In the wake of the Volkswagen emissions scandal, the automaker is withdrawing US emissions certification applications for its 2016 diesel Jettas, Golfs, Passats and Beetles, according to an Associated Press report.
In addition to almost half a million cars in the US, Volkswagen admitted that almost 1.2 million diesel vehicles in the UK are involved in the scandal and used “defeat devices” to cheat air pollution laws.
According to testimony provided to a US House subcommittee by Michael Horn, CEO of Volkswagen of America, the company withdrew its application because it had not disclosed software used in the 2016 vehicles to the EPA.
Horn told the House panel that he only learned about the rigged emissions software within the last several weeks and apologized for the use of the defeat device. The defeat devices were designed to turn on pollution controls to reduce nitrogen oxide output when the EPAs dynamometer tests were under way. The EPA Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS), commonly called the “LA4” or “the city test,” represents city driving conditions and is used for light duty vehicle testing.
VW is working on a fix for vehicles with emissions problems and is working with US regulators to get its 2016 models certified. When the company will refile its application is unknown.
Photo credit: Volkswagen Jetta via Shutterstock