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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2015/oct/08/head-of-vw-america-testifies-us-congress-emissions-live-updates
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Head of VW America says he feels personally deceived – live updates | Head of VW America says he feels personally deceived – live updates |
(35 minutes later) | |
5.34pm BST17:34 | |
Here are Grundler’s prepared remarks. | |
As we reported yesterday: | |
The EPA is also being taken to task to determine why the agency failed to detect the use of such software earlier. | |
“VW manufactured and installed software in the electronic control module of these vehicles that sensed when the vehicle was being tested for compliance with EPA emissions standards,” Christopher Grundler, director of the EPA’s office of transportation and air quality, will testify on Thursday according to his prepared remarks. “Put simply, these cars contain software that turns off or significantly reduces the effectiveness of emissions controls when driving normally, and turns them on when the car is undergoing an emissions test.” | |
Grundler will also inform the committee that on 25 September the EPA contacted all auto manufacturers to inform them that the agency is “stepping up our testing activities in response to VW’s alleged violations”. | |
5.21pm BST17:21 | |
The hearing is taking a recess. When they come back, the lawmakers will hear from Christopher Grundler, director of EPA’s office of transportation and air quality. | |
5.12pm BST17:12 | 5.12pm BST17:12 |
“I don’t sleep at night,” says Horn. He says his goal is to help dealers and consumers and his employees to get them through this crisis. | “I don’t sleep at night,” says Horn. He says his goal is to help dealers and consumers and his employees to get them through this crisis. |
Asked why did this happen, Horn says any answer will be speculation, but that he thinks it was “pressure in the system to get resolutions” and costs pressuers. | Asked why did this happen, Horn says any answer will be speculation, but that he thinks it was “pressure in the system to get resolutions” and costs pressuers. |
“It is dead wrong if you put profits before people,” says Horn. | “It is dead wrong if you put profits before people,” says Horn. |
4.58pm BST16:58 | 4.58pm BST16:58 |
Chris Collins, representative from New York, is on a roll. He completely rejects Horn’s explanation of the events. | Chris Collins, representative from New York, is on a roll. He completely rejects Horn’s explanation of the events. |
He tells Horn to tell those in Germany that this response in insufficient and is arrogant. | He tells Horn to tell those in Germany that this response in insufficient and is arrogant. |
He says when trying to figure out a way to meet emissions standards, VW engineers were stumped - “what is stumped?” asks Horn - and could not figure it out. Collins says he finds it difficult to believe that when the cars finally met the emissions standards, no one said: This is break through technology. Let’s patent this. | He says when trying to figure out a way to meet emissions standards, VW engineers were stumped - “what is stumped?” asks Horn - and could not figure it out. Collins says he finds it difficult to believe that when the cars finally met the emissions standards, no one said: This is break through technology. Let’s patent this. |
Collins says that he categorically rejects the story of two rogue engineers adding a line of code into software with no one asking any questions. Either VW is incompetent, he says, or they are complicit in a “massive cover-up”. | Collins says that he categorically rejects the story of two rogue engineers adding a line of code into software with no one asking any questions. Either VW is incompetent, he says, or they are complicit in a “massive cover-up”. |
Congressman Chris Collins has just hammered Volkswagen for blaming rogue engineers. "It goes way, way higher than that," he said | Congressman Chris Collins has just hammered Volkswagen for blaming rogue engineers. "It goes way, way higher than that," he said |
Updated at 5.07pm BST | Updated at 5.07pm BST |
4.48pm BST16:48 | 4.48pm BST16:48 |
We can now add Morgan Griffith, representative from Virginia, to the long list of congressmen who have at some point owned a VW. | We can now add Morgan Griffith, representative from Virginia, to the long list of congressmen who have at some point owned a VW. |
Griffith says that a VW was the first new car his mother was able to afford and it was the car he learned to drive on. He also inherited a Super Beetle, which he says he still has. | Griffith says that a VW was the first new car his mother was able to afford and it was the car he learned to drive on. He also inherited a Super Beetle, which he says he still has. |
Speaking of disgruntled employees, he says: I am your consumer. I am a VW driver and I am disappointed. | Speaking of disgruntled employees, he says: I am your consumer. I am a VW driver and I am disappointed. |
