VW Diesel Scandal Widens: Porsche and Audi models added to probe

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s investigation of diesel emissions violations by Volkswagen has been expanded to include 3.0-liter V6 TDI engines used in various VW, Audi and Porsche models sold in North America. In addition to the original Notice of Violation that covered certain 2009-2015 vehicles fitted with the 2.0-liter VW turbodiesel, both the EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have initiated further investigations covering approximately 10,000 more 2014-2016 passenger cars and SUVs. That list includes the 2014 VW Touareg, 2015 Porsche Cayenne and 2016 Audi A6 Quattro, A7 Quattro, A8, A8L, and Q5 fitted with the 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine. The EPA and CARB claim this engine also uses the same kind of software defeat device found earlier on the automaker’s 4-cylinder TDI engine.   

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"On September 25, the California Air Resources Board sent letters to all manufacturers letting them know we would be screening vehicles for potential defeat devices," said Richard Corey, Executive Officer of the California Air Resources Board. "Since then ARB, EPA and Environment Canada have continued test programs on additional diesel-powered passenger cars and SUVs. These tests have raised serious concerns about the presence of defeat devices on additional VW, Audi and Porsche vehicles. Today we are requiring VW Group to address these issues. This is a very serious public health matter. ARB and EPA will continue to conduct a rigorous investigation that includes testing more vehicles until all of the facts are out in the open."

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In response to this latest Notice of Violation, Volkswagen AG issued the following statement: "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 3.0-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."