Germany gives deadline to Volkswagen on meeting pollution standards

Scandal-hit Volkswagen is having a tough time these days. The carmaker is already facing investigations in countries such as US, South Korea, France, Italy, Canada, and the UK. Back home, the scene is no different for the carmaker. Germany has given deadline to Volkswagen to bring all its cars in line with the national pollution guidelines till October 7 next month.

The federal vehicle motor office (KBA) has asked Volkswagen to set out binding measures and a timetable by the deadline showing how it will meet emission standards without resorting to any further malpractise.

If the German car manufacturer fails to meet the deadline set by KBA then the authorities will withdraw approval for the affected models which means that these models could no longer be sold or even moved on German roads.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States accused Volkswagen and Audi of using ‘defeat device’ or an illegal software in approximately 4.8 lakh vehicles for cheating official emission tests. Volkswagen admitted that 1.1 crore of its cars across the world were fitted with the defeat device to deceive the emission tests. 

Reports suggest that German auto parts supplier Bosch had produced the defeat device for the Volkswagen, but had warned the auto giant as early as 2007 that the software was meant for test use only and that using it on the road would be illegal.

Volkswagen diesel-powered cars emission scandal has tarnished its name in the automotive industry. The German car manufacturer has been exposed to billions in fine in US and is facing investigations in various countries.