This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-34475408
The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Volkswagen scandal: German prosecutors search VW offices | Volkswagen scandal: German prosecutors search VW offices |
(35 minutes later) | |
German public prosecutors have searched Volkswagen's Wolfsburg headquarters as part of their investigation into the emissions scandal. | German public prosecutors have searched Volkswagen's Wolfsburg headquarters as part of their investigation into the emissions scandal. |
The prosecutor's office said they were looking for data linked to the manipulation of diesel emissions. | The prosecutor's office said they were looking for data linked to the manipulation of diesel emissions. |
The search comes shortly before Michael Horn, VW's US boss, is due to appear before a US Congressional committee. | The search comes shortly before Michael Horn, VW's US boss, is due to appear before a US Congressional committee. |
On Wednesday, he admitted he was aware early last year of the VW group's emissions cheating. | On Wednesday, he admitted he was aware early last year of the VW group's emissions cheating. |
Michael Horn said he was told about a "possible emissions non-compliance" in the spring of 2014. | Michael Horn said he was told about a "possible emissions non-compliance" in the spring of 2014. |
The revelation was made in testimony due to be presented to a committee of the US House of Representatives investigating the scandal on Thursday. | The revelation was made in testimony due to be presented to a committee of the US House of Representatives investigating the scandal on Thursday. |
German prosecutors launched their investigation into the scandal last week after receiving about a dozen criminal complaints from citizens and one from VW itself. | |
They say they are trying to find out who was responsible for the alleged manipulation and how it was carried out. | |
Defeat device | |
Mr Horn said he was told about the emissions cheating after the publication of a study by West Virginia University. | |
"I was informed that EPA [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," he said. | "I was informed that EPA [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," he said. |
"I was also informed that the company engineers would work with the agencies to resolve the issue." | "I was also informed that the company engineers would work with the agencies to resolve the issue." |
Mr Horn said in the written evidence it was not until 3 September this year that Volkswagen told US authorities about the "defeat device" in emissions software in diesel vehicles for the model years 2009 to 2015. | Mr Horn said in the written evidence it was not until 3 September this year that Volkswagen told US authorities about the "defeat device" in emissions software in diesel vehicles for the model years 2009 to 2015. |
'Deeply troubling' | 'Deeply troubling' |
The software allowed a vehicle to recognise whether it was being driven on the road or running in a test laboratory, and turn engine emissions controls on or off. | The software allowed a vehicle to recognise whether it was being driven on the road or running in a test laboratory, and turn engine emissions controls on or off. |
Mr Horn said the events had been "deeply troubling", adding: "I did not think that something like this was possible at the Volkswagen Group. | Mr Horn said the events had been "deeply troubling", adding: "I 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." | "We have broken the trust of our customers, dealerships, and employees, as well as the public and regulators." |
He said the company took full responsibility for its actions and was co-operating with all relevant authorities. | He said the company took full responsibility for its actions and was co-operating with all relevant authorities. |
The executive will give evidence to the House Energy committee and Commerce subcommittee on oversight and investigations before being questioned by the politicians about the scandal, which affects half a million cars in the US. | The executive will give evidence to the House Energy committee and Commerce subcommittee on oversight and investigations before being questioned by the politicians about the scandal, which affects half a million cars in the US. |