VW&Audi in deep doodoo: Recall 500k Diesel Cars; Used Software to Circumvent EPA Rule
 

Volkswagen and Audi Ordered to Recall 500k Diesel Cars; Used Software to Circumvent EPA Rules | Best Ride Blog

The New York Times is reporting that Volkswagen has been ordered to recall nearly half a million diesel cars, because it used software designed specifically to circumvent EPA emissions regulations.


According to the EPA’s notice of violation, Volkswagen installed a software “defeat device” in diesel-powered four-cylinder Volkswagen and Audi vehicles between 2009 and 2015.

“The device is programmed to detect when the car is undergoing official emissions testing, and to only turn on full emissions control systems during that testing. Those controls are turned off during normal driving situations, when the vehicles pollute far more heavily than reported by the manufacturer,” the New York Times reported.

““Using a defeat device in cars to evade clean air standards is illegal and a threat to public health,” said Cynthia Giles, the E.P.A.’s assistant administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance. “Working closely with the California Air Resources Board, E.P.A. is committed to making sure that all automakers play by the same rules. E.P.A. will continue to investigate these very serious violations.”

It’s a significant blow for Volkswagen and Audi, because both companies wagered heavily on diesel technology as a means of increasing its average fuel economy. It placed that bet after the start of the National Clean Diesel Campaign. In June 1 of 2006, major refiners launched new initiatives to produce ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel with sulfur levels at or below 15 parts per million.

These cleaner fuels enabled the use of after treatment technologies, such as particulate traps that were supposed to be capabled of reducing emissions by 90 percent or more.

The recall covers the following makes, models and years:

2009 to 2015 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

2009 to 2015 Volkswagen Beetle TDI

2009 to 2015 Audi A3 TDI

2009 to 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI

2009 to 2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI

It’s uncommon, but not unheard of, for manufacturers to get caught cheating the rules that are intended to get the United States fleet of cars to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. In 2014, the EPA issued its largest fine ever — $300 million — to Hyundai and Kia, which significantly over-reported its fuel economy ratings.

I think the emission standard on diesel are complete bullshit for the most part, they run more efficiently than any standard otto cycle, and now as biodiesels are becoming more common place they will be as sustainable if not more so then ethanol blends.

Edit: Also, if I had a car in this recall I'd totally ignore the recall letter, I'd also probably be running my own blend of wvo and pump diesel.

I heard on the radio this morning that VW stock had dropped almost 25% as a result of this.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...missions-cheat

Here in EU there is a storm ongoing in Germany.:uhh:

This thing can get us clues about the real motivation of the launch delay of Mazda 2.2 diesel in USA.

I'm sure there is a better way to handle this than intentionally bypassing the a foreign governments emission standards.

Software showing reduced emissions reduction by up to 40 times less than when in operation! Possible $18 billion dollar fine. I'm sure it will be much less like $1 billion but this is crazy and will lead to a recall of all cars from 2009-2015. Did Volkswagen AG actually think that they could fool the US government? They want to be the largest automaker in the world but can't play by the same rules in the world's largest market? The CEO's head will roll for this.

VW Risks $18 Billion Fine After US Regulators Caught It Cheating On Diesel Emissions Tests

I haven't revisited the topic in 7-8 years but last I read, biodiesel production was less efficient than ethanol production (from field to pump) and isn't sustainable. Hopefully Monsanto can fix that.

It looks like the EPA might be investigating the V6 TDI now.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...er-v6-diesels/