Griffith suggests that VW create a database where consumers can enter their car information and find out if their car is one of the affected cars. | Griffith suggests that VW create a database where consumers can enter their car information and find out if their car is one of the affected cars. |
GOP Rep. Griffith, who just bought '12 VW diesel: "I’m your Volkswagen driver who has always trusted your company & I’m very disappointed." | GOP Rep. Griffith, who just bought '12 VW diesel: "I’m your Volkswagen driver who has always trusted your company & I’m very disappointed." |
Updated at 4.49pm BST | Updated at 4.49pm BST |
4.41pm BST16:41 | 4.41pm BST16:41 |
Horn really does not like people coughing and taking pictures - making clicking noise - while he is trying to testify. | Horn really does not like people coughing and taking pictures - making clicking noise - while he is trying to testify. |
4.39pm BST16:39 | 4.39pm BST16:39 |
Letters: "Should have bought a Subaru" | Letters: "Should have bought a Subaru" |
Last night, we received an email from one of our readers with subject line: “Should have bought a Subaru”. It read: | Last night, we received an email from one of our readers with subject line: “Should have bought a Subaru”. It read: |
I finally got the VW letter from Michael Horn yesterday explaining what they intend to do. Not very much, because I am guessing they are still working out what to do, so it was less than comforting. By the end of 2016 it should all be sorted out! To say I feel let down is an understatement. I have owned many VW diesel cars back in the UK and now living in California I thought long and hard whether I should get a Subaru or the VW. The VW won out. What a mistake that was. | I finally got the VW letter from Michael Horn yesterday explaining what they intend to do. Not very much, because I am guessing they are still working out what to do, so it was less than comforting. By the end of 2016 it should all be sorted out! To say I feel let down is an understatement. I have owned many VW diesel cars back in the UK and now living in California I thought long and hard whether I should get a Subaru or the VW. The VW won out. What a mistake that was. |
In my view, I don’t really see how they can gain the trust back. Even if they pay out compensation there is not a chance in hell I would buy a VW again. And from talking to fellow VW owners they feel the same way. The fact that Michael Horn knew about this a while back, (before I bought the car) makes it even worse. I would really like my money back, but I cannot see that happening … | In my view, I don’t really see how they can gain the trust back. Even if they pay out compensation there is not a chance in hell I would buy a VW again. And from talking to fellow VW owners they feel the same way. The fact that Michael Horn knew about this a while back, (before I bought the car) makes it even worse. I would really like my money back, but I cannot see that happening … |
My son has taken to teasing me with “Should have bought the Subaru”. | My son has taken to teasing me with “Should have bought the Subaru”. |
High class problems I know at a time when to world is going to shit … I guess I’m lucky I have a car. | High class problems I know at a time when to world is going to shit … I guess I’m lucky I have a car. |
4.35pm BST16:35 | 4.35pm BST16:35 |
Dominic Rushe | Dominic Rushe |
Horn has a two pronged strategy: “I’m not an engineer” which gets him out of answering technical questions and “the Germans did it” which gets him personally off the hook. It’s a tough job but so far he’s pulling it off. | Horn has a two pronged strategy: “I’m not an engineer” which gets him out of answering technical questions and “the Germans did it” which gets him personally off the hook. It’s a tough job but so far he’s pulling it off. |
This hearing is far less heated than the grilling Mary Barra, GM’s boss, received over their ignition switch recall. | This hearing is far less heated than the grilling Mary Barra, GM’s boss, received over their ignition switch recall. |
But that’s understandable considering that GM’s scandal killed people. | But that’s understandable considering that GM’s scandal killed people. |
Related: US senators accuse GM chief Mary Barra of 'cover-up' over recall | Related: US senators accuse GM chief Mary Barra of 'cover-up' over recall |
Updated at 4.36pm BST | Updated at 4.36pm BST |
4.33pm BST16:33 | 4.33pm BST16:33 |
Jan Schakowsky, representative from Illinois, is asking Horn how long this will all take - asks for a timeline as to when cars might get fixed. | Jan Schakowsky, representative from Illinois, is asking Horn how long this will all take - asks for a timeline as to when cars might get fixed. |
Horn says this depends on a car: | Horn says this depends on a car: |
