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Showing results for tags 'Diesel Emissions Scandal'.
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More bad news for Volkswagen this week. Speaking with German publication Wirtschaftswoche, California Air Resources Board's (CARB) chair Mary Nichols said in their testing, only Volkswagen TDI models were found to have cheating devices. "So far we have found in vehicles of other brands no fraudulent shutdown. This does not mean that all emissions are as we would wish. But there is nothing that comes close to the magnitude of the excess in VW vehicles," Nichols said CARB will continue testing diesel vehicles. Meanwhile, Automotive News reports that Volkswagen has halted production of 2016 Passat TDI models at its Chattanooga, TN plant. No word on production was ended as a spokesman tells AN that he only learned about it today, but it's safe to assume it had to be some after the company withdrew its application for EPA certification on 2016 models equipped with the 2.0 TDI. Automotive News says Volkswagen continued production of the Passat TDI even after the EPA announcement that the 2.0 TDI was found to cheat back in September. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Wirtschaftswoche, Reuters -
More bad news for Volkswagen this week. Speaking with German publication Wirtschaftswoche, California Air Resources Board's (CARB) chair Mary Nichols said in their testing, only Volkswagen TDI models were found to have cheating devices. "So far we have found in vehicles of other brands no fraudulent shutdown. This does not mean that all emissions are as we would wish. But there is nothing that comes close to the magnitude of the excess in VW vehicles," Nichols said CARB will continue testing diesel vehicles. Meanwhile, Automotive News reports that Volkswagen has halted production of 2016 Passat TDI models at its Chattanooga, TN plant. No word on production was ended as a spokesman tells AN that he only learned about it today, but it's safe to assume it had to be some after the company withdrew its application for EPA certification on 2016 models equipped with the 2.0 TDI. Automotive News says Volkswagen continued production of the Passat TDI even after the EPA announcement that the 2.0 TDI was found to cheat back in September. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Wirtschaftswoche, Reuters View full article
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As the Diesel Emits: Volkswagen Engineers Admit Cheating
William Maley posted an article in Volkswagen
A number of Volkswagen engineers have admitted that they manipulated CO2 emission data to meet ambitious goals to meet goals set by former Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn. German newspaper Bild am Sonntag (via Reuters) reports that engineers filled tires with more air and mixed diesel with their motor oil to make them use less fuel. This reportedly began after then-CEO Martin Winterkorn's announcement at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show that by 2015, the company would cut CO2 emission levels by 30 percent. Engineers at the time were afraid to tell the CEO that this goal was impossible and decided to cheat. "Employees have indicated in an internal investigation that there were irregularities in ascertaining fuel consumption data. How this happened is subject to ongoing proceedings," a Volkswagen spokesman told Reuters. This report comes to light as Volkswagen announced last week that 800,000 vehicles in Europe - mostly diesel - were underreported for fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Source: Bild am Sonntag via Reuters, New York Times -
A number of Volkswagen engineers have admitted that they manipulated CO2 emission data to meet ambitious goals to meet goals set by former Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn. German newspaper Bild am Sonntag (via Reuters) reports that engineers filled tires with more air and mixed diesel with their motor oil to make them use less fuel. This reportedly began after then-CEO Martin Winterkorn's announcement at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show that by 2015, the company would cut CO2 emission levels by 30 percent. Engineers at the time were afraid to tell the CEO that this goal was impossible and decided to cheat. "Employees have indicated in an internal investigation that there were irregularities in ascertaining fuel consumption data. How this happened is subject to ongoing proceedings," a Volkswagen spokesman told Reuters. This report comes to light as Volkswagen announced last week that 800,000 vehicles in Europe - mostly diesel - were underreported for fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Source: Bild am Sonntag via Reuters, New York Times View full article
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Rumorpile: Volkswagen Planning 'Goodwill Program' For 2.0L TDI Owners
William Maley posted an article in Volkswagen
Volkswagen's reputation has been taking a number of big hits due to the cheating software they used in a number of their diesel models to pass EPA regulations. But a new report says the company is planning to regain the trust of some of their owners. The Truth About Cars learned from a source that Volkswagen will be announcing a program that offers owners of affected TDI models (new and used) to recive a prepaid card. Two cards will be available to owners; the first will be a $500 card that can be used anywhere, while a second card - expected to be around $500 to $750 - can only be used at Volkswagen dealers. Details of this program are expected to be announced this week. Source: The Truth About Cars -
