Why your car could be caught up in the VW scandal

Motoring and Travel

Updated on 23 September 2015 | 5 Comments

Warnings raised that the Volkswagen emissions scandal could spread to other manufacturers.

The Government has called for an EU-wide investigation into the actual emission levels of cars, following warnings that other manufacturers may be implicated in the Volkswagen emissions scandal.

News broke this week that millions of diesel cars may be recalled after Volkswagen admitted that it cheated on emission tests.

‘Defeat devices’ were fitted onto around 11 million vehicles worldwide such as the VW Golf to give false readings so that they meet emission targets.

The software can sense when a car is being tested. It picks up on signs like anti-collision being switched off, which is standard under laboratory conditions. It then releases urea into the exhaust system to minimise nitrogen oxide emissions.

Investigation demanded

The Transport & Environment Group has claimed that other car makers use similar devices to falsely lower their emissions results, meaning other motorists could see their cars recalled. A report in The Independent claims that the engines at the centre of the emissions scandal have been fitted to several Skoda and Seat models in the UK.

However, BMW, Toyota and Renault have come forward to categorically deny they have tampered with the results of any emissions tests.

Patrick McLoughlin, Transport Secretary, has called for an EU-wide investigation "as a matter of urgency", saying it was vital that the public had confidence in vehicle emissions tests.

More emissions bad news

The scandal follows the news last week that diesel drivers may soon have to pay extra in order to drive in major UK cities, in a bid to clear up air quality.

Read more in Millions of motorists ‘to pay thousands’ to drive into cities.

Slash the cost of your car insurance

More on motoring:

Millions of motorists ‘to pay thousands’ to drive into cities

How you can beat unfair parking tickets in seconds

How to pick a car insurance policy

How to find cheaper diesel and petrol

Comments

Be the first to comment

Do you want to comment on this article? You need to be signed in for this feature

Copyright © lovemoney.com All rights reserved.

 

loveMONEY.com Financial Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with Firm Reference Number (FRN): 479153.

loveMONEY.com is a company registered in England & Wales (Company Number: 7406028) with its registered address at First Floor Ridgeland House, 15 Carfax, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1DY, United Kingdom. loveMONEY.com Limited operates under the trading name of loveMONEY.com Financial Services Limited. We operate as a credit broker for consumer credit and do not lend directly. Our company maintains relationships with various affiliates and lenders, which we may promote within our editorial content in emails and on featured partner pages through affiliate links. Please note, that we may receive commission payments from some of the product and service providers featured on our website. In line with Consumer Duty regulations, we assess our partners to ensure they offer fair value, are transparent, and cater to the needs of all customers, including vulnerable groups. We continuously review our practices to ensure compliance with these standards. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy and currency of our editorial content, users should independently verify information with their chosen product or service provider. This can be done by reviewing the product landing page information and the terms and conditions associated with the product. If you are uncertain whether a product is suitable, we strongly recommend seeking advice from a regulated independent financial advisor before applying for the products.