So, these cars will be on the road for at least a year? asks Schakowsky. | So, these cars will be on the road for at least a year? asks Schakowsky. |
“More than a year, definitely,” said Horn. | “More than a year, definitely,” said Horn. |
Schakowsky suggests that VW consider providing financial compensation to customers who want to return the cars, because they feel they have been deceived. | Schakowsky suggests that VW consider providing financial compensation to customers who want to return the cars, because they feel they have been deceived. |
4.26pm BST16:26 | 4.26pm BST16:26 |
Horn was just asked to explain how the device works. If you expected him to say “I am not an engineer” again, you’d not be the only one. | Horn was just asked to explain how the device works. If you expected him to say “I am not an engineer” again, you’d not be the only one. |
Instead, Horn said: The defeat device is not a device, it’s a software code. | Instead, Horn said: The defeat device is not a device, it’s a software code. |
4.24pm BST16:24 | 4.24pm BST16:24 |
Graham Ruddick | Graham Ruddick |
So far, the most interesting part of Michael Horn’s testimony is the VW America boss admitting that it will take one to two years “minimum” to fix the affected cars in the US and that these vehicles will take 5 to 10 hours to fix each, with some needing a new tank fitted to them. This is likely to be the same across Europe. Horn claims that performance of the car will be relatively untouched, with miles per gallon the same, but any difference will leave company open to legal claims. | So far, the most interesting part of Michael Horn’s testimony is the VW America boss admitting that it will take one to two years “minimum” to fix the affected cars in the US and that these vehicles will take 5 to 10 hours to fix each, with some needing a new tank fitted to them. This is likely to be the same across Europe. Horn claims that performance of the car will be relatively untouched, with miles per gallon the same, but any difference will leave company open to legal claims. |
4.23pm BST16:23 | 4.23pm BST16:23 |
Joe Kennedy, representative from Massachusetts, presses Horn to confirm if anyone has been suspended so far. | Joe Kennedy, representative from Massachusetts, presses Horn to confirm if anyone has been suspended so far. |
Three people have been suspended, but Horn says he cannot disclose names. | Three people have been suspended, but Horn says he cannot disclose names. |
How much will this entire scandal costs? ask Kennedy. | How much will this entire scandal costs? ask Kennedy. |
The costs depend on fines that VW will have to pay, cost of the fix and the compensation for consumers, says Horn. | The costs depend on fines that VW will have to pay, cost of the fix and the compensation for consumers, says Horn. |
It will be a “whole lot of money, I am quite sure”. | It will be a “whole lot of money, I am quite sure”. |
Horn also provides an important clarification, pointing out that those who are responsible for installing of these defeat devices do not work under him at VW America, but in different departments in Germany. | Horn also provides an important clarification, pointing out that those who are responsible for installing of these defeat devices do not work under him at VW America, but in different departments in Germany. |
4.20pm BST16:20 | 4.20pm BST16:20 |
Dominic Rushe | Dominic Rushe |
Toughest questions so far are being delivered by Joe Barton, Texas. Barton says it’s hard to believe that this was not a “corporate decision”. Horn is sticking with the line that two rogue software engineers are responsible for this mess but Barton stuck with it eventually forcing Horn to admit that he too finds it “hard to believe”. | Toughest questions so far are being delivered by Joe Barton, Texas. Barton says it’s hard to believe that this was not a “corporate decision”. Horn is sticking with the line that two rogue software engineers are responsible for this mess but Barton stuck with it eventually forcing Horn to admit that he too finds it “hard to believe”. |
“Personally I struggle as well,” he says. It does seem hard to swallow that no one else knew what was going on and the software engineers’ supervisors were wholly unaware. | “Personally I struggle as well,” he says. It does seem hard to swallow that no one else knew what was going on and the software engineers’ supervisors were wholly unaware. |
4.15pm BST16:15 | 4.15pm BST16:15 |
Congressman Joe Barton is having a heart to heart talk with Horn. He finds it extremely difficult that no one in management knew about the defeat device and the emissions-rigging software. | Congressman Joe Barton is having a heart to heart talk with Horn. He finds it extremely difficult that no one in management knew about the defeat device and the emissions-rigging software. |
“I agree it’s very hard to believe,” Horn told him, adding that he personally struggles with it as well. | “I agree it’s very hard to believe,” Horn told him, adding that he personally struggles with it as well. |