Volkswagen's reputation has been taking a number of big hits due to the cheating software they used in a number of their diesel models to pass EPA regulations. But a new report says the company is planning to regain the trust of some of their owners. The Truth About Cars learned from a source that Volkswagen will be announcing a program that offers owners of affected TDI models (new and used) to recive a prepaid card. Two cards will be available to owners; the first will be a $500 card that can be used anywhere, while a second card - expected to be around $500 to $750 - can only be used at Volkswagen dealers. Details of this program are expected to be announced this week. Source: The Truth About Cars View full article
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The sh*t is hitting the fan. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced today that Volkswagen had illegal 'defeat device' software installed on a number of their vehicles equipped with the 3.0L TDI V6 to evade diesel emission testing. The two parties say the software allowed the TDI engine to emit nine times the legally allowable pollution limit. Vehicles involved in this latest allegation include, 2014 Volkswagen Toureg TDI 2015 Porsche Cayenne Diesel 2016 Audi A6 TDI, A7 TDI, A8 TDI, A8L TDI, Q5 TDI “VW has once again failed its obligation to comply with the law that protects clean air for all Americans. 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,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator of the Office for EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. Source: The Detroit News UPDATE: Volkswagen has issued a statement on the EPA's announcement. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) informed Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft on Monday that vehicles with V6 TDI engines had a software function which had not been adequately described in the application process. Volkswagen AG wishes to emphasize that no software has been installed in the 3-liter V6 diesel power units to alter emissions characteristics in a forbidden manner. Volkswagen will cooperate fully with the EPA clarify this matter in its entirety. EPA's Notice of Violation is below. View full article
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The sh*t is hitting the fan. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced today that Volkswagen had illegal 'defeat device' software installed on a number of their vehicles equipped with the 3.0L TDI V6 to evade diesel emission testing. The two parties say the software allowed the TDI engine to emit nine times the legally allowable pollution limit. Vehicles involved in this latest allegation include, 2014 Volkswagen Toureg TDI 2015 Porsche Cayenne Diesel 2016 Audi A6 TDI, A7 TDI, A8 TDI, A8L TDI, Q5 TDI “VW has once again failed its obligation to comply with the law that protects clean air for all Americans. 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,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator of the Office for EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. Source: The Detroit News UPDATE: Volkswagen has issued a statement on the EPA's announcement. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) informed Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft on Monday that vehicles with V6 TDI engines had a software function which had not been adequately described in the application process. Volkswagen AG wishes to emphasize that no software has been installed in the 3-liter V6 diesel power units to alter emissions characteristics in a forbidden manner. Volkswagen will cooperate fully with the EPA clarify this matter in its entirety. EPA's Notice of Violation is below. -
Volkswagen is looking to limit the damage that has been caused by the diesel emission scandal. According to Automotive News, part of this comes from buying some used TDI model on U.S. dealer lots at pre-crisis prices. Speaking with dealers briefed on the plan, Volkswagen will guarantee the value of used models equipped with 2.0 TDI containing the illegal software sitting on dealer lots. If the vehicles aren't sold within 60 days, Volkswagen will buy them back. In a memo from Volkswagen of America COO Mark McNabb, the program will take three phases. The first phase will have Volkswagen making an inventory of the TDI models to help the company figure out which ones are eligible for the program. Volkswagen expects this phase to finish by the middle of November. Further details of the other two phases will take place later in the month. Volkswagen hopes this plan will stop the freefall prices in light of the scandal. According to Kelly Blue Book, the average price of a Volkswagen TDI model dropped 16 percent after the scandal was brought to light. The plan will also hopefully prevent a pileup of diesel vehicles sitting on dealer lots. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
