Volkswagen scandal only getting worse [updated]
[UPDATE]
Volkswagen has disputed the new allegations that it stalled software that circumvented emissions testing on several small SUV models in the United States. Autoblog reports that in a written statement, VW said, “no software has been installed in the 3-litre V6 diesel power units to alter emissions characteristics in a forbidden manner.”
EPA officials said there was ample evidence of the new cheating during a conference call earlier in the day. In its notice of violations, the EPA says, “Volkswagen knew or should have known that the software described above bypasses, defeats or renders inoperative elements of the vehicle design related to compliance with the CAA emissions standards. This is apparent given the design of these defeat devices.”
Volkswagen says it will “fully cooperate” with the ongoing investigation.
[ORIGINAL POST]
The Volkswagen scandal is not going anywhere. In fact it is only getting worse. According to Autoblog, the United States Environmental Protection Agency issued a new set of allegations against Volkswagen claiming that so-called emissions defeat software has been found in the company’s 3.0-liter TDI V6 diesel engines. This is a completely different engine than the 2.0 TDI that has already been identified as an emissions cheater.
VW is not only manufacturer to be included in this letter either! The EPA has included Audi and Porsche due to the fact that the non-compliant engine has been used in vehicles from all three manufacturers from model years 2014 through 2016.
The EPA claims that cars equipped with the 3.0 TDI engine know when they are being tested for emissions, and their on-board computers switch into a mode designed to pass the stringent requirements in the United States for diesel exhaust.
The vehicles affected are the 2014 VW Touareg, 2015 Porsche Cayenne and 2016 Audi A6, A7, A8L and Q5. The EPA says that there are currently 10 000 vehicles on the road with this second defeat device.
Autoblog goes on to report that according to the EPA, VW’s 3.0-liter TDI, like the 2.0 TDI that was found to circumvent US regulations, has code in its computer specifically written to intentionally put the vehicle’s engine into a mode that allows it to meet exhaust requirements. When the vehicle is unhooked from testing equipment, it will go back into a mode that emits nine-times higher nitrogen oxide emissions than is allowable under US law.
“VW has once again failed its obligation to comply with the law that protects clean air for all Americans,” said Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for the Office for EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “All companies should be playing by the same rules. EPA, with our state, and federal partners, will continue to investigate these serious matters, to secure the benefits of the Clean Air Act, ensure a level playing field for responsible businesses, and to ensure consumers get the environmental performance they expect.”
Richard Corey, Executive Officer of the California Air Resources Board, said in a statement, “Today we are requiring VW Group to address these issues. This is a very serious public health matter. ARB and EPA will continue to conduct a rigorous investigation that includes testing more vehicles until all of the facts are out in the open.”
We are certain more will come out of this pretty soon! We shall keep you updated.
Source: Autoblog