Volkswagen makeup exhaust gases with a software – Webnews

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the US authority for environmental protection, accused Volkswagen of violating the rules on emissions of exhaust gases, using software that shows the values ​​within the permissible , when approaching the periodic test required by law. The German automaker will now be forced to recall almost 500,000 diesel vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2015. Nevertheless, Volkswagen faces a fine of up to $ 18 billion .

details are known on the operation of the software, but the EPA has determined that the cars tested (Jetta, Beatle, Golf, Passat and Audi A3) emit quantities of nitric oxide much higher than those prescribed by the Clean Air Act. When approaching the scheduled date for the control of exhaust gas, software is activated and emissions are reduced by up to 40% . In practice, Volkswagen has implemented a system to increase performance vehicles (torque and acceleration), acting on the control unit. The discrepancies between the values ​​determined in the laboratory and on the road have been discovered by the research group International Council on Clean Transportation and reported to the agency US.

According to the EPA, the behavior of the German manufacturer is unacceptable, as manipulate the controller to overcome the controls represents a serious danger to public health . Nitric oxide helps create ozone and smog, and is one of the leaders of asthma attacks and other respiratory diseases that, in extreme cases, lead to death.

The Department of Justice has launched a ‘investigation that could lead to a fine of $ 37,500 per vehicle called . The total could then exceed 18 billion dollars. As well as economic, the “trick” devised by Volkswagen will also result in a loss of image. Just a few days ago, the company had announced the arrival on the market of 20 electric and hybrid models by 2020 to reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

After admitting the violation of antipollution regulations, the automaker lost more than 20% the stock exchange in New York . Volkswagen has announced an external inquiry on the incident and will cooperate fully with US authorities. In the next few days could be undertaken similar investigations in Germany and in other European countries, where the number of diesel models sold is greater than the United States.