Volkswagen is looking to limit the damage that has been caused by the diesel emission scandal. According to Automotive News, part of this comes from buying some used TDI model on U.S. dealer lots at pre-crisis prices. Speaking with dealers briefed on the plan, Volkswagen will guarantee the value of used models equipped with 2.0 TDI containing the illegal software sitting on dealer lots. If the vehicles aren't sold within 60 days, Volkswagen will buy them back. In a memo from Volkswagen of America COO Mark McNabb, the program will take three phases. The first phase will have Volkswagen making an inventory of the TDI models to help the company figure out which ones are eligible for the program. Volkswagen expects this phase to finish by the middle of November. Further details of the other two phases will take place later in the month. Volkswagen hopes this plan will stop the freefall prices in light of the scandal. According to Kelly Blue Book, the average price of a Volkswagen TDI model dropped 16 percent after the scandal was brought to light. The plan will also hopefully prevent a pileup of diesel vehicles sitting on dealer lots. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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Days after the news came out that Volkswagen had outfitted a number of diesel vehicles with illegal software, the company set aside 6.5 billion Euros (about $7.2 billion) to deal with lawsuits and fines. But Volkswagen Group CEO Matthias Müller says that isn't enough. Speaking to reporters at Volkswagen's HQ, Müller said the 6.5 billion is just for the recall. "I can only speculate about any further provisions. Should there be a change in sales volumes, we would react rapidly," said Müller. So how much more could Volkswagen be in for? According to a report done by Credit Suisse, the worst-case scenario could see Volkswagen spending 78 billion Euros (about $84 billion). The best-case scenario has Volkswagen spending 23 billion Euros (about $25 billion). The biggest cost according to the report is owner reimbursement for the lost value of their vehicles. "The market does not appear to be discounting negative knock-on effects," said Credit Suisse analysts in the report. "The outcome for recall costs and fines is unclear and largely depends on the engine performance post repair." Source: Reuters, CNNMoney View full article
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Days after the news came out that Volkswagen had outfitted a number of diesel vehicles with illegal software, the company set aside 6.5 billion Euros (about $7.2 billion) to deal with lawsuits and fines. But Volkswagen Group CEO Matthias Müller says that isn't enough. Speaking to reporters at Volkswagen's HQ, Müller said the 6.5 billion is just for the recall. "I can only speculate about any further provisions. Should there be a change in sales volumes, we would react rapidly," said Müller. So how much more could Volkswagen be in for? According to a report done by Credit Suisse, the worst-case scenario could see Volkswagen spending 78 billion Euros (about $84 billion). The best-case scenario has Volkswagen spending 23 billion Euros (about $25 billion). The biggest cost according to the report is owner reimbursement for the lost value of their vehicles. "The market does not appear to be discounting negative knock-on effects," said Credit Suisse analysts in the report. "The outcome for recall costs and fines is unclear and largely depends on the engine performance post repair." Source: Reuters, CNNMoney -
The Volkswagen diesel scandal has prompted the German transport minister to meet with the counterpart in the U.S. According to Reuters, Alexander Dobrindt will be holding talks today with Anthony Foxx, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation about the scandal. The report goes on to say that Dobrindt hopes to meet with officials from the EPA. That's not all that is taking place in the U.S. for Volkswagen. Another report from Reuters says the company has put plans of overhauling the management and overall strategy for the U.S. on hold till they deal with the litany of lawsuits and penalties. "What matters more than anything else right now is to sort out this disaster," a source said. "If we fail to do that, then questions that are completely different (than the future U.S. leadership) will come up," Now one of items that this decision affects is finding someone to take the place of North American head Winfried Vahland, who stepped down a few weeks after being announced to the position. Source: Reuters, 2 -
The Volkswagen diesel scandal has prompted the German transport minister to meet with the counterpart in the U.S. According to Reuters, Alexander Dobrindt will be holding talks today with Anthony Foxx, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation about the scandal. The report goes on to say that Dobrindt hopes to meet with officials from the EPA. That's not all that is taking place in the U.S. for Volkswagen. Another report from Reuters says the company has put plans of overhauling the management and overall strategy for the U.S. on hold till they deal with the litany of lawsuits and penalties. "What matters more than anything else right now is to sort out this disaster," a source said. "If we fail to do that, then questions that are completely different (than the future U.S. leadership) will come up," Now one of items that this decision affects is finding someone to take the place of North American head Winfried Vahland, who stepped down a few weeks after being announced to the position. Source: Reuters, 2 View full article
