VW emissions scandal: German government finds that only VW Group used defeat devices

The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has finished its testing of diesel vehicles and has found that only Volkswagen Group diesel cars used the devices to manipulate their emissions.

Although the report isn’t to be published until nearer the end of the month, German newspaper Handelsblatt reported that a KBA insider revealed the results. This date had already been pushed back, after the KBA asked for more time to complete the investigation.

The conclusion refutes previous accusations of emissions irregularites against other manufacturers, including Renault and BMW, which proved to be unfounded. This also confirms Renault’s claims that its recent emissions improvement work is voluntary, rather than enforced action.

The Department for Transport is currently implementing a retesting program for a variety of cars in light of the Dieselgate scandal, working with overseas governments for more comprehensive coverage of the cars on sale, and to share the cost of retesting. The cars on test will be a representative sample of the UK car industry, and will not be limited to either Volkswagen or diesel vehicles. Although it has not been announced when the retesting is likely to be completed, findings are to be reported within the next few weeks.

Volkswagen is in the midst its recall operation of around 11 million vehicles, which has not been without its hiccups; latest reports suggest that the recall of the Volkswagen Passat has had to be halted, although the reason for this is yet to be confirmed.

VW's legal troubles, particularly in North America but also across the rest of the globe, have reportedly prompted internal tensions as workers demand assurance of job security in the face of heavy financial penalties against the VW Group. 

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