A new discovery has emerged in Volkswagen's ongoing diesel emissions scandal. The US Environmental Protection Agency has filed a second notice of violation (NOV) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) against the German car manufacturer after more fraudulent emission systems were discovered.
This time, the culprit is a 3-litre diesel engine used in several Audi, Porsche, and VW vehicles. The agency's official statement reads:
''The NOV alleges that VW developed and installed a defeat device in certain VW, Audi and Porsche light duty diesel vehicles equipped with 3.0 liter engines for model years (MY) 2014 through 2016 that increases emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) up to nine times EPA's standard. The vehicles covered by today's NOV are the diesel versions of: the 2014 VW Touareg, the 2015 Porsche Cayenne, and the 2016 Audi A6 Quattro, A7 Quattro, A8, A8L, and Q5.''
According to the report, at least 10,000 vehicles are affected.
''VW has once again failed its obligation to comply with the law that protects clean air for all Americans," said Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for the Office for EPA's Enforcement and Compliance Assurance in the statement.
Volkswagen has denied the presence of any malicious software in these models, issuing this response on their website.
''Volkswagen AG wishes to emphasize that no software has been installed in the 3-liter V6 diesel power units to alter emissions characteristics in a forbidden manner. Volkswagen will cooperate fully with the EPA clarify this matter in its entirety.'' It reads.
Porsche also issued a reply to the EPA's findings saying the company is 'surprised' by the recent revelation.
"We are surprised to learn this information. Until this notice, all of our information was that the Porsche Cayenne Diesel is fully compliant," said the company. It promises that Porsche Cars North America will provide full cooperation with the authorities.