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Another week has passed and some new information has come to light in the Volkswagen diesel scandal. First off, Volkswagen has confirmed one of their diesel engines doesn't have the cheat. The EA 288 TDI engine used in vehicles for the European-market has been checked out to see if it had the illegal software. In a statement issued by Volkswagen, the engine did not have “software constituting an improper defeat device as defined in laws is installed in vehicles with EA288 EU5 as well as EU6 engines in the European Union with those engines comply with legal requirements and environmental standards." Also, one of the questions that have been up in the air is how would the scandal affect the prices of used Volkswagen TDI models. Kelly Blue Book looked at data from auto auctions before and after the scandal broke. According to their research, the average price of diesel models dropped 16 percent. Average prices of gas models dropped 2.9 percent in the same time. "According to Kelley Blue Book Field Analysts, some auctions are still holding off on selling the affected Volkswagen inventory. While Volkswagen diesel auction prices are in decline, we could see larger fluctuations depending on how this inventory is handled," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book. Source: Volkswagen, Kelly Blue Book Press Releases are on Page 2 Volkswagen confirms: EA288 engines designed for EU5 and EU6 are not affected Thorough appraisal of the Diesel emissions issue Volkswagen confirms today that no software constituting an improper defeat device as defined in law is installed in vehicles with EA 288 EU5 as well as EU6-engines in the European Union. Consequently, new vehicles of the Volkswagen Group offered within the European Union with those engines comply with legal requirements and environmental standards. Volkswagen AG is systematically reviewing this issue worldwide. The group strives for a holistic solution for complying with the respective valid standards. After thorough examination it is now confirmed that no software constituting an improper defeat device as defined in law is installed in vehicles with EA 288 EU5-engines. Before, Volkswagen Group has confirmed that new EU6-compliant vehicles offered within the European Union fulfil all legal requirements and environmental standards. Volkswagen customers can visit the corporate websites such as www.volkswagen.de/info, which was set up on October 2, 2015 and enter the chassis number of their vehicle to find out straight away whether their vehicles are affected. Similar customer websites are active in the other EU countries and for the Audi, SEAT and Škoda brands. Work on the technical solutions detailed in the plan of measures is currently proceeding at full speed. Remedial action on the vehicles will begin in January 2016 – at no cost to customers. The measures are currently being developed for each affected series and each affected model year and will first be presented to the responsible authorities. Volkswagen will subsequently inform the owners of these vehicles over the next weeks and months. VOLKSWAGEN DIESEL VEHICLE PRICES DECLINE NEARLY 16 PERCENT, ACCORDING TO KELLEY BLUE BOOK DATA New-Car Shopping Activity Also Impacted by Recent Emissions Issue IRVINE, Calif., October 21, 2015 – Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry, today reports that average auction prices, along with new-car shopping activity on KBB.com, for Volkswagen diesel vehicles have declined four weeks after the diesel emissions issue was announced. The average auction price for Volkswagen diesel models dropped by nearly 16 percent since the news broke of the emissions crisis.[1] The average auction price for the brand's gasoline-powered vehicles declined by 2.9 percent.1 On KBB.com, Volkswagen new-car shopping activity for affected TDI models has decreased on average by 2.4 percent. "According to Kelley Blue Book Field Analysts, some auctions are still holding off on selling the affected Volkswagen inventory," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "While Volkswagen diesel auction prices are in decline, we could see larger fluctuations depending on how this inventory is handled." Volkswagen Site Metrics from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com* The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen and Golf have seen the most significant declines in shopping activity, with decreases of 6.2 percent and 3.7 percent respectively. The Audi A3 and Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen are the only TDI models seeing increases in activity, at 1.6 and 3 percent respectively, which is consistent with segment-level traffic on KBB.com. Audi A3 shoppers are increasingly cross-shopping competing luxury models following the announcement. The most highly cross-shopped vehicles are the Lexus NX, BMW 2-Series and Mercedes-Benz CLA. ** * Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com Site Traffic, Comparing September Pre- (Weeks of August 31-September 13) and Post- (Weeks of September 14-October 18) Announcement Data. Please note: Data is compiled weekly (Monday-Sunday). ** Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com Cross-Shopping Data for Week of October 12-18, 2015 "During the past four weeks following the emissions announcement, traffic to KBB.com has generally decreased after an initial surge in interest for Volkswagen diesel models, likely because of the stop-sell and negative press," said Arthur Henry, senior manager of Strategic Insights for Kelley Blue Book. "Interestingly, with regard to cross-shopping data, consumers are not looking at fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicles. For example, shoppers interested in the Jetta TDI are looking to the Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Ford Fusion as alternatives, according to cross-shopping data from KBB.com." -
