Following its admission that 'defeat devices' were used in diesel car emissions tests, Volkswagen has said that it has found “irregularities” in the carbon dioxide levels emitted by 800,000 of its cars. VW said that CO2 and fuel consumption were “set too low during the CO2 certification process.
VW said it estimated the “economic risks” of the latest discovery at €2bn (£1.42bn). The company said the “majority” of cars involved have a diesel engine, which implies that petrol cars are also involved.
Matthias Müller, chief executive of VW, said (reported by The Guardian): “From the very start I have pushed hard for the relentless and comprehensive clarification of events. We will stop at nothing and nobody. This is a painful process, but it is our only alternative. For us, the only thing that counts is the truth. That is the basis for the fundamental realignment that Volkswagen needs.”
VW says it will work with the authorities to clarify what took place during the CO2 tests and “ensure the correct CO2 classification for the vehicles affected”.
The company has said that it will cover its customers tax costs if the investigation shows that any of its vehicles have been categorised in the wrong tax band.