Shares in the company have fallen by almost a fifth as investors responded to US accusations that the carmaker falsified emissions data.
The manufacturer is facing fines of $18 billion after it accepted that it systematically installed software to deceive emissions test results.
The German economy minister, Sigmar Gabriel said: “You will understand that we are worried that the justifiably excellent reputation of the German car industry and in particular that of Volkswagen suffers.”
Illegal software
The scandal emerged after the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) accused VW of installing illegal software that dramatically reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions when the cars undergo strict emissions tests.
Cynthia Giles, an EPA enforcement officer said: “Put simply, these cars contained software that turns off emissions controls when driving normally and turns them on when the car is undergoing an emissions test.”
The EPA has accused VW of using the ‘defeat device’ in 482,000 four-cylinder VW and Audi diesel cars in the US since 2008.
Volkswagen’s chief executive apologised after the scandal emerged and said: “I personally am deeply sorry that we have broken the trust of our customers and the public.”
In response to fears that the issue could affect UK consumers, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has said that cars sold in the UK “must complete a standard emissions test, which, unlike in the US, is independently witnessed by a government-appointed independent agency.”
The SMMT added: “On the separate on-going debate about real world testing, industry accepts that the current test method for cars is out of date and is seeking agreement from the European Commission for a new emissions test that embraces new testing technologies and which is more representative of on-road conditions.”
The repercussions are likely to reach far and wide, it will be interesting to see what investigations will uncover – share your concerns in the comments below.
Anonymous
Vehicle manufacturers are dishonest and will stop at nothing to increase profit the last thing they care about are there customers.
Anonymous
Vehicle manufacturers are dishonest and will stop at nothing to increase profit the last thing they care about are there customers.
david furniss
Why won’t car company’s show the engine in there adverts it’s all about the look and the gadgets don’t last five minutes and as VW have shown false emissions.
Why is the chief executive apologising he should just quit this would not have happened without his say so he should also pay back his salary from the time he authorised this theft.
david furniss
Why won’t car company’s show the engine in there adverts it’s all about the look and the gadgets don’t last five minutes and as VW have shown false emissions.
Why is the chief executive apologising he should just quit this would not have happened without his say so he should also pay back his salary from the time he authorised this theft.
Paul baldwin
I wonder what engines are under investigation. 2.0 Tdi common rail 2008 onwards. And 1.6 Tdi common rail ????
Paul baldwin
I wonder what engines are under investigation. 2.0 Tdi common rail 2008 onwards. And 1.6 Tdi common rail ????