Volkswagen still does not explain how the scandal happened pollution
VW could be fined 18 billion for cheating on emission rules.
VW could be fined 18 billion for cheating on emission rules.
Construction continues on an expansion Volkswagen Chattanooga.
WASHINGTON The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday ordered Volkswagen fix almost 500,000 diesel cars VW and Audi that the agency deliberately violate the laws of clean air using software that escapes the EPA emission standards.
VW, which owns Audi, faces billions of dollars in fines, although the exact amounts are not determined.
The cars, all built in the last seven years, are the VW Jetta, Beetle, Golf and Passat and the Audi A3 vehicles all contain a device programmed to detect when they are subjected to tests official emissions, said the EPA, adding that cars run only on the complete emissions control systems while testing controls are disabled during normal driving situations, said the EPA.
Volkswagen assembles the Passat sedan in Chattanooga.
The EPA has called the use of so-called illegal defeat device and a threat to public health of the company.
EPA is committed to ensure that all car manufacturers play by the same rules, said Cynthia Giles, assistant EPA administrator for enforcement and compliance assurance.
The EPA has asked VW to fix cars emission systems, but said car owners do not need to take immediate measures Violations present no safety hazard and cars are legal to drive and sell, said the EPA.
The German automaker said in a statement it is cooperating with the investigation, but declined further comment.
The EPA said VW faces fines of up to 37,500 per vehicle for violations in total more than 18 billion No final total was announced California issued a separate compliance order for VW, and authorities announced an investigation by the California Air Resources Board.
Despite the seriousness of the violation, the EPA said VW will be given a reasonable time to develop a plan for repairs, including both the repair process and manufacture all necessary parts.
It could take up to a year to identify corrective actions, develop a recall plan and issue recall notices, said the EPA.
Environmental groups welcomed the EPA and California for strong measures to enforce the laws of clean air.
The costs here are really outrageous that Volkswagen software knowingly installed which produces smog emissions much higher diesel vehicles in the real world than in the pre-sale testing, said Frank O'Donnell, president of Clean air Watch, an advocacy group based in Washington.
O Donnell accused of cheating VW not only car buyers, but the audience breathe He said the charges against rhetoric undercut industry on clean diesel cars.
The Volkswagens probably perform better with emission controls defeated than they do with them, said Aaron Bragman, Detroit bureau chief for auto racing and search site Otherwise, he said, he n 'there would be no reason to have a framework that runs on orders for tests and off for regular driving.
Obviously, it's changing the way the engine operates in a manner that may not appeal to consumers, he said he would follow it in a very different direction in terms of vehicle operation.
But Bragman said other countries may allow different test modes and normal driving.
The claims cover approximately 482,000 diesel passenger cars sold in the United States since 2008.
VW could be sentenced to a fine of $ 18 billion for cheating on emission rules Time Free Press, fined, billion, cheating.