4.12pm BST16:12 | 4.12pm BST16:12 |
Dominic Rushe | Dominic Rushe |
Florida’s Kathy Castor is talking about how VW has let down customers who believed they had bought a greener car. We spoke to angry VW customers recently. | Florida’s Kathy Castor is talking about how VW has let down customers who believed they had bought a greener car. We spoke to angry VW customers recently. |
“It’s like we’re breaking up. We can either be friends or hate each other. Maybe we’ll even get back together, but not right now,” one of them told us. | “It’s like we’re breaking up. We can either be friends or hate each other. Maybe we’ll even get back together, but not right now,” one of them told us. |
Related: Volkswagen scandal tarnishes hard-won US reputation as green company | Related: Volkswagen scandal tarnishes hard-won US reputation as green company |
4.12pm BST16:12 | 4.12pm BST16:12 |
Horn says he feels personally deceived | Horn says he feels personally deceived |
Do you feel you have been personally deceived? asks Kathy Castor, representative from Florida. | Do you feel you have been personally deceived? asks Kathy Castor, representative from Florida. |
Yes, says Horn. He says he has worked for the company for 25 years and not cheating was always a given for him. | Yes, says Horn. He says he has worked for the company for 25 years and not cheating was always a given for him. |
Castor points out that consumers also feel deceived - and they are calling the local dealerships to express their disappointment. | Castor points out that consumers also feel deceived - and they are calling the local dealerships to express their disappointment. |
Horn says that there are 650 VW dealers in the US and 350 Audi dealers. the affected cars are about 25% of their business. | Horn says that there are 650 VW dealers in the US and 350 Audi dealers. the affected cars are about 25% of their business. |
These dealers are on the front lines of fielding unhappy consumers, says Castor. | These dealers are on the front lines of fielding unhappy consumers, says Castor. |
Horn says that dealers are provided with information as soon as VW has it and that the company has put together a list of frequently asked questions. | Horn says that dealers are provided with information as soon as VW has it and that the company has put together a list of frequently asked questions. |
4.04pm BST16:04 | 4.04pm BST16:04 |
Will VW buy back the car inventory? asks Marsha Blackburn, representative from Tennessee. | Will VW buy back the car inventory? asks Marsha Blackburn, representative from Tennessee. |
The objective is not to buy back the cars, but to fix them, says Horn. | The objective is not to buy back the cars, but to fix them, says Horn. |
Has the VW identified the group of people responsible for installing the defeat device? asks Blackburn. | Has the VW identified the group of people responsible for installing the defeat device? asks Blackburn. |
The investigation is ongoing, says Horn. | The investigation is ongoing, says Horn. |
When do you expect to have plan? Is there a timeline? asks Blackburn. | When do you expect to have plan? Is there a timeline? asks Blackburn. |
Horn’s answer is basically: we are working on it. | Horn’s answer is basically: we are working on it. |
Blackburn asks if Horn is certain that this will be a multi-year plan. | Blackburn asks if Horn is certain that this will be a multi-year plan. |
He says yes. The fix - once agreed on - will take 5 to 10 hours per car. He point out that recalls usually take one to two year when the fix is available and agreed on by all agencies. | He says yes. The fix - once agreed on - will take 5 to 10 hours per car. He point out that recalls usually take one to two year when the fix is available and agreed on by all agencies. |
4.00pm BST16:00 | 4.00pm BST16:00 |
Dominic Rushe | Dominic Rushe |
The hearing doesn’t seem to be impressed with Horn’s “I’m not an engineer” defense. Frank Pallone, New Jersey rep, isn’t convinced that VW has a fix and he’s pointing out that any fix is going to substantially change the cars. | The hearing doesn’t seem to be impressed with Horn’s “I’m not an engineer” defense. Frank Pallone, New Jersey rep, isn’t convinced that VW has a fix and he’s pointing out that any fix is going to substantially change the cars. |
3.59pm BST15:59 | 3.59pm BST15:59 |
Frank Pallone, representative for New Jersey, asks whether the fix from the VW will affect the cars fuel performance and mileage. | Frank Pallone, representative for New Jersey, asks whether the fix from the VW will affect the cars fuel performance and mileage. |
If the cars - once fixed - won’t perform as consumers expected, then VW should compensate them, he says. | If the cars - once fixed - won’t perform as consumers expected, then VW should compensate them, he says. |
