Volkswagen Halts Sales of Diesel Cars for Software Cheat
Responding to the recent revelation that Volkswagen may have used illegal software to cheat emissions testing, the German automaker has told its U.S. dealers to halt sales of remaining 2015 TDI diesel models.
Volkswagen of America told its dealers to stop selling remaining 2015 model year cars with the 2.0-liter TDI four-cylinder engine. There is no official statement yet on which cars or how many are affected, but VW has also been barred from selling 2016 diesel models until the government gets answers.
ALSO SEE: Volkswagen Used Illegal Software to Cheat Emissions Tests: EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) alleged on Friday that Volkswagen used a device that made it easier for its diesel-powered cars to pass official emissions tests. As many as 482,000 Volkswagens could be affected. The result of this software is that the affected cars actually produce up to 40 times more harmful nitrous oxides while driving than the amount recorded during the testing.
Independent analysis at West Virginia University uncovered the issue. After being questioned by the EPA and CARB, Volkswagen admitted its fault. VW also removed videos from its YouTube channel touting their “clean diesels.”
This stop-sale is likely the first step before a full-blown recall for Volkswagen. Although the cars are safe to drive and no injuries have been reported, VW could be fined up to $18-billion if the EPA leverages its maximum fine of $37,500 per car.
So far, models affected by the issue include the 2009-2015 Volkswagen Jetta, Beetle and Golf. The 2009-2015 Audi A3 is also affected, along with the 2014-2015 Passat.
[Source: The Detroit Bureau]
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Jodi has been obsessed with cars since she was little and has been an automotive journalist for the past 12 years. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and a jury member for the prestigious North American Car/Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY). Besides hosting videos, and writing news, reviews and features, Jodi is the Editor-in-Chief of AutoGuide.com and takes care of the site's day-to-day operations.
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The very interesting part in this article is that what "VW said" is not cited anywhere. Everything is still alleged, nothing has been proven, that's why the gov't. alphabet-soup agencies "want questions answered". Remember, this is the same EPA that absolutely contaminated an entire river and ruined it for decades to come, if not forever. The EPA is not about "saving the environment" just like the FDA is not about making food safer. I trust these gov't agencies like trust a scorpion not to sting me. Not one bit.
I still don't understand how they had the software cheat and STILL couldn't get around needing AdBlue Exhaust Fluid.