Volkswagen's Bizarre Animal Testing Results in First Suspension
Just when you thought Volkswagen‘s massive diesel scandal was old news, something bizarre surfaces.
Last week, a report surfaced claiming Volkswagen helped fund a research study that involved 10 monkeys placed in air-tight chambers that were filled with diesel fumes. The study was conducted by U.S.-based Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute in 2014, and Lovelace was hired by the European Research Group on Environment and Health in the Transport Sector. Known as the EUGT in Europe, it has been since shut down over controversies related to its work was originally received all its funding from BMW, Daimler, and Volkswagen.
SEE ALSO: VW Got Some Monkeys to Watch Cartoons and Huff Diesel Because Science
Now Volkswagen is the first to announce consequences related to the study, with the Board of Management accepting a proposal made by Dr. Thomas Steg, head of group external relations and sustainability. Steg has been suspended, and will remain suspended from his duties until the matters have been fully investigated. In a short statement released by the automaker, Volkswagen said the investigations of these matters are being pursued intensively.
“We are currently in the process of investigating the work of the EUGT, which was dissolved in 2017, and drawing all the necessary consequences. Mr. Steg has declared that he will assume full responsibility. I respect his decision,” said Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller.”
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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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