Horn says compensations and effects on performance will be part of the conversation. | Horn says compensations and effects on performance will be part of the conversation. |
3.54pm BST15:54 | 3.54pm BST15:54 |
Congressman Upton wants to know what the VW is doing for the dealers, who have purchased the affected cars that they now cannot sell to US consumers. | Congressman Upton wants to know what the VW is doing for the dealers, who have purchased the affected cars that they now cannot sell to US consumers. |
Dealers have “lost a boatload”, says Upton. | Dealers have “lost a boatload”, says Upton. |
Horn says that this concerns him a lot. | Horn says that this concerns him a lot. |
“Dealer profitability in this country is my number one objective,” Horn. | “Dealer profitability in this country is my number one objective,” Horn. |
Related: VW dealers in US running out of cars to sell as emissions scandal deepens | Related: VW dealers in US running out of cars to sell as emissions scandal deepens |
3.49pm BST15:49 | 3.49pm BST15:49 |
I have a feeling we will be hearing “I am not an engineer” a lot today. | I have a feeling we will be hearing “I am not an engineer” a lot today. |
3.47pm BST15:47 | 3.47pm BST15:47 |
Graham Ruddick | Graham Ruddick |
Michael Horn’s explanation of how Volkswagen is trying to fix the affected vehicles gave a glimpse into how complex this will be it. As Horn said, if it was easy then VW would not have needed defeat devices in the first place to beat emissions tests. 430,000 of the 482,000 recalled US cars will need software and hardware repairs. | Michael Horn’s explanation of how Volkswagen is trying to fix the affected vehicles gave a glimpse into how complex this will be it. As Horn said, if it was easy then VW would not have needed defeat devices in the first place to beat emissions tests. 430,000 of the 482,000 recalled US cars will need software and hardware repairs. |
3.43pm BST15:43 | 3.43pm BST15:43 |
“You guys cough here all the time,” Horn said, prompting DeGette to repeat her question. | “You guys cough here all the time,” Horn said, prompting DeGette to repeat her question. |
“You guys cough here all the time." | “You guys cough here all the time." |
Updated at 3.45pm BST | Updated at 3.45pm BST |
3.43pm BST15:43 | 3.43pm BST15:43 |
Dominic Rushe | Dominic Rushe |
We can’t hear it on the video feed but apparently there is so much coughing in the room that Horn is having difficulty hearing the questions. | We can’t hear it on the video feed but apparently there is so much coughing in the room that Horn is having difficulty hearing the questions. |
Strategy? Or perhaps there are noxious emissions. | Strategy? Or perhaps there are noxious emissions. |
Updated at 3.50pm BST | Updated at 3.50pm BST |
3.42pm BST15:42 | 3.42pm BST15:42 |
Congresswoman DeGette asks Horn if he understands how the defeat devices work. | Congresswoman DeGette asks Horn if he understands how the defeat devices work. |
“No, I do not. I am not an engineer,” says Horn. | “No, I do not. I am not an engineer,” says Horn. |
Updated at 3.42pm BST | Updated at 3.42pm BST |
3.40pm BST15:40 | 3.40pm BST15:40 |
Murphy says he takes no comfort in the idea that just a few people have taken part in the deception regarding emissions rigging software. | Murphy says he takes no comfort in the idea that just a few people have taken part in the deception regarding emissions rigging software. |
According to Horn, investigation has now been turned over to external US law firm Jones Day. | According to Horn, investigation has now been turned over to external US law firm Jones Day. |
VW is working on both software and hardware solutions. | VW is working on both software and hardware solutions. |
“This is something that is hardware engineering. It’s complex and it takes a little bit of time,” says Horn. | “This is something that is hardware engineering. It’s complex and it takes a little bit of time,” says Horn. |
3.35pm BST15:35 | 3.35pm BST15:35 |
We are done with prepared remarks. Congressman Murphy is begins questioning by asking: Did VW install this software to beat emissions tests? | We are done with prepared remarks. Congressman Murphy is begins questioning by asking: Did VW install this software to beat emissions tests? |
Horn says that yes, the software was installed to beat emissions tests. | Horn says that yes, the software was installed to beat emissions tests. |
3.32pm BST15:32 | 3.32pm BST15:32 |
“These events are deeply troubling. 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,” says Horn. | “These events are deeply troubling. 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,” says Horn. |