Another week has passed and some new information has come to light in the Volkswagen diesel scandal. First off, Volkswagen has confirmed one of their diesel engines doesn't have the cheat. The EA 288 TDI engine used in vehicles for the European-market has been checked out to see if it had the illegal software. In a statement issued by Volkswagen, the engine did not have “software constituting an improper defeat device as defined in laws is installed in vehicles with EA288 EU5 as well as EU6 engines in the European Union with those engines comply with legal requirements and environmental standards." Also, one of the questions that have been up in the air is how would the scandal affect the prices of used Volkswagen TDI models. Kelly Blue Book looked at data from auto auctions before and after the scandal broke. According to their research, the average price of diesel models dropped 16 percent. Average prices of gas models dropped 2.9 percent in the same time. "According to Kelley Blue Book Field Analysts, some auctions are still holding off on selling the affected Volkswagen inventory. While Volkswagen diesel auction prices are in decline, we could see larger fluctuations depending on how this inventory is handled," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book. Source: Volkswagen, Kelly Blue Book Press Releases are on Page 2 Volkswagen confirms: EA288 engines designed for EU5 and EU6 are not affected Thorough appraisal of the Diesel emissions issue Volkswagen confirms today that no software constituting an improper defeat device as defined in law is installed in vehicles with EA 288 EU5 as well as EU6-engines in the European Union. Consequently, new vehicles of the Volkswagen Group offered within the European Union with those engines comply with legal requirements and environmental standards. Volkswagen AG is systematically reviewing this issue worldwide. The group strives for a holistic solution for complying with the respective valid standards. After thorough examination it is now confirmed that no software constituting an improper defeat device as defined in law is installed in vehicles with EA 288 EU5-engines. Before, Volkswagen Group has confirmed that new EU6-compliant vehicles offered within the European Union fulfil all legal requirements and environmental standards. Volkswagen customers can visit the corporate websites such as www.volkswagen.de/info, which was set up on October 2, 2015 and enter the chassis number of their vehicle to find out straight away whether their vehicles are affected. Similar customer websites are active in the other EU countries and for the Audi, SEAT and Škoda brands. Work on the technical solutions detailed in the plan of measures is currently proceeding at full speed. Remedial action on the vehicles will begin in January 2016 – at no cost to customers. The measures are currently being developed for each affected series and each affected model year and will first be presented to the responsible authorities. Volkswagen will subsequently inform the owners of these vehicles over the next weeks and months. VOLKSWAGEN DIESEL VEHICLE PRICES DECLINE NEARLY 16 PERCENT, ACCORDING TO KELLEY BLUE BOOK DATA New-Car Shopping Activity Also Impacted by Recent Emissions Issue IRVINE, Calif., October 21, 2015 – Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry, today reports that average auction prices, along with new-car shopping activity on KBB.com, for Volkswagen diesel vehicles have declined four weeks after the diesel emissions issue was announced. The average auction price for Volkswagen diesel models dropped by nearly 16 percent since the news broke of the emissions crisis.[1] The average auction price for the brand's gasoline-powered vehicles declined by 2.9 percent.1 On KBB.com, Volkswagen new-car shopping activity for affected TDI models has decreased on average by 2.4 percent. "According to Kelley Blue Book Field Analysts, some auctions are still holding off on selling the affected Volkswagen inventory," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "While Volkswagen diesel auction prices are in decline, we could see larger fluctuations depending on how this inventory is handled." Volkswagen Site Metrics from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com* The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen and Golf have seen the most significant declines in shopping activity, with decreases of 6.2 percent and 3.7 percent respectively. The Audi A3 and Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen are the only TDI models seeing increases in activity, at 1.6 and 3 percent respectively, which is consistent with segment-level traffic on KBB.com. Audi A3 shoppers are increasingly cross-shopping competing luxury models following the announcement. The most highly cross-shopped vehicles are the Lexus NX, BMW 2-Series and Mercedes-Benz CLA. ** * Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com Site Traffic, Comparing September Pre- (Weeks of August 31-September 13) and Post- (Weeks of September 14-October 18) Announcement Data. Please note: Data is compiled weekly (Monday-Sunday). ** Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com Cross-Shopping Data for Week of October 12-18, 2015 "During the past four weeks following the emissions announcement, traffic to KBB.com has generally decreased after an initial surge in interest for Volkswagen diesel models, likely because of the stop-sell and negative press," said Arthur Henry, senior manager of Strategic Insights for Kelley Blue Book. "Interestingly, with regard to cross-shopping data, consumers are not looking at fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicles. For example, shoppers interested in the Jetta TDI are looking to the Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Ford Fusion as alternatives, according to cross-shopping data from KBB.com." View full article
