The Environmental Protection Agency is ordering Volkswagen to recall nearly a half-million cars after the company allegedly used a computer software trick to make the cars seem more environmentally friendly during state emissions tests.
The VW models involved include the diesel versions of the following models: The 2009-15 Volkswagen Jetta, the 2009–15 Beetle, the 2009–15 Golf, the 2014-15 Passat and the 2009-15 Audi A3. The recall affects 482,000 vehicles in total.
“Using a defeat device in cars to evade clean air standards is illegal and a threat to public health,” said Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, in a statement. “Working closely with the California Air Resources Board, EPA is committed to making sure that all automakers play by the same rules. EPA will continue to investigate these very serious matters.”
“Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., Volkswagen AG and Audi AG received today notice from the US Environmental Protection Agency, US Department of Justice and the California Air Resources Board of an investigation related to certain emissions compliance matters,” Volkswagen says. “VW is cooperating with the investigation; we are unable to comment further at this time.”