The Volkswagen emission scandal has taken another twist as EPA discovers Audi and Porsche models have been installed with the VW cheating software, VW denies
The EPA(Environmental Protection Agency) says it has issued a second notice of violation against German automaker Volkswagen with additional vehicles from Audi and Porsche now in primary focus. It opens up a new chapter in the investigation of Volkswagen’s deceitful practice.
The newest findings by environmental regulators confirm the presence of emission-cheating software on the new 2015 Porsche Cayenne and the to-be-launched 2016 Audi A6 Quattro, A7 Quattro, A8, A8L, and Q5.
It also includes the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0-litre diesel SUV. Pollution rates were 10 to 40 times higher than what was permitted whilst the NOx emissions were up to nine times of EPA’s federal standard, points out the report.
“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 EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.
She added: “All companies should be playing by the same rules.”
In a reaction to the second notice of violation, Volkswagen said that “It wishes to emphasize that no software has been installed in the 3-liter V-6 diesel power units to alter emissions characteristics in a forbidden manner.” whilst stating that it will “cooperate fully” with the EPA to clarify this accusation “in its entirety.”
The latest probe puts significant pressure on Volkswagen and its new CEO, Matthias Müller, who was previously the head of Porsche AG. In contrast to Volkswagen branded cars which struggled in the United States market, Audi and Porsche have enjoyed success in North America. They are the source of the parental company’s major earnings as profit margins tend to be higher for luxury cars.
The EPA described in detail that a mechanism was set up that works in a way to intentionally outsmart a federal emission test procedure known as FTP 75. The agency also claimed that VW had installed illegal “defeat devices” on approximately 10,000 or more vehicles sold in the US since 2014.
The new investigation originates from its first NOV issued for Volkswagen’s 4,82,000 small cars running on 2.0-litre engines in September. It is worth noting that earlier in October, Volkswagen agreed to recall 11 million cars that had been equipped with diesel engines affected by the emission scandal including certain versions of the Jetta, Passat, Golf and Beetle.
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Using the updated testing procedures specifically designed to detect potential defeat devices, regulators have not found similar software with other car makers as it dug into all the 2015 and 2016 light duty diesel models available in America. Testing is set to continue and the end-results will be made public upon completion.