12:48 pm, October 8, 2015
VOLKSWAGEN Group’s US boss Michael Horn has revealed that he knew of the company’s illegal software as long ago as 2014.
Due to give testimony to the US House of Representatives today, Horn admitted he first became aware of ‘a possible emissions non-compliance’ in spring last year.
Horn said: ‘I was informed that Environmental Protection Agency regulations included various penalties for non-compliance with the emissions standards, and that the agencies can conduct engineering tests which could include “defeat device” testing or analysis. I was also informed that the company engineers would work with the agencies to resolve the issue’
Volkswagen’s US CEO also revealed that it was later in 2014 when he was informed of a possible technical fix for the illegal software, intended to ‘bring the vehicles into compliance,’ with engineers ‘engaged with the agencies about the process.’
The statement maintains that Volkswagen didn’t make the EPA aware of the cheat device until September of this year, sparking the current crisis.
Mr Horn admitted that the revelations were ‘deeply troubling’, as he ‘did not think that something like this was possible at the Volkswagen Group.
‘We have broken the trust of our customers, dealerships, and employees, as well as the public and regulators.
‘Volkswagen take full responsibility for our actions and we are working with all relevant authorities in a cooperative way.’
The VW Group appointed former finance chief Hans Dieter Poetsch as its new chairman yesterday, following a board meeting to discuss the emissions crisis.
The new chairman conceded it would be ‘some time’ before Volkswagen would unearth the details of the emissions scandal.
MORE ON VW SCANDAL:
Vehicles recalled from January as rebuild process begins
Muller warns of ‘painful’ cuts
Investigation widened to include other brands
Ford and BMW defend German car industry
UK owners won’t be hit with tax rise
Car supermarket slashes German vehicle prices
Thousands of vehicle sales are halted in UK
Almost 1.2 million vehicles affected in UK
Values ‘marginally affected’ by emissions
700,000 Seat cars fitted with emissions test ‘cheat’ software
Winterkorn facing probe by German prosecutors
Audi reveals more than 2m of its cars worldwide have ‘cheat’ software
Switzerland bans sale of diesel Volkswagens
Carmaker admits diesel scandal affects VW Group vehicles
Government was warned about emissions testing
Department for Transport launches emissions investigation
CAP predicts no impact on Volkswagen residual values
Skoda, Seat and Audi dealers braced for bad news
UK businesses hit by ripple effect
Biggest UK lawsuit could be on the cards
VW just tip of the iceberg amid claims tests are open to abuse