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Reuters is reporting that Volkswagen developed several versions of its "defeat device" software for their diesel models. Three sources tell the news service the company used the different versions of the software on four diesel engine types. If this proves to be true, this could indicate a widespread cheating program at the company, not the rogue engineer claim that executives have been using as a defense. This also puts Volkswagen in a difficult position when it comes to potential fines. If executives are found to play a role in the plot to cheat emissions tests, fines could increase by a fair amount. "The more higher-ups that are involved, the more the company is considered blameworthy and deserving of more serious punishment," said Brandon Garrett, a corporate crime expert at the University of Virginia. Spokespeople for Volkswagen and Volkswagen of America declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigations by itself and outside parties. Source: Reuters -
Reuters is reporting that Volkswagen developed several versions of its "defeat device" software for their diesel models. Three sources tell the news service the company used the different versions of the software on four diesel engine types. If this proves to be true, this could indicate a widespread cheating program at the company, not the rogue engineer claim that executives have been using as a defense. This also puts Volkswagen in a difficult position when it comes to potential fines. If executives are found to play a role in the plot to cheat emissions tests, fines could increase by a fair amount. "The more higher-ups that are involved, the more the company is considered blameworthy and deserving of more serious punishment," said Brandon Garrett, a corporate crime expert at the University of Virginia. Spokespeople for Volkswagen and Volkswagen of America declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigations by itself and outside parties. Source: Reuters View full article
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Just when you think the hole Volkswagen has found itself in can't get any deeper, it has. Earlier this week, The Associated Press reported that Volkswagen disclosed to the EPA that 2016 model year TDI models have a different piece of software that would allow them to pass the emissions test. This software makes a pollution-control catalyst heat up faster to improve the performance of a device which cleans up the nitrogen oxide into harmless hydrogen and oxygen. Now fitting a device like this isn't illegal unless you don't disclose it during the emission certification process. Janet McCabe, acting assistant EPA administrator for air quality wouldn't say if Volkswagen's failure to disclose this device is illegal. "I don't want to speak to any potential subjects of an enforcement activity," said McCabe. This puts Volkswagen in a more precarious situation. If the EPA rules that this software was implemented as cheating device, it would the fine that much larger and call into question the claims made by Volkswagen executives that it was small group who did this. Despite this and other issues Volkswagen finds itself in, CEO Matthias Mueller said in a speech yesterday, that he sees the company bouncing back in a couple of years. "We have a good chance of shining again in two to three years," Muller said. "We will significantly streamline structures, processes and (decision-making) bodies. We must become leaner and take decisions more rapidly," he went on to say. Muller's speech comes on the heels of news that Volkswagen has ordered a mandatory recall affecting 8.5 million TDI vehicles in the European Union that will begin early next year. Source: Associated Press, Reuters View full article
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Just when you think the hole Volkswagen has found itself in can't get any deeper, it has. Earlier this week, The Associated Press reported that Volkswagen disclosed to the EPA that 2016 model year TDI models have a different piece of software that would allow them to pass the emissions test. This software makes a pollution-control catalyst heat up faster to improve the performance of a device which cleans up the nitrogen oxide into harmless hydrogen and oxygen. Now fitting a device like this isn't illegal unless you don't disclose it during the emission certification process. Janet McCabe, acting assistant EPA administrator for air quality wouldn't say if Volkswagen's failure to disclose this device is illegal. "I don't want to speak to any potential subjects of an enforcement activity," said McCabe. This puts Volkswagen in a more precarious situation. If the EPA rules that this software was implemented as cheating device, it would the fine that much larger and call into question the claims made by Volkswagen executives that it was small group who did this. Despite this and other issues Volkswagen finds itself in, CEO Matthias Mueller said in a speech yesterday, that he sees the company bouncing back in a couple of years. "We have a good chance of shining again in two to three years," Muller said. "We will significantly streamline structures, processes and (decision-making) bodies. We must become leaner and take decisions more rapidly," he went on to say. Muller's speech comes on the heels of news that Volkswagen has ordered a mandatory recall affecting 8.5 million TDI vehicles in the European Union that will begin early next year. Source: Associated Press, Reuters -
