Volkswagen Warned About Cheating As Early As 2007
While the EPA recently revealed Volkswagen’s diesels were cheating emissions tests, two newspapers learned VW was warned about cheating as early as 2007.
The German newspapers Bild am Sonntag and Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagzeitung reported the warning in their respective publications, Chicago Tribune says. The former, though VW’s internal investigation, found the automaker was told by supplier Bosch in 2007 its emissions software should only be used for company testing, and not to enter the real world. The latter, also citing the investigation, adds a VW engineer addressed the misuse of said software in 2011.
Representative Andreas Lampersbach declined to comment on the findings, declaring them “rumors and speculation.” Lampersbach added his company “is working with all its strength to conduct a thorough and merciless investigation of this matter,” and would hold those responsible for the scandal accountable for their actions against the automaker and their customers.
Photo credit: Volkswagen
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
More by Cameron Aubernon
Comments
Join the conversation
So, is bigtruckseriesreview a parody or what? This sort of thing is a bit too unbelievable to be true.
Johan de Nysschen was a member of the Executive Board of Volkswagen of America, Inc. in 2007 when Volkswagen was warned about cheating.
We all now know VW cheated. They've admitted as much. But am I the only one to see no evidence of cheating in the statement "the automaker was told by supplier Bosch in 2007 its emissions software should only be used for company testing, and not to enter the real world." This could mean the supplier (Bosch) put conditions around the use of their software when VW was supplied with the software. It doesn't say the statement was issued in response to evidence of misuse. 2011 is the earliest date that misuse of the software is indicated through a VW engineer. SO no I don't agree with the headline that they were "warned' about cheating. Simply VW was supplied with a product that came with limitations on use.
"Hi. I'm from Bosch and I'm here with the new firmware for your new TDIs. I was told to warn you not to use this in production cars. It's just for testing." *wink* *wink* "Oh, BTW. Do you happen to have the check ready? I'll be happy to take that back to the home office for you."