Volkswagen Withdraws EPA Application for 2016 Diesel Models
Volkswagen has withdrawn its application for EPA certification on its 2016 model year diesel vehicles.
Without EPA certification those 2016 Volkswagen diesel vehicles cannot be sold in the U.S., meaning it could be quite some time before they’re able to leave dealership lots. The German automaker has been awaiting EPA approval for those models, but has withdrawn its request as part of its ongoing discussions with U.S. regulators as a result of the massive diesel emissions scandal.
The decision was disclosed today by Volkswagen of America CEO Michael Horn in a written testimony that he will deliver tomorrow at a hearing before the House Energy and Commerce committee. Part of his testimony will state that Volkswagen’s emissions control strategy included a “software feature” that should be “disclosed to and approved by” regulators as an “auxiliary emissions control device,” which are legal in the U.S. A Volkswagen of America spokeswoman confirmed to Automotive News that the software is different than the defeat device.
SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Emissions Recall to Begin in January
Horn also elaborated that each of the three generations of the affected 2.0-liter diesel engines will require a different fix. The German automaker’s technical teams are “working tirelessly,” according to Horn, to develop a pair for the affected models. Some of the cars will need software updates while others will need to be fully outfitted with a Urea injection system.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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This news should raise the value of all existing VW TDIs, even those not currently running.
They just picking on VW because they dont want diesels here because they're too good. They want us driving unreliable, gas guzzling, automatics. Whose to say that every other company hasn't done the same thing? And this is a small engine car, what about all the trucks, suvs, and sports cars everyone is driving around. Do you really think they are doing any better with those? Some of those probably have defeat devices. They are just picking on VW.