Volkswagen and Audi have long received praise for blending high performance with fuel efficiency. In spite of this, the two brands are being accused of using software to lie about emissions.
The accusation comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which claims that illegal emissions control software was used in cars by Volkswagen and Audi (which is a Volkswagen subsidiary) from 2009 to 2015.
"A sophisticated software algorithm on certain Volkswagen vehicles detects when the car is undergoing official emissions testing, and turns full emissions controls on only during the test," said the EPA in a statement.
In other words, the cars can allegedly tell when they're being tested for emissions and run in "clean mode" to meet the standards. The cars then switch back to normal use — at which they emit up to 40 times the standard emissions.
Potentially affected cars include the 2009-2015 Volkswagen Jetta, Beetle and Golf, the 2014-2015 Volkswagen Passat, and the 2009-2015 Audio A3.
While the EPA's statement did not mention recalls, the Obama administration stepped in to direct Volkswagen to issue recalls. Not only that, but there is also a maximum fine of $37,500 per vehicle — and with 482,000 cars in question, Volkswagen could be looking at fines of up to a whopping $18 billion.
So why cheat in first place? Well, it likely has something to do with the "zip" Volkswagen likes to advertise that sells cars and increases fuel efficiency. At 40 times the standard emissions, however, we might not be seeing that zip from Volkswagen cars much longer.
Over the next year, it is expected that owners of the cars will be notified on how to get their cars repaired at no cost to them.
Via: CNET
