VOLKSWAGEN cars in Europe have been confirmed to have the same “device defeating” software that has embroiled the company in a global controversy.
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A Volkswagen statement on Friday said some diesel models and model years – such as the sixth-generation Golf, seventh-generation Passat and first-generation Tiguan – are equipped exclusively with the EA 189 engines in which it says there are “discrepancies”.
Former chief executive Martin Winterkorn accepted responsibility for the scandal and stepped down on Wednesday, but added that he and not done anything wrong.
Separately, a group of at least 27 USA state attorneys general launched a multi-state investigation Thursday of Volkswagen’s representations to consumers about its diesel vehicles, and said it will send subpoenas to the automaker.
The Air Resources Board and the US EPA are working with Volkswagen to evaluate potential recall solutions for affected vehicles.
The automaker’s Supervisory Board selected Mueller during a meeting in Germany Friday, the company said.
Nichols said the worldwide scandal could lead regulators to harmonize their emissions testing protocols. The US Environmental Protection Agency disclosed last week that stealth software makes VW’s 2009-2015 model cars powered by 2.0-litre diesel engines run cleaner during emissions tests than in actual driving. It later emerged that cars in Europe were also affected, although it remains unclear how many might be in the UK.
Switzerland is temporarily blocking the sale of some Volkswagen-manufactured diesel cars suspected of being planted with the device that cheats emission tests.
A commission appointed by Dobrindt is conducting inquiries at Volkswagen’s headquarters in Wolfsburg.
‘I want to be very clear, the manipulation of tests for diesel engines is a moral and political disaster, ‘ he said.
A DfT spokesman said the Government has been “at the forefront of action at a European level” to introduce updated emissions testing. Post-resigning, he said that he was shocked by the misconduct and wasn’t aware of any wrongdoing on his own part.
The Volkswagen Group includes 12 brands, and the German company has yet to detail fully what cars where were involved.
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There were reports in the German press that BMW might be implicated in the scandal, but BMW has denied these claims. The Munich-based firm stated it “does not manipulate or rig any emissions tests”.