In light of a scandal, the one item a company needs is stability. Unfortunately for Volkswagen, the diesel emission scandal has seemed to bring growing levels of instability. Case in point is the announcement of Dr. Winfried Vahland stepping down. Vahland was picked to become the head of Volkswagen's North American unit only a few weeks back. In a statement released by the automaker, the two had "differing views" on the company's new structure and his departure is "expressly not related" to the emissions scandal. Meanwhile, a report from German publication Spiegel says that at least 30 managers at Volkswagen were involved in cheating emission tests citing information from investigations done by Volkswagen and the law firm Jones Day. The report goes on to say that the number of people who knew about the cheating could expand as the investigations go on. A Volkswagen spokesman told Reuters that the number in Spiegel's report "is completely unfounded." Later this week, Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller will meet with senior management and update them on the investigation and plan the next move. Source: Skoda, USA Today, Spiegel.de, Automotive News (Subscription Required) Press Release is on Page 2 Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland leaves Volkswagen Group Mladá Boleslav, 14 October 2015 – After 25 years of successful work in Volkswagen Group, most recently as Chairman of ŠKODA, Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland is leaving the company at his own request. Prof. Vahland will therefore not be taking up the position of overall responsibility for the North American Region (NAR). Differing views on the organisation of the new Group region have led to this decision; this decision is expressly not related to current events on the issue of diesel engines. Prof. Vahland began his work in Volkswagen Group in 1990. After holding several key positions at home and abroad, he took over Group responsibility as President and CEO of Volkswagen in China in 2005 and contributed significantly to the successful new direction of Volkswagen in China. He was appointed Chairman of the Board of Management of ŠKODA in 2010. Under his leadership, ŠKODA implemented the largest growth and model campaign in the brand’s history and positioned ŠKODA sustainably as a successful international high-volume brand. The CEO of Volkswagen Group, Matthias Müller emphasised: “In the last 25 years, Prof. Vahland made a great contribution to the company. We respect his decision and thank him for his exceptional performance.” View full article
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In light of a scandal, the one item a company needs is stability. Unfortunately for Volkswagen, the diesel emission scandal has seemed to bring growing levels of instability. Case in point is the announcement of Dr. Winfried Vahland stepping down. Vahland was picked to become the head of Volkswagen's North American unit only a few weeks back. In a statement released by the automaker, the two had "differing views" on the company's new structure and his departure is "expressly not related" to the emissions scandal. Meanwhile, a report from German publication Spiegel says that at least 30 managers at Volkswagen were involved in cheating emission tests citing information from investigations done by Volkswagen and the law firm Jones Day. The report goes on to say that the number of people who knew about the cheating could expand as the investigations go on. A Volkswagen spokesman told Reuters that the number in Spiegel's report "is completely unfounded." Later this week, Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller will meet with senior management and update them on the investigation and plan the next move. Source: Skoda, USA Today, Spiegel.de, Automotive News (Subscription Required) Press Release is on Page 2 Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland leaves Volkswagen Group Mladá Boleslav, 14 October 2015 – After 25 years of successful work in Volkswagen Group, most recently as Chairman of ŠKODA, Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland is leaving the company at his own request. Prof. Vahland will therefore not be taking up the position of overall responsibility for the North American Region (NAR). Differing views on the organisation of the new Group region have led to this decision; this decision is expressly not related to current events on the issue of diesel engines. Prof. Vahland began his work in Volkswagen Group in 1990. After holding several key positions at home and abroad, he took over Group responsibility as President and CEO of Volkswagen in China in 2005 and contributed significantly to the successful new direction of Volkswagen in China. He was appointed Chairman of the Board of Management of ŠKODA in 2010. Under his leadership, ŠKODA implemented the largest growth and model campaign in the brand’s history and positioned ŠKODA sustainably as a successful international high-volume brand. The CEO of Volkswagen Group, Matthias Müller emphasised: “In the last 25 years, Prof. Vahland made a great contribution to the company. We respect his decision and thank him for his exceptional performance.” -