“We are determined to make things right. This includes accepting the consequences of our acts, providing a remedy, and beginning to restore the trust of our customers, dealerships, employees, the regulators, and the American public. We will rebuild the reputation of a company that more than two million people worldwide, including dealers and suppliers, rely upon for their livelihoods.” | “We are determined to make things right. This includes accepting the consequences of our acts, providing a remedy, and beginning to restore the trust of our customers, dealerships, employees, the regulators, and the American public. We will rebuild the reputation of a company that more than two million people worldwide, including dealers and suppliers, rely upon for their livelihoods.” |
You can read the full prepared remarks here. | You can read the full prepared remarks here. |
3.30pm BST15:30 | 3.30pm BST15:30 |
Michael Horn delivers his testimony | Michael Horn delivers his testimony |
Horn is having a bit of trouble finding the button on his mike. | Horn is having a bit of trouble finding the button on his mike. |
Oh, here we go. | Oh, here we go. |
On behalf of our company, and my colleagues in Germany, I would like to offer a sincere apology for Volkswagen’s use of a software program that served to defeat the regular emissions testing regime. | On behalf of our company, and my colleagues in Germany, I would like to offer a sincere apology for Volkswagen’s use of a software program that served to defeat the regular emissions testing regime. |
In the spring of 2014 when the West Virginia University study was published, I was told that there was a possible emissions non-compliance that could be remedied. I was informed that EPA 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. | In the spring of 2014 when the West Virginia University study was published, I was told that there was a possible emissions non-compliance that could be remedied. I was informed that EPA 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. |
Here Horn breaks from his prepared remarks to clarify that he did not have a reason to suspect such software was being used in cars. | Here Horn breaks from his prepared remarks to clarify that he did not have a reason to suspect such software was being used in cars. |
Back to the prepared remarks: | Back to the prepared remarks: |
I was also informed that the company engineers would work with the agencies to resolve the issue. Later in 2014, I was informed that the technical teams had a specific plan for remedies to bring the vehicles into compliance and that they were engaged with the agencies about the process. | I was also informed that the company engineers would work with the agencies to resolve the issue. Later in 2014, I was informed that the technical teams had a specific plan for remedies to bring the vehicles into compliance and that they were engaged with the agencies about the process. |
3.25pm BST15:25 | 3.25pm BST15:25 |
Graham Ruddick | Graham Ruddick |
If Michael Horn was in any doubt about the tough ride he faces today, he can have little doubt now. The opening remarks from the committee suggest they want to shame the company, but also want answers about how exactly the scandal happened and who was to blame. Horn will have come prepared to be shamed, but providing answers could be more problematic. The company is facing legal claims around the world and Horn could claim his answers are restricted. That approach won Tony Hayward of BP no friends at all. | If Michael Horn was in any doubt about the tough ride he faces today, he can have little doubt now. The opening remarks from the committee suggest they want to shame the company, but also want answers about how exactly the scandal happened and who was to blame. Horn will have come prepared to be shamed, but providing answers could be more problematic. The company is facing legal claims around the world and Horn could claim his answers are restricted. That approach won Tony Hayward of BP no friends at all. |
3.24pm BST15:24 | 3.24pm BST15:24 |
Pallone adds that the US consumers should feel safe on the road and that they should get what they paid for. | Pallone adds that the US consumers should feel safe on the road and that they should get what they paid for. |
They are not “crash test dummies and shouldn’t be treated as such,” says Pallone. He tells Horn: don’t hide behind internal investigation excuse. | They are not “crash test dummies and shouldn’t be treated as such,” says Pallone. He tells Horn: don’t hide behind internal investigation excuse. |
“We deserve an explanation.” | “We deserve an explanation.” |
3.22pm BST15:22 | 3.22pm BST15:22 |
We are here because VW lied, says Frank Pallone, representative for New Jersey. He adds that this scandal makes him question how much American public should trust auto industry overall. | We are here because VW lied, says Frank Pallone, representative for New Jersey. He adds that this scandal makes him question how much American public should trust auto industry overall. |
3.20pm BST15:20 | 3.20pm BST15:20 |
And that makes three. | And that makes three. |
David McKinley, representative for West Virginia, also admits that his first car was a beetle - a 1957 VW beetle. | David McKinley, representative for West Virginia, also admits that his first car was a beetle - a 1957 VW beetle. |
