Hidden emissions software in newer Volkswagens may have been an intentional attempt by the company to avoid running up against environmental standards.
The company received a notice of violation from the Environmental Protection agency and a recall order from the Obama administration regarding software that dampens emissions only during inspection, according to an article from The New York Times. The recall affects nearly half a million four-cylinder diesel Volkswagen and Audi vehicles from model years 2009 -2015.
Volkswagen is accused of installing a “defeat device,” software that kicks in when the car is undergoing official emissions testing and turns on full emissions control systems at that time. At all other times the control systems are turned off, and therefore the car pollutes much more than is reported on the manufacturer’s official material.
Specifically, the software controls the cars’ emissions of nitrogen oxides, which has been linked to asthma attacks and other respiratory diseases. Without the full emission controls, the cars can emit nitrogen oxides at up to 40 times the national standard.
The New York Times report said the diesel 2009-15 Volkswagen Jetta, 2009–15 Beetle, 2009–15 Golf, 2014-15 Passat and 2009-15 Audi A3 all included the “defeat device” software. In total, about 482,000 diesel passenger cars were affected.
In addition to the EPA accusations, the state of California has also issued a notice of violation to Volkswagen. The EPA, California, and the Justice Department are investigating the case jointly.
Volkswagen could face civil penalties and injunctive relief for circumventing the program. The EPA noted that the software poses no threat to drivers, and that car owners in possession of one of the affected models are not requested to take any action.
Researchers at West Virginia University first uncovered the defeat device software during work with the International Council on Clean Transportation. In September, Volkswagen admitted to including the defeat devices in the cars.
The violation falls under the Clean Air Act, the EPA’s effort to bring vehicle manufacturers in line with federal emission standards.
“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,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Cynthia Giles.
