The VW scandal. How far does it go?

[tintin]

I must admit, I was starting to feel some sympathy for VAG (they got caught, but they're not the only guilty ones…). That was until it became clear that they only withdrew the "affected stock" of 4000 vehicles yesterday, after the busy September sales month was over. That smacks of cynical self-interest, so I'm feeling a bit less sympathetic now.

It also looks as if nearly as many Audis as VWs are affected, based on the "action plan" notice posted above.

[mannyo]

Its moving on from just cars as well, it looks like some brands of Television also have software that recognises the tests used for determining their energy ratings and alter their power consumption during the test.
http://www.theguardian.com/environme...n-in-real-life

[PsYcHe]

It's everything that uses standard benchmarks to a greater or lesser extent. You always get special units or soecial software/configurations for the benchmarks

[s2_bo]

Looking at the massive drop in stock value I'd say this is most likely all a money making scheme and someones going to get unbelievably rich when they bounce back up.Bit like the BP stock after the spillage in the golf.

[Witchfinder]

Other manufacturers are trying to cash in on this. I got this email from Ford this morning:

FORD EMISSIONS COMMITMENT
Given the worldwide attention and news coverage related to diesel emissions tests, we at Ford want to make sure our position on these key issues is clear.
First, our vehicles and engines – including our advanced-technology diesel engines – meet all applicable emissions requirements. Importantly, we do not have any so‑called “defeat devices” in our vehicles.
We also fully support efforts to ensure that test procedures more closely match the real‑world conditions that customers experience under normal driving. That is why we have supported the development of a European Real Driving Emissions initiative that is going into law in Europe.
Ford is committed to offering customers high fuel efficiency and low emissions through what we call the “power of choice.” We offer a variety of choices ranging from our EcoBoost-powered petrol vehicles and advanced technology diesels to hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full electric vehicles.
Visit www.ford.co.uk or your local FordStore or Ford dealer to learn more about Ford’s newest vehicles, technology and our commitment to Go Further.

[Johnmed]

Originally Posted by Witchfinder

Other manufacturers are trying to cash in on this. I got this email from Ford this morning:

FORD EMISSIONS COMMITMENT
Given the worldwide attention and news coverage related to diesel emissions tests, we at Ford want to make sure our position on these key issues is clear.
First, our vehicles and engines – including our advanced-technology diesel engines – meet all applicable emissions requirements. Importantly, we do not have any so‑called “defeat devices” in our vehicles.
We also fully support efforts to ensure that test procedures more closely match the real‑world conditions that customers experience under normal driving. That is why we have supported the development of a European Real Driving Emissions initiative that is going into law in Europe.
Ford is committed to offering customers high fuel efficiency and low emissions through what we call the “power of choice.” We offer a variety of choices ranging from our EcoBoost-powered petrol vehicles and advanced technology diesels to hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full electric vehicles.
Visit www.ford.co.uk or your local FordStore or Ford dealer to learn more about Ford’s newest vehicles, technology and our commitment to Go Further.

That looks a bit like damage limitation to me. I imagine sales of diesel cars could be taking a hammering just now. Particularly in markets like the U.S. where diesels are not so widely accepted.

[Goran]

Originally Posted by Witchfinder

FORD EMISSIONS COMMITMENT
...
We also fully support efforts to ensure that test procedures more closely match the real‑world conditions that customers experience under normal driving.
...

Did anyone see the BBC news report about this last night.
The VW Euro 5 tested on normal roads produced NOX around 4 times higher than its benchmark, but the Euro 6 Ford produced NOX over 4 times than the benchmark.

So all manufacturers use perfect conditions to meet the regulations, but it seems they all produce more pollution on real roads and by about the same multiple.

In light of this I don't know why they singled out VW, sounds conspiritorial to me.

[tintin]

The key difference in my view is that VAG - not just VW - deliberately designed their product, though the fitting of this defeat device, to specifically alter the vehicle performance just to fool the MOT test, and for no other purpose.

This is rigging the market in much the same way as, for example, the LIBOR fixing in the banking scandal, and is different from a car manufacturer trying to squeeze as much benefit as possible out of a (admittedly artificial) regulatory test. So more criminal than conspiratorial in my book.