3.18pm BST15:18 | 3.18pm BST15:18 |
Dominic Rushe | Dominic Rushe |
“VW has betrayed a nation – a nation of regulators, loyalists, and innocent customers,” says Upton. “It’s time to clean it up or get off the road.” | “VW has betrayed a nation – a nation of regulators, loyalists, and innocent customers,” says Upton. “It’s time to clean it up or get off the road.” |
Updated at 3.19pm BST | Updated at 3.19pm BST |
3.17pm BST15:17 | 3.17pm BST15:17 |
Dominic Rushe | Dominic Rushe |
“Cheaters never prosper,” says Fred Upton, representative for Michigan. “If you were willing to cut corners here what else have they done?” | “Cheaters never prosper,” says Fred Upton, representative for Michigan. “If you were willing to cut corners here what else have they done?” |
3.16pm BST15:16 | 3.16pm BST15:16 |
It appears that Murphy is not the only congressman whose first car was a VW beetle. | It appears that Murphy is not the only congressman whose first car was a VW beetle. |
Colorado congresswoman Diana DeGette also says her first car was a beetle. | Colorado congresswoman Diana DeGette also says her first car was a beetle. |
“I still miss the car,” she says. | “I still miss the car,” she says. |
3.13pm BST15:13 | 3.13pm BST15:13 |
Dominic Rushe | Dominic Rushe |
Representative Tim Murphy is setting out the aim’s of the hearing. He wants to know what happened, who was responsible and why they did it. Also why the environmental protection agency (EPA) failed to spot it. Murphy added that the scandal needed a sense of proportion - the recall of 480,000 represent only 0.2% of the vehicles on US roads and he said that so far there was no evidence that VW’s emmisions dodge extends to other manufacturers. | Representative Tim Murphy is setting out the aim’s of the hearing. He wants to know what happened, who was responsible and why they did it. Also why the environmental protection agency (EPA) failed to spot it. Murphy added that the scandal needed a sense of proportion - the recall of 480,000 represent only 0.2% of the vehicles on US roads and he said that so far there was no evidence that VW’s emmisions dodge extends to other manufacturers. |
Updated at 3.17pm BST | Updated at 3.17pm BST |
3.12pm BST15:12 | 3.12pm BST15:12 |
Murphy points out that Horn is appearing voluntarily and adds that he hopes that VW will continue to cooperate with US congress. | Murphy points out that Horn is appearing voluntarily and adds that he hopes that VW will continue to cooperate with US congress. |
In his opening remarks, Murphy already laid out multiple questions: | In his opening remarks, Murphy already laid out multiple questions: |
As I said before, there are a number of core questions we will begin to pursue today, both for Volkswagen and for EPA. Most critically: what happened; who was involved; and why were these deceptive actions taken? | As I said before, there are a number of core questions we will begin to pursue today, both for Volkswagen and for EPA. Most critically: what happened; who was involved; and why were these deceptive actions taken? |
Horn will be asked explain “the current understanding of VW executives about what exactly was done to these engines, and was it done to deliberately deceive the government regulators? And what is VW doing to fix the problem and make whole those who have been affected by its actions?” | Horn will be asked explain “the current understanding of VW executives about what exactly was done to these engines, and was it done to deliberately deceive the government regulators? And what is VW doing to fix the problem and make whole those who have been affected by its actions?” |
Murphy also wants to know: | Murphy also wants to know: |
If the technology was improving, what did the company understand about the software cheat? And what does this mean for fixing these vehicles? Will some be easier than others? | If the technology was improving, what did the company understand about the software cheat? And what does this mean for fixing these vehicles? Will some be easier than others? |
3.04pm BST15:04 | 3.04pm BST15:04 |
Michael Horn, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, has arrived and the hearing is about to begin. | Michael Horn, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, has arrived and the hearing is about to begin. |
Horn’s prepared remarks can be found here. | Horn’s prepared remarks can be found here. |
Pennsylvania congressman Tim Murphy begins the hearing saying that his first car was a Volkswagen beetle. | Pennsylvania congressman Tim Murphy begins the hearing saying that his first car was a Volkswagen beetle. |
“I loved that car,” says Murphy. | “I loved that car,” says Murphy. |
2.58pm BST14:58 | 2.58pm BST14:58 |
You can watch the Volkswagen hearing here on C-SPAN: | You can watch the Volkswagen hearing here on C-SPAN: |