A lot has been happening in the past couple of days for Volkswagen over the diesel emission scandal. Let's get you up to date. First, Volkswagen of American has pulled its application for EPA certification on 2016 models equipped with the 2.0L diesel four-cylinder until they comply with emission standards for the U.S. Volkswagen hasn't said when they will resend their application for certification. Next is the Associated Press reporting that German prosecutors carried out searches at a number of Volkswagen facilities, including the company's headquarters in Wolfsburg today. In a statement, the purpose of the searches was to "secure documents and data storage devices" to possibly identify the people involved and figure out how it was done. "We will support prosecutors as best we can in investigating the matter and the people responsible. This serves a prompt and thorough clearing-up, in which Volkswagen has great interest," Volkswagen said in a statement. Finally, the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee held their hearing on the Volkswagen diesel scandal today. Volkswagen of America CEO Michael Horn found himself in the line of fire. Here is a brief overview of what took place, Horn said 325,000 of the overall 482,000 vehicles involved in the scandal are fitted with the Gen 1 2.0L diesel engine (including the 2011 Passat TDI which came equipped with a Urea tank) will require hardware and software fix. The fix could take five to ten hours to complete. Other models fitted with newer versions of the 2.0L will only need a software update. Repairs are expected to start sometime next year [*]Horn testified that it was a few individuals and not the company who decided to implement the software into their diesel vehicles "Either your entire organization is incompetent when it comes to trying to come up with intellectual property, and I don't believe that for a second, or they are complicit at the highest levels in a massive cover-up that continues today," said Rep. Chris Collins, R-NY in response to Horn's answer. [*]Horn admits that's it hard to believe that Volkswagen's executives didn't know about this software for many years. [*]Volkswagen found about the study done by West Virginia University showing irregularities in two of their diesel models. Horn said Volkswagen engineers confirmed the results of the study and that software change was being worked on. [*]Horn said that he first learned about the software days before Volkswagen came clean to the EPA and California Air Resources Board Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Associated Press, The Detroit News, Reuters -
A lot has been happening in the past couple of days for Volkswagen over the diesel emission scandal. Let's get you up to date. First, Volkswagen of American has pulled its application for EPA certification on 2016 models equipped with the 2.0L diesel four-cylinder until they comply with emission standards for the U.S. Volkswagen hasn't said when they will resend their application for certification. Next is the Associated Press reporting that German prosecutors carried out searches at a number of Volkswagen facilities, including the company's headquarters in Wolfsburg today. In a statement, the purpose of the searches was to "secure documents and data storage devices" to possibly identify the people involved and figure out how it was done. "We will support prosecutors as best we can in investigating the matter and the people responsible. This serves a prompt and thorough clearing-up, in which Volkswagen has great interest," Volkswagen said in a statement. Finally, the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee held their hearing on the Volkswagen diesel scandal today. Volkswagen of America CEO Michael Horn found himself in the line of fire. Here is a brief overview of what took place, Horn said 325,000 of the overall 482,000 vehicles involved in the scandal are fitted with the Gen 1 2.0L diesel engine (including the 2011 Passat TDI which came equipped with a Urea tank) will require hardware and software fix. The fix could take five to ten hours to complete. Other models fitted with newer versions of the 2.0L will only need a software update. Repairs are expected to start sometime next year [*]Horn testified that it was a few individuals and not the company who decided to implement the software into their diesel vehicles "Either your entire organization is incompetent when it comes to trying to come up with intellectual property, and I don't believe that for a second, or they are complicit at the highest levels in a massive cover-up that continues today," said Rep. Chris Collins, R-NY in response to Horn's answer. [*]Horn admits that's it hard to believe that Volkswagen's executives didn't know about this software for many years. [*]Volkswagen found about the study done by West Virginia University showing irregularities in two of their diesel models. Horn said Volkswagen engineers confirmed the results of the study and that software change was being worked on. [*]Horn said that he first learned about the software days before Volkswagen came clean to the EPA and California Air Resources Board Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Associated Press, The Detroit News, Reuters View full article
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Volkswagen CEO Matthias Mueller told a German publication that it would launch a recall for diesel vehicles that have emission-cheating software starting in January and hopefully finish up fixing all of the vehicles by the end of the year. "If all goes according to plan, we can start the recall in January. All the cars should be fixed by the end of 2016," Mueller told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Now it should be noted this is only for vehicles in Europe. A Volkswagen of America spokeswoman says the EPA has to agree to the fix that Volkswagen would present. No timetable was given as to when a fix would be announced. Muller said a number of vehicles could be fixed by a software update, while others will need new injectors or larger catalytic converters. Source: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung via Reuters, CNN Money View full article
