not affected. This consequently also includes the current Golf, Passat and Touran models. inch

The figures also include one 8 million light industrial vehicles.

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