Volkswagen Emissions Scandal Deepens as Paris Prosecutor Launches Inquiry

Strategic Insights -

The Volkswagen emissions testing scandal has intensified, with the Paris prosecutor opening a preliminary inquiry into the carmaker for suspected aggravated deception. The investigation, instigated by Pierre Serne, vice-president of the region Ile-de-France responsible for transport, has raised concerns about the integrity of Volkswagen's diesel vehicles. Meanwhile, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has expanded its investigation to include 28 diesel-powered car models from other manufacturers, including BMW, Chrysler, General Motors, Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Paris prosecutor has launched a preliminary inquiry into Volkswagen for suspected aggravated deception.
  • The investigation was instigated by Pierre Serne, vice-president of the region Ile-de-France responsible for transport.
  • The US EPA has broadened its investigation to include at least 28 diesel-powered car models from other manufacturers, including BMW, Chrysler, General Motors, Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz.
  • The EPA will initially test one used vehicle of each model and then widen the inquiry if it finds anything suspicious.
  • Volkswagen has admitted to fitting up to 11m vehicles with software that manipulates emissions tests.
  • The company's chief executive, Martin Winterkorn, has stepped down and is facing a criminal investigation in Germany.
  • Lord Drayson, former UK science minister, has admitted that the Labour government's support for diesel cars was a mistake, warning that diesels are "literally killing people".

Statistics:

  • 11m: The number of vehicles Volkswagen admitted to fitting with software that manipulates emissions tests.
  • 2.8m: The number of affected Volkswagen vehicles in Germany.
  • 1.2m: The number of affected Volkswagen vehicles in the UK.
  • 482,000: The number of affected Volkswagen vehicles in the US.
  • 40 times: The level by which recent tests have found diesel vehicles to exceed permitted nitrogen oxide emissions.
  • 28: The number of diesel-powered car models from other manufacturers being investigated by the US EPA.
  • 2.8%: The proportion of the overall car market in the US made up of diesel vehicles (approximately).

Sources:

  • L'Express
  • Reuters
  • The Financial Times
  • The Guardian
  • Volkswagen:

* "Volkswagen Statement on Emissions"

* "EPA: Volkswagen's press and release"