THURSDAY: @HouseCommerce #SubOversight hearing on #Volkswagen emissions issues - LIVE C-SPAN3 http://t.co/4hnnH9SD16 pic.twitter.com/0h2jXRuJkq | THURSDAY: @HouseCommerce #SubOversight hearing on #Volkswagen emissions issues - LIVE C-SPAN3 http://t.co/4hnnH9SD16 pic.twitter.com/0h2jXRuJkq |
2.52pm BST14:52 | 2.52pm BST14:52 |
In case you need a refresher before the hearing starts, here is our video that explains what VW did and why: | In case you need a refresher before the hearing starts, here is our video that explains what VW did and why: |
2.50pm BST14:50 | 2.50pm BST14:50 |
While we have been waiting for the hearing to begin, VW’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany have been raided by officials. | While we have been waiting for the hearing to begin, VW’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany have been raided by officials. |
Here is what we have so far: | Here is what we have so far: |
Prosecutors in Braunschweig, Lower Saxony, say the raids were carried out on Thursday in Wolfsburg, where VW has its headquarters, and at other locations. | Prosecutors in Braunschweig, Lower Saxony, say the raids were carried out on Thursday in Wolfsburg, where VW has its headquarters, and at other locations. |
In a statement, they said the aim of the searches was to “secure documents and data storage devices” that could identify those involved in the alleged manipulation and explain how it was carried out. | In a statement, they said the aim of the searches was to “secure documents and data storage devices” that could identify those involved in the alleged manipulation and explain how it was carried out. |
Related: German prosecutors raid VW offices in emissions inquiry | Related: German prosecutors raid VW offices in emissions inquiry |
2.46pm BST14:46 | 2.46pm BST14:46 |
Michael Horn to testify before congressional committee at 10 am | Michael Horn to testify before congressional committee at 10 am |
Good morning, welcome to our live blog of today’s hearing on Volkswagen’s emissions-rigging scandal. The hearing, held by the US House committee on energy and commerce, is set to starts at 10am ET. | Good morning, welcome to our live blog of today’s hearing on Volkswagen’s emissions-rigging scandal. The hearing, held by the US House committee on energy and commerce, is set to starts at 10am ET. |
Michael Horn, president and CEO of Volkswagen (VW) Group of America, will be the first to testify. According to his prepared remarks, he will confirm that he knew of the company’s emission rigging issues as early as spring 2014 and will once again apologize for VW’s use of the rigging software. | Michael Horn, president and CEO of Volkswagen (VW) Group of America, will be the first to testify. According to his prepared remarks, he will confirm that he knew of the company’s emission rigging issues as early as spring 2014 and will once again apologize for VW’s use of the rigging software. |
The use of the software first came to light in spring 2014 when John German, an automotive engineer, working with the West Virginia University conducted emissions tests on real roads instead of in the lab. He sent a copy of his report to VW – at which time Horn will testify he was told of possible emissions non-compliance. | The use of the software first came to light in spring 2014 when John German, an automotive engineer, working with the West Virginia University conducted emissions tests on real roads instead of in the lab. He sent a copy of his report to VW – at which time Horn will testify he was told of possible emissions non-compliance. |
It wasn’t until September, however, that the public became aware of this issue. On 18 September, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ordered VW to recall 482,000 four-cylinder Volkswagen and Audi diesel cars. According to the EPA, since 2008 the software allowed those cars to cheat emissions tests while producing up to 40 times more pollution than allowed. | It wasn’t until September, however, that the public became aware of this issue. On 18 September, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ordered VW to recall 482,000 four-cylinder Volkswagen and Audi diesel cars. According to the EPA, since 2008 the software allowed those cars to cheat emissions tests while producing up to 40 times more pollution than allowed. |
You can read more about Horn’s prepared remarks here: | You can read more about Horn’s prepared remarks here: |
Related: Head of VW in US will tell Congress he knew of emissions rigging in early 2014 | Related: Head of VW in US will tell Congress he knew of emissions rigging in early 2014 |
And you can also read more about John German, the man who helped expose Volkswagen’s emissions scandal, here: | And you can also read more about John German, the man who helped expose Volkswagen’s emissions scandal, here: |
Related: Meet John German: the man who helped expose Volkswagen's emissions scandal | Related: Meet John German: the man who helped expose Volkswagen's emissions scandal |